Sounds like a good idea for a LuLa review Mark! So while I'm not a massive fan of CB's profiles, they DO offer free profiles for ANY paper; Qimage? Difference in Dither?
Yes, they do offer profiles for any paper. Whether they are "free" I suppose depends on how one defines "free". One may also think this service is bundled into the entry fee.
Yup - I see where you're coming from and something to consider. It would, however, be quite a commitment of time and effort - and there would need to be some arrangements with both companies.
Fair enough - and I should mention that if one idoesn't want to print out of one's image editing application, there are other user-friendly solutions - for example LaserSoft Imaging's PrinTao application I reviewed on this site, or Mirage, neither of which need a dongle; and they are just as concerned about piracy as any other software vendor big or small.
The next version of IP (IP Black) is slated to include a new B&W printing mode for Canons (the Epson-focused B&W mode in IP 10 doesn't work on Canon). If you're going to do a new review I would wait for IP Black to include a comparison of QImage vs IP Black for B&W printing.
Agreed. I will throw QImage into the mix since I recently discovered it for myself
If you are on Windows that's fine, but for those of us on OSX it's not an option. QTR is ambidextrous however.
They've baked their anti-piracy solution into the code base - to replace it with something else isn't just replace a few lines. Plus to switch it now, you'd have 2 different solution methods in the field, as in some folks have a dongle, some folks have _____. Online activation would require adding in logic that looks to the clock and makes sure you can't roll it backwards. Plus you'd have to constantly ping online to verify that the machine is the only one activated. Are you sure you want your print stations constantly polling online? Wouldn't you block their internet access, just to keep them running with zero change.Here's a case in point. To implement a new method of copy protection, ColorByte would be wise to make it Windows 10 only. That way they can leverage things in the latest OS. But then you're at Microsoft's mercy because you'll be getting every Windows 10 update even if it crashes your setup, because the computer will have to always be connected to the internet. Then we'd wish for the dongle based solution because you can run your old printer in XP with the drivers that just work, with zero chance things change or get screwed up. It just keeps printing the same amazing colors, week after month after year.Yes, the replacement cost for just the 'dongle' is the cost of the full software package. Because with just that dongle, you can sell a computer with ColorByte software loaded and it'll work forever.I'm sorry if I come off mean, but this is a business decision they need to stick to. Otherwise, every week another person 'lost their dongle' and they saw on LuLa that so-and-so got theirs replaced for cheap. Maybe this is a time to test out some of the other RIP packages, or Lightroom, or the Epson/Canon/HP print utility.-Joe
I talked to John; answer on the phone call:- this is our policy- you could sell that dongle in reality, and just make this up, so we cant send you a new dongle- go search for the dongle more, if you dont want to rebuy
Yes, a tough policy. Understandable to an extent, but not exactly customer friendly.As the dongle is a physical item, is it's loss covered by any insurance you have ? A modest excess would be a more acceptable cost.
I don't think it's the least bit understandable.
You have a point that insurance is one approach, but my household coverage, for example, wouldn't cut it.
If you look at it from the supplier's side, it's understandable. As they say, anyone could claim they've lost the dongle, buy a replacement for a nominal sum and sell it on. You'd only have to do it once and you've got almost free software.I don't like the idea of dongle protection, but I see why it's used.Well that's down to individual policies and their small print. If you have a major investment in dongle protected software it would be prudent to ensure that you are insured for it's loss/damage/theft like any other significant item. I'm pretty sure you can buy professional photographic cover in the UK covers such risks.
it's only understandable if you think there are no preferable options
Yes, one can schedule items in a household insurance policy, but look at the cost.
One should explore and describe B&W printing with Qimage again as things have changed over time with Qimage Ultimate's color management when greyscale images are loaded. For Qimage One it will be needed too. At some point I had QTR made B&W profiles in use with Qimage CM while the Z3100 was in B&W driver mode. This is still possible but with some tweaks on the image files. Today it could well be that the better color profiling for HP Zs as discussed here lately may suit B&W printing in color mode with Qimage One and Ultimate as well. The GCR/UCR in the HP Z media presets is reducing color in B&W to a level other printers do not know. Simply throwing greyscale images at QImage and IP may not do Qimage justice, there are not much B&W dedicated features in Qimage but a workflow that aims at good B&W prints should still be possible.Met vriendelijke groet, Ernsthttp://www.pigment-print.com/spectralplots/spectrumviz_1.htmMarch 2017 update, 750+ inkjet media white spectral plots
It's understandable because IT IS how they sell their software.It may well be smarter for them to sell it differently, but that's their business model they've chosen and selling cheap replacement dongles doesn't make sense for them: so understandable, but that doesn't mean I think it's a good idea.You just need to choose a suitable policy. I've been through several different options over the years as my requirements have changed and insurer's T&Cs have changed.My last professional cover was cheaper than adding photo kit to a domestic policy. That policy covered everything and yes I did check about cover for my dongle for GMB/X-Rite kit.
