Pocket Controller Professional Updates to v.4.11

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.handango.com/brainstore/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=18480' target='_blank'>http://www.handango.com/brainstore/...productId=18480</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Some of the enhancements recently added to the product include: Support for Windows Mobile 2003 SE, Support for Smartphones, New Skins, Enhanced Windows XP User Interface, Automatic Installation of device side software, Enhanced Explore tool now supports removable disks and more. For complete details about the new features and enhancements <a href="http://www.soti.net/default.asp?Cmd=Products&SubCmd=PCProRevHist">please visit the following link</a>".</i><br /><br />This software is one of those applications that I install within the first few minutes of setting up a new Pocket PC. For my needs, it's truly a killer app. It makes data entry and setup (especially email accounts) a breeze. <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/subscribe.php">Subscribers</a> can save 15% off when purchasing this app through Handango by using the <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/discounts.php?action=expand,16984">15% off discount code</a>

[Sven Johannsen]

Great software. My only gripe is their upgrade policy. While most major applications at least allow free upgrades within the major version revisions, Pocket Controller only allows free upgrades for 6 mos from date of purchase. For software that costs $27 and takes over a year to go from 4.0 to 4.1 that seems a bit stingy. If you had bought 4.0 when it was released, the best you could do for free was 4.03.

They had sent me an upgrade coupon for 20% off, but it was expired when I went to use it (within the week). I'm waiting to see if they replace it, so that I can spend 80% of the normal price for a 4.01 to 4.11 'upgrade'. If not I guess I'll use the coupon here and pay 85% of full for the 4.01 to 4.11 'upgrade'. Yes, I'll buy it again, but it is irritating to have to 'buy it again' every 6 mo to a year. The WM2003SE is driving it this time.

[Don Tolson]

I didn't see anything on their website about 'upgrades'. The only links I could find are to Handango to 'Try' or 'Buy'. I'm assuming here, that my existing code will not work with the new version.

[Jason Dunn]

Great software. My only gripe is their upgrade policy.

Hmm. That does seem a little odd - the industry standard practice of "give away dot releases for free, charge a fee for new version" works well in most software industries. I have a free copy they gave me, so I wasn't aware of their upgrade process.

[Jason Dunn]

I didn't see anything on their website about 'upgrades'. The only links I could find are to Handango to 'Try' or 'Buy'. I'm assuming here, that my existing code will not work with the new version.

I just downloaded the trial version, installed it, and it comes up as the full version for me.

[dangerwit]

Also note it isn't compatible with "older" 4.x versions. This really ticked off my department, so I can't recommend it for use if you have several devices... too much money and time to upgrade old CABs for remotely-deployed systems.

*Phil

[mlougee]

I tried to install the most recent version on my Ipaq 3850, and it seemed to get stuck halfway. I installed it "over" my version 4.03 (I think), and it got stuck at the point of installing on the Ipaq. (Sorry, I don't have all the detailed msgs here, but I could get them if they're necessary.)

Should I totally uninstall v4.03 before installing 4.11? I might just go back to 4.03, if the upgrade price is as high as it appears. Smallish, point upgrades should be either no-charge, or moderate charge (10-25% of original price, maybe).

TIA for any suggestions.

Mike

[Sven Johannsen]

From their FAQs
http://www.soti.net/default.asp?Cmd=Products&SubCmd=faq#Anchor-I2

I2. Am I eligible for an upgrade?

Our standard plan that is included with the purchase of any of our software products includes the following services, that begin on the date the product was purchased:
6 months of free upgrades service
12 months of free technical support service

Maybe you're special, Jason. Heck, of course you are. I downloaded 4.11 and installed it over my 4.01. It came up as trial. I tried my 4.01 reg code and it said it was not good for this version. I e-mailed SOTI and got essentially the above policy as a reply. I see in researching for this post there is a link to get the 20% upgrade coupon which I will try this evening. I'm sure that will work, but it is still 80% of full price for a .1 upgrade. I certainly don't dispute their authority to do this, and I certainly can choose to not upgrade. Unfortunately I do use this software and getting Second Edition support requires this .1 upgrade.