In rec.aviation.student Peter Clark wrote:
On Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:15:05 GMT, wrote:
When will it get through your thick skull that avionics software, and
especially IFR avionics software isn't cheap?
Well, let's call a spade a spade. This is technology that's already
in the G1000 system but Garmin/Cessna are selling "unlock chips" which
turn on the functions that are hiding ($7500 for TAWS-B, I haven't
seen the SB for the SVI yet). Paying another $18,000 to get that
stuff on an aircraft that lists at $283,500 (for a Skyhawk SP) seems
somewhat hefty on Cessna/Garmin's part when that functionality is
there whether it's turned on or not. It's not like we're talking
about another $1200 for a remote indicator to IFR certify a 430/530
install in those cockpits that need a remote indicator to qualify for
more than the VFR-only install.
This kind of thing is standard practice. Look at all of the "pro" software
out there with a "basic" or "home" counterpart. It actually takes
significantly *more* effort on the part of the software maker to create
these two distinct versions of the software, but they anticipate making
enough money to make it worthwhile because they're able to better extract
more revenue from people who can pay.
It's grating when the functionality is there but disabled because you
haven't paid for activation, but on the other hand if they couldn't get
extra money for the fancier features then they might not develop them at
all. If they did, then they would probably simply charge the full price
for the unit so you'd be out the same amount of money in the end, just
without the option to spend less for fewer capabilities.
--
Mike Ash
Radio Free Earth
Broadcasting from our climate-controlled studios deep inside the Moon