See the notes earlier in the thread. QImage gives the same workflow as Imageprint, including automatic output sharpening. In fact, after using IP for 5 years, but trying QImage and custom profiles for 1 month (see my posts on experience), last night I unplugged my dongle. It had nothing to do with this thread. I simply made a decision to make my experimental workflow change permanent and I feel my output is as good as it can possibly get.
I doubt Qimage's license protection will be as effective as a dongle can be but it relies on a wider customer base in the first place, license cost is accordingly. Less users will try to get the license through another illegal channel as steady updates appear and the developer is very responsive to questions and requests. That base will increase even more when Qimage One is spreading to Mac users too. Qimage Ultimate's features are second to none if it is about the printing stage of a workflow.
Similarity to Qimage's marketing policy can be found in Vuescan, price is very affordable, features excellent, one user license covers 4 systems using it, 3 operating systems run it and it supports more than 100 scanners. Compare that to Lasersoft's Silverfast software and you see IP comparable policies there, one scanner supported etc. Similar policy in their Tao printer application.
In the end they shoot in their foot, users will buy a new machine every 4 or 5 years and get annoyed by the additional costs. They will look for another solution and the internet will give them the information. Happened to me after I bought an expensive RIP that covered a lot of printers at the time but needed upgrades with new generations and gave only a 3 or 6 month support after each upgrade. Then I switched printer brand and the RIP driver never could equal the OEM driver quality.
Met vriendelijke groet, Ernst
http://www.pigment-print.com/spectralplots/spectrumviz_1.htmMarch 2017 update, 750+ inkjet media white spectral plots
