Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!apple!agate!violet.berkeley.edu!39clocks
From: 39clocks@violet.berkeley.edu
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.programmer
Subject: C++ available from APDA for $175 :--(
Summary: a lot of money for C++
Keywords: MPW C++, upgrades, prices, alternatives
Message-ID: <1989Oct11.064209.9045@agate.berkeley.edu>
Date: 11 Oct 89 06:42:09 GMT
References: <137@asihub.UUCP> <4605@internal.Apple.COM> <4153@ncsuvx.ncsu.edu>
Sender: Peter Marinac
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Lines: 52


MPW C++ beta available at APDA for $175.00? :--(

Are the folks at APDA mad?

A little perspective:  I called APDA today to find out about upgrading my MPW C
v2 system to v3 with C++.  You see, I mistakenly thought back earlier in the
year when v3 of MPW came out and Apple announced that C++ would be available in
the fall of this year that I should wait until C++ was available to purchase
v3. I figured that Apple would probably have to realease a new C compiler (v3.5
or somesuch) to provide compatibility with the new C++ preprocessor and I
really didn't want to be stung by another upgrade fee.  Somehow I imagined, get
this, that APDA would just include C++ with the compiler.  You know, sort of
like (Object) pascal...You don't have to pay extra for the OOP capability,
unless the assumption is that using MacApp is the only practical way of using
object pascal.

So I called APDA, and here's what they say...  C++ is available in first beta
form for $175.00 and it is not offered in any packages with the other MPW
parts. At least not initially.

The pricing for my upgrade from MPW v2 to MPW v3 w/C++ now looks thus:

	MPW C update bundle     $195  (almost 3x that of THINKC!)
                   C++      175
                            ------
                           $370  (binders not included)

If I were buying MPW C & C++ for the first time the cost would be $575 (binders
included).  All this and it still ain't ANSI.

I've heard a lot about MPW C++ providing compatability with MacApp, do I have
to buy MacApp to enjoy its features (add another $100) or is the compatibility
built into a set of C++ libraries that come with the product?  Does it come
that Interface Builder dohicky, or similar product, that Steve Jobs packages
with each Next machine?

I'm sure that Apple now has the only fully compliant C++ available for the Mac
at the moment but I fear that APDA's pricing is going to throw the ball right
into the court of the competition.  Right now I think I'm better off waiting
for version 5 of THINKC (probably another $69 upgrade) or a C++ product for MPW
from Manx (AZTEC C++ ?).

I'm also sure that APDA will sell a lot of these puppies.  All those corporate,
price is no concern, accounts.

Well I hope that Apple has a convincing reason why I should be using their C++
product.  We're talking a major decrease in development time or ease of
programming.  Maybe a promise that the MPW upgrade providing system 7
functionality/compatibility won't cost an arm and a leg!

Whew.             Peter Marinac