The two computer limit
Like many people I use a computer at work, a second one at home and, when I travel, a laptop as # 3. When Adobe CS with activation first came out with the 2 computer activation limit it was a problem for me because I had to decide which computer would not get the software. That's when I first tried Capture One, with its 'unlimited' policy so long as you registered. Pefecto. I bought 1.3.1 SE for $250 because I needed SE for my Canon 1Ds (and later 1D Mark II's).
Now that Capture One has changed their policy to only 2 computers I find myself in the same dilemma with V 3.7, I can put it on two computers but not the third. Right now this is not a big deal since I have V 3.5.2 SE on the laptop, but as soon as I get a new camera model not supported by the versions I have (I still have two free upgrades coming) I'll be in the same situation. So I am now trying Raw Shooter Essentials on the laptop (the smaller preview files are a plus, I must say). If I reach the point where a new camera isn't supported by my currrent CO software I'll be very tempted to buy RSE (or stick with the free version) if they are smart enough to have a 3 or 4 computer limit instead of two.
What I'm saying is that the 2 computer limit is too strict for the way many of us work. I understand that 'unlimited' activations was an invitation to abuse, but two is almost a mandate to kick the tires of competing solutions. Four should cover almost everybody, three should cover 95% of us, I think.
I find it ironic that a 2 computer limit is what drove me from the Adobe RAW converter in CS to Capture One, and now you guys are repeating the same mistake and driving me to RSE. Think about it.
Bill
Now that Capture One has changed their policy to only 2 computers I find myself in the same dilemma with V 3.7, I can put it on two computers but not the third. Right now this is not a big deal since I have V 3.5.2 SE on the laptop, but as soon as I get a new camera model not supported by the versions I have (I still have two free upgrades coming) I'll be in the same situation. So I am now trying Raw Shooter Essentials on the laptop (the smaller preview files are a plus, I must say). If I reach the point where a new camera isn't supported by my currrent CO software I'll be very tempted to buy RSE (or stick with the free version) if they are smart enough to have a 3 or 4 computer limit instead of two.
What I'm saying is that the 2 computer limit is too strict for the way many of us work. I understand that 'unlimited' activations was an invitation to abuse, but two is almost a mandate to kick the tires of competing solutions. Four should cover almost everybody, three should cover 95% of us, I think.
I find it ironic that a 2 computer limit is what drove me from the Adobe RAW converter in CS to Capture One, and now you guys are repeating the same mistake and driving me to RSE. Think about it.
Bill
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Dear Arizona Bill,
As you mention, Phase One had to change its activation policy due to abuse. Nevertheless, we have many loyal and honest customers such as yourself, and we will of course take your suggestions into consideration the next time we revise our license policy. Phase One revises license policies and other policies continuously to ensure that they are up to date and correspond to the market demands and the trends of other software companies.
Through on-line activation it is possible for Phase One to see how many times people activate their keys. When it became clear that people were abusing our licenses and we had to change the policy, we used this information to determine the number of activations we would allow. 95% of our 'honest' customers activated once or twice, which is why we decide to offer 2 activations. Also, we compared ourselves to other renowned and respected software companies in order to provide the same terms and conditions as they did.
If you run into activation problems, Phase One will make sure that these issues are solved. Please create a support case on http://support.phaseone.com/layouts/log ... %2fNewCase.
Existing Capture One users (3.5.x, 3.6.x) who upgraded to 3.7.x are not affected by the license policy change.
Regards,
Trine Voss, VP sales & Marketing Capture One0 -
Thanks Trine. I thought if I could explain my problem in detail that Phase One would respond in a classy and professional way and your post is reassuring.
You wrote ... \"Also, we compared ourselves to other renowned and respected software companies in order to provide the same terms and conditions as they did.\" ... I assume you're talking about Adobe's activation policy with CS ... fwiw I activated CS on my two desktop machines as soon as I got the upgrade and after a few months decided to try it on my laptop, just to see what the rejection notice looked like if nothing else ... to my surprise I was able to activate CS on the laptop for a third legal activation with no problem. I don't know if this is because I've been a registered user since V4 or because I waited a few months or because their 2 computer policy isn't as strict as they say, but at any rate I was able to activate it. So even Adobe's policy isn't iron-clad I guess.
Thanks for taking the time to post.
Bill0 -
Dear Trine:
I am facing a similar, but different problem.
I am one of the early user of C1-DR and still use it every day.
Recently, I replaced my notebook (the second one) and my desktop computers. When I was trying to install my C1 software for Canon DR, I encountered the error of \"exceeding the product limit\". The software is still my workhorse for my DR Raw files.
When I ordered the software, it was promised to be supported forever (you may not update it anymore). Since there is no way for me to remove my usage number from the retired computers, I would like to request you to either remove the limit, or send me a new product key that works. I want to use C1-DR as long as I use my Cannon DR.
Thanks in advance,
YJC0 -
YJC,
This will be handled through your Support Case.
Sincerely,
K C0
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