jed@mb2c.UUCP (John Duncan) (07/31/85)
/**/ I just logged on the the new Softronics update BBS and found out that they have a new version of Softerm-1 and Softerm-2 for the IIc/e with 128K memory. The new version doesn't even need a slot for the extra keypad, great right? Here's the update policy (their exact words, not mine): UPDATE POLICY: 1) Original Softerm to Softerm 2 or Softerm 2c a) $100 fee b) Program diskette label or Program Diskette c) Title page of manual (contains serial number) 2) Softerm 2 to Softerm 2c a) $100 fee b) Warranty registration must be on file c) return the keypad expander circuit board Don't get me wrong, I love these people; they have in my opinion the best terminal programs going on the Apple II series, bar none. But these fees seem a bit steep for a program with a list price of $195. Please don't take this as a rub against this product, I just hope that no one makes the mistake of thinking that they can upgrade to the new product for any reasonable amount of money. If you want the version without the circuit card that uses the extra memory in the 128K IIc/e, make sure you get Softerm 2c *THE FIRST TIME*. John Duncan (mb2c!jed) Michigan Bell (313) 968-9002
lyourk@ihlpm.UUCP (LORANY) (07/31/85)
> /**/ >I just logged on the the new Softronics update BBS and found out that they have > a new version of Softerm-1 and Softerm-2 for the IIc/e with 128K memory. > The new version doesn't even need a slot for the extra keypad, great right? > > Here's the update policy (their exact words, not mine): . . . . . . > 2) Softerm 2 to Softerm 2c > a) $100 fee > b) Warranty registration must be on file > c) return the keypad expander circuit board . . . . . . I desperately needed the extra slot so I had to upgrade. Their present policy is, if you use a charge card, they will clear it for $100 but will hold it for 30 days until they get the keypad expander circuit board; after they receive the expander, they will only charge $50.00. The new //c version has a one page insert on the differences between the two versions. One difference is a larger capture buffer so it doesn't have to save to disk as often as the 64K version (this may be critical if you are talking to an IBM system or any half duplex system that doesn't know what control S is for). The other difference is that it no longer takes up a slot and is very handy for //e or //c users because it uses the open and closed Apple keys (I had hooked up the open and closed Apple keys on the 64K version). I like their product but I think charging for the upgrade is unreasonable because of their advertized upgrade policy. NOTE: They are working on a PRO DOS version which may be done by Xmas so you may want to wait until then. ihnp4!ihlpm!lyourk Loran N. Yourk AT&T Technologies NOTE: Insert trademarks where they are needed. Disclaimer: I have no connection with Softronics other than that I use their product (because nothing else comes close to what I need, unfortionally) and will only benefit from this if Softronics gives me my $50.00 back (or if any of you in netland want to give me the other $50.00 that you would have spent on the upgrade - which is to say for either of the above, FAT CHANCE!).
ben@moncol.UUCP (Bennett Broder) (08/01/85)
>I just logged on the the new Softronics update BBS and found out that they have >a new version of Softerm-1 and Softerm-2 for the IIc/e with 128K memory. >The new version doesn't even need a slot for the extra keypad, great right? > >Here's the update policy (their exact words, not mine): > > UPDATE POLICY: > 1) Original Softerm to Softerm 2 or Softerm 2c > a) $100 fee > b) Program diskette label or Program Diskette > c) Title page of manual (contains serial number) > 2) Softerm 2 to Softerm 2c > a) $100 fee > b) Warranty registration must be on file > c) return the keypad expander circuit board > >Don't get me wrong, I love these people; they have in my opinion the best >terminal programs going on the Apple II series, bar none. But these fees >seem a bit steep for a program with a list price of $195. I hate them. First I buy the original Softerm. One of the main reasons is that their ads promise *free* updates for the life of the program. Then they come up with Softerm I and II. It corrects most the bugs in the original program, plus adds xmodem support. So I call the update number expecting to receive the updates. No way. They are going back on their promise of perpetual support for Softerm, I must send them $100 to get the updated package. And now I hear that I must once again shell out $100 to keep my version current? Arggggggh!!! Someone should sue these folks for false advertising. Another problem. At work we have a few dozen AT&T 6300 PCs that we would like to connect to our mainframe. Since we need Televideo 950 support (complete with protected fields) Softerm PC sounds like a natural. Can you believe that these folks have no educational discount and no quantity discount? If we want Softerm PC for 30 machines, it will cost 30*195= $5850!! The only other alternative would be to buy a site licence, but that would cost more than buying 30 individual copies. Ben Broder ..vax135!petsd!moncol!ben ..ihnp4!princeton!moncol!ben
ted@bcsaic.UUCP (ted jardine) (08/03/85)
In article <227@mb2c.UUCP> jed@mb2c.UUCP (John Duncan) writes: > ... >Here's the update policy (their exact words, not mine): > > UPDATE POLICY: > 1) Original Softerm to Softerm 2 or Softerm 2c > a) $100 fee > b) Program diskette label or Program Diskette > c) Title page of manual (contains serial number) > 2) Softerm 2 to Softerm 2c > a) $100 fee > b) Warranty registration must be on file > c) return the keypad expander circuit board > >Don't get me wrong, I love these people; they have in my opinion the best >terminal programs going on the Apple II series, bar none. But these fees >seem a bit steep for a program with a list price of $195. > >Please don't take this as a rub against this product, I just hope that >no one makes the mistake of thinking that they can upgrade to the new >product for any reasonable amount of money. If you want the version without >the circuit card that uses the extra memory in the 128K IIc/e, make sure you >get Softerm 2c *THE FIRST TIME*. I can't comment on the contents of the bulletin board that you quote, but I was an owner of Softerm-2 and was provided a Softerm-2c package (complete) for $50, the title page of the old manual, the keypad expander card, and the program diskettes. The new package is great on my Apple //e (enhanced) -- almost the same as the previous package, and the almost difference is not essential, just cosmetic. I wouldn't EXPECT a company to upgrade for less than the full price, so am pleased with the Softronics policy even if it were to cost $100. There are several companies that I've come across that charge full price for an upgrade. TJ (with Amazing Grace) The Piper (aka Ted Jardine) Boeing Artificial Intelligence Center ...uw-beaver!uw-june!bcsaic!ted