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Montanan · Sep 23, 2003, 01:41 PM

So a new 15" Aluminum PowerBook arrived at my house last night ... and in general, I'm just thrilled to death. But my PB order included one minor irritation that I'd like to vent about for a moment -- some of the software I got simply wasn't current, and it really seems like it should be.

For one thing, I took advantage of the Keynote bundle with my PB purchase, and the CD I received still contained version 1.0 of the software. And the program files included for the MS Office test drive are the original versions (before any of the updates) ... that's going on 2 years old, now. If I were a new user without broadband, getting that software updated would be a serious pain -- one that really should be unnecessary.

And finally, I just discovered that the copy of Graphic Converter included with the PowerBooks is version 4.6 ... a version that was superseded some time ago. Upgrading to the current version apparently requires both paying an upgrade fee, *and* faxing a proof-of-purchase to Europe. Grrr!

OK, end of rant. I know I'm being slightly petty, here, but I just wanted to vent.

voodoo · Sep 23, 2003, 02:30 PM

Yeah I've noticed this too - the lag between reality and the Apple CDs included is up to 3 months. That is a lot of time(!)

::maroma:: · Sep 23, 2003, 03:45 PM

Yeah, that is annoying. But I'm sure there is a good reason for it. I have a feeling it has something to do with needing to get rid of the "older" versions of the bundles before they update.

Of course, they could be just lazy, inconsiderate, underhanded bastards. Oh wait, we're not talking about Quark.

chabig · Sep 23, 2003, 03:55 PM

It would be impractical for any computer manufacturer to update all of the software on their already manufactured machines. I know it's irritating, but I can't think of a better way.

Chris

voodoo · Sep 23, 2003, 05:08 PM

Originally posted by ::maroma:::
Yeah, that is annoying. But I'm sure there is a good reason for it. I have a feeling it has something to do with needing to get rid of the "older" versions of the bundles before they update.

Of course, they could be just lazy, inconsiderate, underhanded bastards. Oh wait, we're not talking about Quark.

knee-jerk

Montanan · Sep 23, 2003, 05:28 PM

Originally posted by chabig:
It would be impractical for any computer manufacturer to update all of the software on their already manufactured machines. I know it's irritating, but I can't think of a better way.

Chris

Oh, I'm not complaining about that, at all ... I completely understood having to download and install roughly 80 MB of OS X and Java updates yesterday. What I'm griping about here is software that's been obsolete for months (or even years) ... well before my new PowerBook was even a gleam in Steve Jobs' eye.

Even if there are valid reasons for shipping outdated software with a product, though, I think it's essential to provide the buyer with a painless means of upgrading to the version that's current at the time of sale. And at least in the case of Graphic Converter, Apple and/or Lemke aren't doing that.

:: wanders off muttering to himself ::

JC Denton · Sep 23, 2003, 06:05 PM

Originally posted by Montanan:

Even if there are valid reasons for shipping outdated software with a product, though, I think it's essential to provide the buyer with a painless means of upgrading to the version that's current at the time of sale. And at least in the case of Graphic Converter, Apple and/or Lemke aren't doing that.

:: wanders off muttering to himself ::

Well, in the case of Graphic Converter, I would think Lemke Software maybe is more at fault, since Ambrosia and Omni Group make it pretty painless to update their respective software.

And in regards to Office Test Drive, I don't think you can even get an updated version from Microsoft, so I doubt Apple has much control over whether outdated versions appear on their machines. The version of Microsoft's web site dates back to Jan. 2002. What version is on your AlBook?

willed · Sep 24, 2003, 06:12 AM

The Office Test Drive is was created when Office v.X first came out. It's a demo, so hasn't been continually updated. Your software isn't 2 years out of date; it's just an old demo.

::maroma:: · Sep 24, 2003, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by voodoo:
knee-jerk

King Bob On The Cob · Sep 24, 2003, 06:50 PM

Apple made deals to ship those versions of programs with their "Pro" computers. They'd have to cut a new deal before they could update again.