What is the difference between WOW digital version and retail box?

I find the digital is a lot safer for a person like me. By that I mean, if you're ever wanting to go on a trip or download WoW on a new computer, you won't have to go searching for that disc you put away years ago. Honestly, digital is just the way to go, you'll never lose it and it's much easier to get support on if you're having issues. Hope this helps... and if you're looking for an MMO and haven't bought WoW yet I'd really suggest Rift over it (not to be a hater of fanboy, just experienced both and I've played WoW for years... it gets VERY old VERY fast nowadays.) Good luck. :)