Is it worth the money?

What does OD do that I can't do now?

Tuesday, November 8, 2005 by sophiesboy | Discussion: Object Desktop

I have been examining whether or not to upgrade to Object Desktop. I currently own and run Windowblinds, IconPackager, ObjectDock and DesktopX, and coordinate things as much as I can with ThemeManager, and mix them with Samurize and occaisionally Konfabulator.

My question is this, what does OD offer that represents an improved desktop for me that I can not do right now? (Especially considering I spent a bunch of money on programs before realizing I could get tham all in one package.)

I'm not trying to be facetious - I would simply like some feedback from folks who use the product.

For instance, from what I can see, OD doesn't really have a funbction like that of ThemeManager. Am I wrong?

Thanks in advance.
10 Reply 5 Referrals
Corky_O
Reply #1 Tuesday, November 8, 2005 5:54 PM

Object Desktop gives you the full versions of many of the programs you now use, at a discount - compared to the cost of purchasing WindowBlinds, IconPackager, and DesktopX individually.

It also includes a variety of other programs that you are not using, which would add to the over-all cost of the individual programs (i.e., SkinStudio Pro, IconDeveloper Pro, Right-click full verision, etc.).

ThemeManager is only a co-ordinator of files and programs. By itself, it cannot do anything without the programs which actually apply the skins or themes (WindowBlinds, IconPackager, DesktopX, etc.).

As for Object Desktop offering something you can not already do, I would say that skinning the explorer shell requires one of the following:

1 - Third-party program - WindowBlinds, NextStep, or alternative shells. There are shareware, freeware, and full versions of many products - and the full version (or freeware) will offer a more comprehensive application of the skin, theme, or shell.

2 - The ability to write code to create a skin that is compatible with the "Themes" service, or the use of something like StyleXP which helps hack the shell and enables skinning.

3 - A program like ResHack and a lot of time needed to play around with hacking files to tweak the explorer shell, which would probably not be complete anyway.

To change icons, you would need one of the following:

1 - Third-party program such as IconPackager, which will change many of the system icons, folder and drive icons, and as many file type icons as you like - all with minimal effort other than combining a package of icons.

2 - a hacking utility (again ResHack might help) to open and hack files such as "explorer.exe" and "Shell32.dll" to change your icon images and perhaps some work in the registry, depending on how you want to name and assign icons - all of which would take significant amounts of time on top of combining icons to create your files.

As I see it, the decision to purchase Object Desktop would be based on whether you intend to use the full versions of the programs included, and whether they would cost more individually than purchasing them as a discounted package with Object Desktop.

The shareware versions are just that, "shareware" - and some are already "30 Day Trials", so obviously this avenue is short lived.

BTW - I use WindowBlinds, IconPackager, and ObjectDock Plus on a regular basis - and now that I have seen the promise shown in WindowBlinds 5 beta, I will seldom see the "Luna" shell style applied - other than to create tutorials and perform certain tasks where all programs must be unloaded to eliminate any anomalies in test results.


Lantec
Reply #2 Tuesday, November 8, 2005 11:14 PM
Corky left out the most important part. Object Desktop is a subscription. With your individual purchases you get all the upgrades of THAT version of a program....so right now your looking at having to buy Windowblinds again if you want version 5 when it comes out whereas if you had an OD sub you'd already have it with no upgrade price. That's true for every item on the list. The subscription is for a set amount of time but costs the same as buying WB and Iconpackager once a year.

So the real reason for you would be to SAVE money as future versions of what you already have come out plus getting all the other programs that come with it..

Bichur
Reply #3 Tuesday, November 8, 2005 11:56 PM
When the time is up on the programs you bought and you decide you want the new versions, add up the cost of just those programs:

$19.95 WB
$14.95 IP
$19.95 Odock+
$14.95 DTX Client (use only, no creating on your own)
===========
$69.80 vs $49.95 for the Object Desktop - which upgrades the client DTX to Standard (19.95) and you get a wheelbarrow load of more stuff to play with. Just buying the disk every year is cheaper than the 4 products listed above, and a subscription is even cheaper.

gfcentral002
Reply #4 Wednesday, November 9, 2005 12:06 AM
i love object desktop subscription - especially since i can add/remove programs as often as i like with ease and try out other programs to the full extent it is definitely worth it 100%

scorpio-logic
Reply #5 Wednesday, November 9, 2005 2:46 AM
Stardock Central
WindowBlinds
Icon Packager
Icon Developer
Component Tray
DesktopX
DX Gadgets
ObjectBar
ObjectDock
IconX
ObjectMedia
ObjectZip
Theme Manager
Stardock Virtual Desktops

I don't know, I use all these and I get them from my OD subscription. And I am sure I don't use everything yet. And I get upgrades and updates for all these proggies. Sounds good to me.

sophiesbo: JUST DO IT!!

scorpio-logic
Reply #6 Wednesday, November 9, 2005 2:46 AM
OH!! and dont forget SkinstudioLite!!!!

sophiesboy
Reply #7 Wednesday, November 9, 2005 8:40 PM
First off, thanks to everyone for their comments.

I have to say I don't see myself as a hacker/programmer so I'm not certain that those functions would ever really be of interest to me, other than at the odd moment when curiosity got the better of me.

On the other hand, I hadn't realized that I was going to be repurchasing all these various programs as time went by.

So, as has been pointed out, it would seem that for the same/lesser cost of repurchasing all the programs I currently use I can get them along with several others that I may learn to work with.

Here's hoping the transition from standalone programs to the full suite goes without too much drama or trauma.

Corky_O
Reply #8 Wednesday, November 9, 2005 8:54 PM

Here's hoping the transition from standalone programs to the full suite goes without too much drama or trauma.

Make sure to uninstall the stand alone programs prior to installing the Object Desktop suite of programs.

You will start by installing Stardock Central > registering product (Object Desktop) > installing programs.

I wrote a mini tutorial on installing Object Desktop if you are interested http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=83625 


sophiesboy
Reply #9 Thursday, November 10, 2005 6:43 AM
Now, you see, that is the kind of information you would think would be part of the basic package when you purchase the product.

How many people go through the process thinking that, because the doownload center detects the previous programs and says that they are being "updated", that everything will work correctly?

I assume that I now have to uninstall everything I just downloaded WB5 and so forth)and then reinstall it all over again?

Corky_O
Reply #10 Thursday, November 10, 2005 7:15 AM

I assume that I now have to uninstall everything I just downloaded WB5 and so forth)and then reinstall it all over again?

Yes, this is the correct course of action. This is in the Stardock/Support/KnowledgeBase information as well.

If I am not mistaken, this is required due to the limitations in some shareware versions. In order to insure that your full versions are recognized as such and/or that they are not limited due to the shareware limitations being active.

You can save your skin and theme folders to a temporary folder > uninstall all shareware versions > reboot > install the Stardock Central program > use the link in my comment #8 to properly register and install the programs.


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