Cygnus - DesktopX 2/3 can already export its content as EXEs.  You are confusing Stand-alone programs (DesktopX Pro) with DesktopX dependent programs (DesktopX's widgets).

There is nothing inconsistent with what I've written.  DesktopX 3 Standard can export your objects as EXEs that run on any system that has DesktopX installed.

The product differentiations are pretty straight forward.  DesktopX Enhanced has ALWAYS come with Object Desktop. It continues to be enhanced and updated. DesktopX 3 is a MAJOR new version of DesktopX and Object Desktop users continue to get it.

DesktopX Pro could have been called anything, it could have been called GadgetBuilder (which, believe it or not, was thrown around as a possible alternative name to DesktopX Pro).

But it touches on a greater issue and that is, Object Desktop as a value.  Right now, someone who buys Object Desktop for $49.95 gets the following programs (and more):

1. WindowBlinds
2. WindowFX
3. IconPackager
4. IconDeveloper
5. SkinStudio Pro
6. DesktopX
7. Keyboard LaunchPad
8. TweakShell
9. Theme Manager
10. RightClick
11. Object Sweeper
12. IconX
13. ObjectMedia
14. Enhanced Dialog
15. DriveScan
16. ObjectBar
17. ObjectEdit
18. Tab LaunchPad

And a couple other things.  That's 18 programs for $49.95. The user also receives any updates to these programs plus any new programs that we add to this mix (Enhanced Dialog is new for instance, RightClick is new, and we have other things coming out in this).

On average, the user is paying less than $3 per program.  I would argue that's a pretty good deal.  Even if the user only uses say 3 or 4 of these programs, it's a very good deal.

We have never ever implied that every program we make (universally) is going to be part of Object Desktop. Any more Object Desktop programs we make will be added here.

No features from regular DesktopX have ever been stripped out and put into the Pro version.  At some point we decided to work on the corporate market and decided to make a program that would allow us to easily create super-customizeable programs.  One of the results of that was DesktopX Professional which could take DesktopX (enhanced) content and export it as a stand-alone program.

A stand-alone program with DesktopX Pro therefore includes a copy of DesktopX's runtimes in order to work.  When you purchase Object Desktop, you get a license to use DesktopX for yourself.  You obviously don't get the right to start handing out copies of DesktopX to friends, companies, colleagues, whatever.  But with DesktopX Pro, that is exactly what happens. Therefore, we have to charge more for it.

Previously we charged $499 for DesktopX Pro.  The problem was that the cost of it was too high to entice developers.  So with the coming of DesktopX 3, we decided to lower the price of DesktopX Pro to $69.95 and see how well it does there.

But it was never designed to be part of Object Desktop. It was never part of Object Desktop.  And it never will be.

Even as-is, we're having a hard time adding more features to Object Desktop at the current price point. While most software goes up in price over time for the same thing (look at MS Office), Object Desktop's price has not only stayed the same but the user gets a lot more with it. 

Cygnus, you bought Object Desktop at the beginning.  So you know how much was added to it during that time.  I can't understand how anyone could possibly feel they aren't well treated by us with regards to it.  Every year we add new things to it. We are constantly enhancing our components. In the past few weeks, SEVEN of the programs of it have been updated.  Some of which were pretty significant updates (WindowBlinds 4.5, SkinStudio 4.5, Enhanced Dialog added, RightClick added). 

If you want to see a very straight forward difference between DesktopX and DesktopX Pro go here: https://www.stardock.com/products/desktopx/downloads.asp

Cygnus, I tend to have faith in the common sense and intelligence of people.

If everyone else seems to understand but you alone seem to not, perhaps the problem isn't with the "masses" but with you.  The other people participating on this thread aren't sheep or "sycophants".  I think you do some disrespect from trivializing their intelligence. You're not the only person who's been around a long time.

Besides, in terms of bleeding the life out of Object Desktop, I don't see how that argument holds any weight.

Consider the components of Object Desktop 2000  (and compare that to what we have today):

1. WindowBlinds
2. DesktopX
3. WindowFX
4. ObjectZIP
5. ControlCenter
6. IconPackager
7. Tab LaunchPad
8. BuilderBlinds
9. DriveScan

Price: $49.95.  Now, in 2000 you're talking WindowBlinds 1, DesktopX 1, etc.  9 programs total. There's over twice as many today, of much higher quality, and the same price.

I don't think it takes a "sychophant" to recognize that Object Desktop has become a much better value over the years.  And DesktopX 3 is a major upgrade and is part of Object Desktop still.

Cygnus....the single guy marching out of step with the rest of the regiment is still marching in step with the music...and he will always maintain he is right.....but....so will all those others.  When put to a vote it is he who is declared 'out of step' as majority rules.

In this case, the majority [bar one] sees no issue with the product, or its description, or its perception as a separate entity.

Sure life would be crystal clear if DX Pro WAS called 'Aardvark Pro', but then again, naming rights are neither yours nor mine.

Bottom line is...last year a proggy cost 499...this year 69.

No matter how you swing it or try to read between lines it's a good thing, as it's a saving of 430.

Really, it's a bloody good thing...

Cygnus: Where have I character assassinated you?

You know, it really gets old seeing people make the assertion that I demand that eveyrone agree with me.  I put in some significant time and effort in this thread to try to lay forth my position.  I don't demand that you agree with me. I just ask that you read it with an open mind. 

You don't agree with me. That's fine. All I can do is put forth my position. We don't have to agree.