This is the currently confusing I have, and I am wondering if this is standard. I like to keep on top of my hardware upgrades, and have finally gotten around to upgrade my Flash BIOS on my two-year-old motherboard. My usual dealing with hardware updates is just going to the company's site, plugging my information in, and downloading the appropriate update (Nvidia, my firewire card, and so on). I did my usual procedure for the motherboard, I fill out the information, and then it hands me a screen telling me they would get a hold of me in 24 hours. I thought that was bit odd, but no big deal. They do call me in 24 hours to tell me they have an upgrade - it's been tested, and would optimize my system to current. "Wonderful", I said. Then he added it would be $69.95 to do the upgrade! I tried to explain that I already HAVE my board and the software that came with it, but just want the update. For free. Like every other piece of hardware in my box. We go around a bit, and I tell him I will get back to him on it.
Is this normal? I get why software companies have paid updates for their products, but for a hardware vendor? Is this company trying to gouge me? Is there something I am missing with my 'Flash Bios' update? My previous motherboards had free flash updates, but those were back in the day.
Side note, while talking to this guy he kept correcting me that it's not a "motherboard" but a "mainboard", and went as far to say "I don't know about updating your motherboard, but your main board we can handle". Is there really a difference? This guy tried to say there was but refused to enlighten me.