Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!usc!wuarchive!sdd.hp.com!decwrl!shelby!msi.umn.edu!cs.umn.edu!ux.acs!vx.acs.umn.edu!dhoyt
From: dhoyt@vx.acs.umn.edu
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.apps
Subject: Re: Academic version of PageMaker 4.0 (Was about FrameMaker)
Message-ID: <2427@ux.acs.umn.edu>
Date: 13 Oct 90 13:15:54 GMT
Sender: news@ux.acs.umn.edu
Organization: University of Minnesota, Academic Computing Services
Lines: 39

In article <12479@chaph.usc.edu>, malczews@aludra.usc.edu (Frank Malczewski) writes...
>As I don't have it, I cannot say offhand just what they are; several
>were mentioned to me by someone who has a copy.  The one that comes to
>mind was a page limit of 12 pages.  

  I've already produced several documents over fifty pages.  There is no page
limit, other than the 999 page limit.  And with the book facilities even that
limit is rather soft.

>Another that just came to mind is that it does not have the spelling
>checker that one would normally get with the full version.

  Again, there is no difference between the academic version and the full
priced package.

>Upgradability is always an issue when buying an academic version, but 
>there should be a way to migrate from an academic version to a real live
>version, given that one has already invested, especially in this case,
>quite a bit of money.

  Once again, at less than half the 'cheap' price for pm, lack of the upgrade
program is not that important.  Given a $500 street price  plus a $150 upgrade
price to pm 5 gives a total cost of $650.The $200 for pm 4 and another for pm 5
is still $150 less than the full priced package.  Even if you are a student, the
$700 for the academic version + a full version is only $50 more than buying
pm 4 + and upgrade to five later.  If you are were as poor of a student as I
was, you'll quickly see the advantage at paying $200 now, and $550 later.
Btw, the $150 upgrade price is just a guess.  Plug your own guess in and make
your own analysis.

  I've examined the manuals, and programs in some detail since this rumor first
was aired.  I am convinced that the only disadvantage with the academic
version is the reduced support.  And my cost analysis shows me that this is
still a worthwhile investment.  Until someone posts definite proof, I will
consider this rumor totally untrue.  If you are still in doubt, call Aldus
technical support to confirm or deny my statements.  These, "I heard that
they said," kind of rumors do both Aldus and you a disservice.

david paul hoyt | dhoyt@vx.acs.umn.edu | dhoyt@umnacvx.bitnet