Price vs. Protection
I wanted to talk about an issue with you today. I'm bringing it up because I hear people complain about this subject when it isn't something I can control. In describing the situation, I'll present both sides of the issue and I'd appreciate it if you can post a comment (please don't send e-mail as I'll be the only one to see it) and let me know which of the two you prefer.
What we're talking about is whether you prefer to pay more for an application that has limited security or whether you pay a lot less for a product that has very tight security. Let me describe two very similar products along with their price and the security they impose.
Product A costs $400 and can be transferred to different machines, though it is limited to a single computer. Product B costs $70 but can only be installed on a single computer. If you buy a new computer, you will have to purchase another copy of Product B. For the sake of this discussion, let's say that both products do exactly the same thing.
Now I'm sure some of you will say you want the best of both. Sorry, that isn't an option. You either pay the higher price of Product A and have the ability to transfer your license or you pay the lower price of Product B and it is locked to a single machine. So which of the two would you prefer? If possible, explain why you selected the product you did. Again, please post your answer as a comment.
What we're talking about is whether you prefer to pay more for an application that has limited security or whether you pay a lot less for a product that has very tight security. Let me describe two very similar products along with their price and the security they impose.
Product A costs $400 and can be transferred to different machines, though it is limited to a single computer. Product B costs $70 but can only be installed on a single computer. If you buy a new computer, you will have to purchase another copy of Product B. For the sake of this discussion, let's say that both products do exactly the same thing.
Now I'm sure some of you will say you want the best of both. Sorry, that isn't an option. You either pay the higher price of Product A and have the ability to transfer your license or you pay the lower price of Product B and it is locked to a single machine. So which of the two would you prefer? If possible, explain why you selected the product you did. Again, please post your answer as a comment.
Labels: pick-your-brain
posted by Foster D. Coburn III at
1:00 AM
12 Comments:
Since I can buy almost six copies of the $70 software for the price of the movable $400 software and since doubt I will ever move it that much, the $70 software is the better deal.
I feel this is sort of like if I bought a book at the bookstore. I read it and put it on my bookshelf. Then when I move to a different house I take the book with me. At no point do I 'own' the contents of the book, but I do own the right to take and read that book where ever I please.
With software I feel the same way. I paid for the app, I should be able to install it on my new computer when I upgrade.
In the specific case of CorelDRAW, I've bought every upgrade since version 2, and will continue to do so in the forseeable future. During that time I have upgraded my computer numerous times. I will not, however, buy another copy of the software just because I have new hardware.
I would prefer to pay a reasonable price for software that I can install any number of times on a single computer. In the case where I would want to have the same software on multiple machines I would like to see some sort of discount for purchaing multiple copies. That might even reduce the piracy rate a bit.
John, I really appreciate your comments. This post really wasn't about CorelDRAW. I presented two choices: Product A and B. Of those two, which would you prefer and why?
I understand. Given the restrictions of either software A ($70) or B ($400), I have to agree with LooseGoose - I'd go with the $70 app, it's a better deal in the long run, at least for my situation.
I would go with the lower priced one. I figure that by the time I upgrade the machine, there will also be an update to the program and I would just buy the new upated version. The more expensive version would also probably have been upgraded and I'm sure I would have to pay for an upgrade.
I would go with the lower priced one. I figure that by the time I upgrade the machine, there will also be an update to the program and I would just buy the new upated version. The more expensive version would also probably have been upgraded and I'm sure I would have to pay for an upgrade.
I fully agree with op: "I would go with the lower priced one. I figure that by the time I upgrade the machine, there will also be an update to the program and I would just buy the new upated version."
I always want the option to install a secod copy to my laptop. Even so, the $70 product is a no brainer, as per loosegoose's comment.
If the movable software is priced exorbitantly high compared to the lower priced locked version, of course people are going to choose the lower priced one.
Like John said, " if I paid for the app, I should be able to install it on my new computer when I upgrade." - without paying extra.
My goodness, can you imagine having to repurchase every piece of software you use just because you buy a new computer?
I don't agree with either having to repurchase or paying tons extra. I just don't think it's right.
Maybe if dealers offered 2 codes instead of one only...
One for future use, or for use on 2 systems at once.
Ive been having this problem for a while.
and I know its not much to rebuy the cheaper. but it the Hassel of having to go and find them and rebuy them like in my case it can be a few.
I would just buy the higher price and know its going to keep working
As we all know, windows is not the most stable of OS and, for a variety of reasons (virus and/or malware infections, programming glitches, etc.), reinstalling software and reformats are sometimes inevitable.
So the question or concern I would have is if the $70 "license" can be reinstalled on the same computer should a malfunction happen or a reformat be required.
If another purchase would be required for reinstallation or reformat, I would most likely purchase the $400 "movable" software. It would be a known factor when it comes to costs and, in theory at least, I still "own" the software should the company go bankrupt or make changes I'm not happy about.
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