5 comments about Deneba CANVAS X WIN/MAC ( F9105-0100-EN ).

1. I swapped to CanvasX Win after using CorelDraw for almost 20 years from Version 2 to X3. The decider for me was opening a dxf plan and seeing the UTM coordinates immediately displayed in the rulers. CanvasX knows about where things sit in space, how to scale them easily and deals with bitmaps and vector objects all within the same package. Yes, it has difficulty importing large files, yes save often, perhaps even more often than say in CorelDraw, yes it seems that Canvas has been the forgotten child in ACD System's suite of programmes. There are some features that send some users nuts judging by the discussion forums (but isn't that true of any program?). However, the word from ACD on the forums indicates that a new version (Windows only at this stage) is due out towards the end of 2007. ACD even say they've been listening to their customers' suggestions. If nothing changed, CanvasX remains, for me, a very useful, good value tool in my kit bag for producing technical illustrations. I've given a 4 star rating rather than 5 because CanvasX is much, much better than average but still has a few bugs and can be unstable and slow with big (>10Mb) vector files.



2. You'll never receive worse customer service than this company provides.
   
   I lost my identification code for the software when I moved across the country, and then I needed it to install the software on my new computer. The company refuses to give me a code because I can't provide them with an order number from an email they sent me three years ago.



3. I don't own this version but I have used it and it has deteriorated greatly over the years. Canvas 3.5 was the best and Canvas 5.0 wasn't bad but Canvas 8 had quite a few problems on the mac including a windows type interface and stability problems. After Deneba sold it to ACD, it went down hill fast. Deneba had great customer service and support but ACD was lousy in this area and they raised the price significantly. ACD kept sending me offers to buy the windows version (I have bought 5 different mac versions) when I sent them an email asking about a fourth coming mac version they would not even answer the email. I think the once great graphics program "Canvas" is dead (at least for the mac)



4. I've used the Canvas application since the late '80s when it was Mac only. A new, OS X version, Canvas 9, promised more than it could deliver. The program suffered from slow printing and random crashes to the point I could not trust it. I disliked it so much that I still used V3.5 (circa 1992) for most tasks! Like many users I expected steady improvements and thought that many of the problems and rough edges would be fixed in the next version.
   
   Only weeks after prying $149 from me for an upgrade to Canvas X, ACDC announced that it will no longer support future Mac versions or even bug fixes to the current version! Anyone who still believes marketing statements from this company or gives them money has my sympathies.



5. It is not too disappointing that ACD decided not to support Mac users by discontinuing with Canvas for Macintosh for their Canvas 11 version. After all, previous Canvas versions (7,8,9 and 10) are prone to problems including frequently crashing and slow printing. Canvas 3.5 was a wonderful product and not only did they (ACD) not improve on that, they raised the price dramatically. That was the first sign of trouble and sure was the first move to lose customer support. Their decision to finally forget about Mac users due to economic issues is something they created and deserve.

2 comments about M-Audio Gforce Minimonsta Minimoog Modeled Synth.

1. The Minimonsta is one of several softsynth emulations of the venerated minimoog on the market these days. Which one is the most realistic? Do any sound just like the classic model D? Does it really matter? The monsta sounds moogish enough, and comes with enough classic moog patches, amongst a couple thousand, to satisfy most retro analog enthusiasts.
   
   What really sets this apart from other softsynths is its performance capabilities, especially the inclusion of the Melohman Octave, by Ohm Force. This sly program allows ready morphing from one sound to another during performance, producing outstanding planned and spontaneous textures. This is really a significant advancement.
   
   Many reviewers comments that with the added polyphony that minimonsta is as much a memorymoog as minimoog emulation. Depending on how much processor grunt you have available. There are other additional features to dig into as well. All in all, a pretty fun piece of software. Check out the deal on this along with Oddity, impOSCar and M-Tron all bundled together in the Retro Pack.



2. This is simply the best sounding soft-synth I have ever heard. It's analog-style warmth is breathtaking. If you are looking for a Moog - this is it. Leave all the arguments about "aunthenticity" to people who would rather argue than play. This sucker will rock your floorboards out, or split your eardrums in half with a high-pitched wail. Either way, ya just can't beat it. Truly amazing!

5 comments about Art Explosion Publisher Pro.

1. As a small business owner, I don't have the time to learn the high end graphics programs. With Publihser Pro, most of the learning curve has been eliminated. You don't create anything as much as you assemble it. You are given hundreds of basic templates and you can change text, add graphics or change colors to your heart's content. You may not create something that a professional using expensive software would but you won't have to spend months having to learn how either. For something under $100, this is the best that I have found.



2. I have been a Microsoft Picture It! user for 5 years and it just took it's last tank. I also use Print Master for the simple basics. This program I just bought will take me six months to learn. The tutorials are almost useless. I regret that I bought this. I write a simple parent/student newsletter, church flyers and announcements, and I needed something I could get in and learn quickly...this is not it!



3. I ordered this product here at Amazon from a secondary seller.
   Last night I found the same product at WalMart for $48.99.
   Who would not want to purchase at a local store? I can't believe
   I didn't think to shop locally. I think I just assumed since
   Amazon sells it for almost $100, Walmart would, too. In the future,
   I will shop there, first. I've not gotten far into learning the
   ins and outs of this software, but so far, I prefer my older
   Home Publishing from Micro Soft. Unfortunately my work on HP
   cannot be saved on a cd and then opened by Office Depot for
   printing my work. That is the only redeeming quality of the
   Publisher Pro...so far. I am hoping it proves me wrong.



4. Not sure how to rate this product since Im having installation issues. I've contacted Nova Development technical support and I'm waiitng for a replacement disk. Weird thing is, it won't install on my Toshiba Laptop (home) but it installs on my Dell Desktop (work). I checked with their Technical Support and they assured me its not my computer. I was able to play around with the program at work but that wasn't the purpose of my purchase. I need to be able to use the program for my HOME based business not at my primary workplace (I would like to keep my job!!!) So anyway I'm waiting for my replacement disk and if it doesn't work I will be requesting a refund and I'll purchase the newest version...But I do like the program and would love it even more if I can get it to install on my pc.



5. Great concept for software, but most unstable. This product required far too much care to remain functional. I finally deleted it and went back to Microsoft Publisher.

4 comments about Microsoft Visio Professional 2003 [OLD VERSION].

1. Visio has always been an excellent solution for technical diagramming. Version 2003 is no exception and improves upon its predecessor with support for the web and integration with other Office applications. The program still lacks certain elements of Microsoft Office which I feel concerned about. Users are able to import Native Auto CAD drawings directly into Visio, and use the Visio tools to further customize and edit drawings to their hearts content. You can create custom stencils save them and share with other Visio users over a corporate network. You can export diagrams as a webpage so that users who don't have Visio installed locally on their machine can View diagrams through web browser at different resolutions with ease. The program enables IT Adminstrators to create Diagrams for Active Directory role outs for Windows 2000 Server and Server 2003. SQL Server or other third party database products such as Oracle and IBM DB2 can use the Visio functionality to outline a companies storage of data through active digrams that automate how data is stored and used. You can create simple project management task, and also export other Visio digrams to PowerPoint and further edit within PowerPoint or Word.Other features include searching for stencils online in the program, which makes it easy for you to find that particular diagram. Visio still lacks certain elements such as native support for WordArt. Overall, this upgrade is a must have for existing Visio 2000 or 5.0 users, but some 2002 users might not see any need for some of the functionality and might wait first to see if their diagramming and network infrastructure needs demand the new functionality and technology that Visio 2003 has to offer.



2. Visio 2003 Pro is a good product, but the fact that several key features are gone is the reason for a 3 star rating.
   
   I use Visio 2003 Pro for general diagramming and for informal data modeling and process modeling in the course of developing system requirements. I used the simple data flow model diagram for years in Visio 2000, but 2003 has removed the "model" capabilities; it's just a picture now with no reusable components.
   
   Pluses:
   Good screen layout options
   Still reverse-engineers databases
   Better shape manipulation
   Shape transparency
   
   Minuses:
   Removed "explorer" and modeling capabilities of Data Flow Model diagram
   Does not generate DDL (Data Definition Language) anymore (need Visual Studio)
   No longer exports to ERWin ERX files
   Does not save to Visio 5 format (only 2002)
   Removed Auto-Discovery
   Removed a bunch of file converters and import tools
   
   I recommend looking at Microsoft's "What you won't find in Microsoft Office Visio 2003" found at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010857571033.aspx.



3. We had a quick response need to generate a complex interconnection diagram and one person on staff with some experience with an ealier version of Visio. This combined with some serious Power Point and Excel capability (and Amazom overnight delivery) gave us good working second revision within 48 hours. So far we're very satisfied.



4. I am a new user to Visio and love it. It makes me look like I actually know what I am doing.

No comments about Play Electric Guitar Deluxe v2.0.

No comments about Tsuki Possession Adult PC Game.

No comments about Play Piano Deluxe Edition v2.0.

1 comments about Pantone Solid Chips/peel and paste coated.

1. This new version has stickers you can peal off instead of stamp:like color samples. It makes pages thicker, but that's a minor issue.

2 comments about Podmaxx '08.

1. I have windows Vista. As soon I put the Disc in to download the software the program crashes. I can't even get passed the install. I have contacted their horrible customer service through Email since they have no Phone number to call and the response takes usually 24 hours and is not helpful, and if you have a follow up question they just ignore you. Stay far away from this program or else you will waste days out of your life drive you self crazy. The company should be ashamed of such blatant disregard for its customers.



2. The other reviewer is completely right about this- the software is incompatible with any operating system. On top of that, it basically crashes if you can even get it installed (worked on XP home). Customer service is a joke, I've waited three days and still no response to my numberous emails. Never buy this, it's a complete waste of money. No wonder it's always on sale at Fry's and its only 6 dollars here used. Who would want broken software? Even podmaxx09, the updated version, is completely broken. Do not bother with this. Ever.

No comments about Microsoft Publisher 98.