T&T: Nobeltec changing to MAX Pro cartography

[Keith]

Here are some excerpts from an e-mail I got today from Nobeltec:
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Dear Valued Nobeltec Customer:

For the first time, we're bringing together the power of Nobeltec Navigation 
Software with the amazing detail and features of MAX Pro cartography. The 
result of this collaboration is two distinct new navigation software 
offerings for 2008 - Admiral MAX Pro and Visual Navigation Suite (VNS) MAX 
Pro - that will meet the needs and exceed the expectations of a wide range 
of leisure boaters.

We're launching these new products with strong upgrade offers to help move 
our existing customers into this new and better software. Among these 
incentives, Nobeltec Admiral and VNS Version 9 owners will receive a 
complimentary upgrade to NNS MAX Pro software, a comparable MAX Pro chart 
for each Passport chart region owned, and a complimentary copy of Raster 
Plus Pack. We are also offering strong discounts and rebates to help 
customers move up from earlier versions.
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ADMIRAL MAX PRO & VNS MAX PRO SUPPORT MAX PRO CHARTS & BSB RASTER CHARTS. We've 
made the decision to move from Passport Deluxe to MAX Pro for several 
reasons, including access to the new MAX Pro chart database of over 30,000 
charts worldwide as compared to the 12,000 charts found in the Passport 
World Charts database. Also, the new release provides Quick SyncT Updates 
and the ability to purchase or rent charts.
_________________________
ADMIRAL MAX PRO AND VNS MAX PRO REQUIRE A USB HARDWARE KEY (formerly 
referred to as a 'dongle'). A hardware key will be required with each copy 
of VNS MAX Pro and Admiral MAX Pro.
_________________________---
RASTER PLUS PACK IS REQUIRED TO VIEW BSB RASTER CHARTS. In order to offer 
support for each and every customer using raster charts, including NOAAs' 
free BSB raster charts, we must charge a nominal fee. This allows us, as 
well as all Nobeltec dealers, to support raster charts. (For a limited time: 
Jeppesen Marine will provide complimentary copies of Raster Plus Pack to 
dealers and customers).
_____________________________

I don't know if this is good or bad, but I'm telling you, if it costs as 
much to upgrade as Rose Point's software costs, I'm switching. At least 
they're going back to supporting (for a fee) BSB raster charts.



Keith
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When the chips are down, the buffalo is empty.