Will Stardock Continue Developing OD features For WinXP?

What is the value in upping my OD subscription?

Published on November 16, 2006 By Xythe In Personal Computing

Will Stardock Continue to Develop new features for ObjectDesktop under Windows XP?

I have been using Stardocks ObjectDesktop (OD) components since about the year 2000. Then OD supported Windows 98 and Win2K. Now I have been using Windows XP for a few years now, and have become extremely familiar and satisfied with XP. It suits all my needs, and is well configured to my taste.

I have beta-tested Vista for a few months as well, and while it’s a fine OS, and sports many new and cool features, I find that not only does it push my PC to the limits of its resources, but really does nothing more for me than Windows XP.

So I weigh all this out, and I do not feel the need to shell out for the cost of Windows Vista at this time. Why should I? After all, I have pretty much the same GUI, many of the same features which happen to be provided by 3rd party developers, and my PC runs everything I want quite sleekly.

Now, as you might already know, Stardock has been porting its ObjectDesktop suite of programs to support Windows Vista. For many years, most OD components have been in beta, but have now become in the past month or so full release versions. Basically this is the case with most of the OD components I typically use: DesktopX, WindowBlinds, IconPackager, RightClick, EnhancedFileDialog, SkinStudioPro, StardockVirtualDesktop, ObjectZip, ObjectEdit, and ObjectDock+(which is not a component of OD). Of all these components, all are now full release versions with the exception of ObjectEdit, a text editor.

I have the feeling all these OD components are now full release versions, because Stardock may be finished for the most part supporting ObjectDesktop under Windows XP.

So, now my subscription to ObjectDesktop is up for renewal. I have to wonder if I need to shell out another $35.00 for another year of support, if Stardock is not really going to do much with ObjectDesktop for Windows XP.

I imagine Stardock will put at least some effort into ObjectDesktop, at least until it works well under Windows Vista. But what improvements will there by under Windows XP?

In other words, what can I expect to see for improvements in Object Desktop components over the next year for my $40?

Comments (Page 1)

ZubaZ

on Nov 17, 2006

Brad has stated that they will continue to support the XP crowd. I trust him and suggest you do the same.

Xythe

on Nov 17, 2006

Brad has stated that they will continue to support the XP crowd. I trust him and suggest you do the same.

I always have, and I trust you as well. But man, almost every featured area on any Stardoc sight, including JU is becoming packed with Vista "ads".

Perhaps Im being unfair, you guys do have th right to promote your products.

I hate it that I feel a little funny about a development I have really loved over the years.

Xythe

on Nov 17, 2006

ps, please note that in my last sentence I used $40. It's 35 as most of you know. Please feel free to edit it, I'm afraid to to so as ovten when I edit the formatting munges on me. Thanks!

KiloKrash

on Nov 17, 2006

Brad has stated that they will continue to support the XP crowd.

I read that too, but I don't think Stardock will be including any new software in ObjectDesktop for XP. I don't mind though, Vista will be out soon and I'm all ready to convert.

Xythe: I think once you see some of the stuff Stardock has for Vista you'll be converted too. (they've been real hush, hush, so it has to be good)

Hopefully Vista will unleash a new wave of customization capablilities.

Xythe

on Nov 17, 2006

I read that too, but I don't think Stardock will be including any new software in ObjectDesktop for XP

This is the feeling I have as well, and the cause for my apprehension. I just dont see the need to spend $35 if there isnt going to be any new contet for XP.

Maybe I should just hold off until I get Vista.

If I let my subscription go for a year, will I have to pay full price for it when I start it back up?

ZubaZ

on Nov 17, 2006

I just dont see the need to spend $35 if there isnt going to be any new contet for XP.

Even if there is no new apps for ODNT, the upgrades are worth the subscription. I'd expect anything new done for Vista would bleed back into XP.

Most people I've talked to (power users, grandmas, others) are not going to upgrade to Vista right away. They are going to wait until there is a personal need. They're going to wait until some new Vista only app arrives that they have to have or for their aging hard drive to fail.
Stardock knows that too and will be catering to those users.

If you want to let your sub lapse though . . .it's cool. When you want it again it will be a the renewal price, not a new sub.

Xythe

on Nov 17, 2006

Thank you so much Zubaz. My confidence is whole once again!! I knew you guys wouldn't let me down

ZubaZ

on Nov 17, 2006

I knew you guys wouldn't let me down

I am not a Stardock employee, I just play one on the forums.

I am, however, ready to open the Stardock South offices at any point that Brad (or KarmaGirl) asks.

Island Dog

on Nov 17, 2006

XP is not going anywhere anytime soon. Stardock is moving forward with its plans for Vista, but that does not mean XP is going to be abandoned. As zubaz said, you get a year of updates with your Object Desktop subscription.

Here is a quote from one of Brad's articles.

"Question: Will WindowBlinds 5.5 support Windows XP?

Answer: Yes. Stardock will be continuing to make new versions of WindowBlinds for XP users for a very long time."

ZubaZ

on Nov 17, 2006

And no matter how the standards have dropped, Island Dog *IS* a Stardock employee.

Xythe

on Nov 17, 2006

Yes. Stardock will be continuing to make new versions of WindowBlinds for XP users for a very long time."

I love you guys man!

I've been using WB since I first hacked v1.12 (i think it was), then I was out of commision for a spell. Ive since purchased the OD suite and have kept my subscription current ever since. I also purchase some of your other stuff as well.

I figure I owe you guys, and you always make it worth it!

Kevin_C

on Nov 17, 2006

I may stick with XP for a while too.. It has less to do with the resources of my current system and I'm quite sure my system can handle Vista and then some but Brad suggests that Vista Ultimate is the way to go if we're going to upgrade and that leads to only one questions... HAVE YOU SEEN THE PRICE FOR VISTA ULTIMATE?? Sorry for the caps but holy crap, $250 FOR AN UPGRADE!!! I guess MS is trying to get us used to astronomical OS prices so they can keep billions of dollars in petty cash lying around to continue their world domination. I realize Vista is a monumental leap in technology, but for that kind of money it'd better wash my car and press my slacks too!

Xythe

on Nov 17, 2006

I realize Vista is a monumental leap in technology

Is it really all THAT monumental?

Cool yes, but monumental? I didn't think so.

Kevin_C

on Nov 18, 2006

Cool yes, but monumental?

Well, I'd say there are quite a few very cool technologies that still made it into Vista. Is it as cool as it would have been without all the cuts? Most certainly not. However, I still think it's a pretty big step in the right direction for MS. Maybe monumental is a bit much, or perhaps I was just thinking of the price when I picked that word!!

Xythe

on Nov 18, 2006

Maybe monumental is a bit much, or perhaps I was just thinking of the price when I picked that word!!

Seems like we are on the same page

BTW, if you like the Flip 3D feature packaged with Vista, there is a similar product for windows XP.

If you like to have a look, I have a 1/2-assed review with a couple of screen shots you can peek at here> TopDesk

A sweet feature. I hope you enjoy it

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