Originally Posted by
covoxer
We are not going to directly compete with Adobe in any foreseeable future...Please be a little bit more serious.
That depends on what exactly you mean by "compete." Xtreme does indeed complete with Illustrator for my mindshare.
When I start a new illustration, the question is very prominate in my mind: Shall I do this in Illustrator, Draw, Canvas, or Xtreme? And I'm quite "serious" about that. Despite the other always-current software on my machine, I welcome projects that I can do in Xtreme.
I've been doing illustrations with the mainstream drawing programs since the mid-80s. My work runs the usual gamut, but is primarily illustration-centric. I'm as "jaded" as they come; I suffer from no emotional, illogical brand-loyalty. Any favoritism I have comes down to clean, effcient functionality.
I find it a very refreshing thing to have Xtreme as one of the choices. Fact is, I'd rather work in Xtreme than Illustrator (et al) for any work that suits it.
Truth is, all mainstream 2D drawing programs are mostly just repackaging of the same old kid's stuff. Most of them (Illustrator especially) feign "sophistication" with unnecessary complication. (Talk with any proficient FreeHand user.) But my few (so far) experiments with Xtreme have convinced me any truly proficient and talented Illustrator user can do downright stunning illustration work in Xtreme in a much more elegant and less tedious environment--at a speed that blows the doors off Illustrator's molasses-like performance. The whole experience is just more satisfying and enjoyable.
Except, for now, just one thing: Xtreme has got to have a properly-thought-out and elegantly powerful Bezier drawing tool (pen). For that, see FreeHand, not Illustrator.
So yes, Xtreme does need some basic improvement. But it certainly does not need all the confused, poorly-organized clutter of Illustrator. Put all that half-baked junk in Xtreme and you'll effectively remove its primary advantage: powerful elegance. To hold my interest (and in my opinion, to gain more mindshare among other AI, FH, CD, CV users) Xtreme needs to jealously guard that primary advantage as it adds carefully-integrated, carefully-thought-out, fully fleshed-out, and genuinely-innovative new functionality.
And by the way: Although I've only just played with it so far, I do not see any problem with incorporation of Web Designer functionality in Xtreme 5. It was done elegantly and unobtrusively.
What Xara has right now, though, is a somewhat confused product line, which results in a confused customer base...which prevents buying decisions. Should an Xtreme Pro user buy Xara 3D? Is Xtreme missing some of its features? Will Xtreme Pro 6 contain all the improved functionality of Web Designer 6, or will something be missing?
Understand: I really have no problem with:
Web Designer will continue to be developed as a separate program, intended for those who want its capability without having to buy Xtreme. But the intent going forward is for Xtreme Pro to always include all the functionality of Web Designer (and X3D). In effect, then, Xtreme Pro constitutes an all-inclusive "suite" (but as a single thoroughly-integrated application, not a mere purchase bundle), and for the Xtreme Pro buyer, it is not necessary to purchase Web Designer and X3D separately.
OR with:
Web Designer will continue to be developed as a separate program that works in conjunction with Xtreme Pro. But there is no dumbed-down sub-set of Web Designer in Xtreme Pro.
But I personally do not like:
Xtreme Pro contains some or even most of the functionality of Web Designer and X3D, to make Xtreme Pro more of a "bargain." But Web Designer and X3D are offered separately as full-featured separate apps.
To me, the latter actually makes Xtreme less elegant. It smacks of what Illustrator did with its 3D Effect which--although it added a few new wrinkles inherent in its treatment as a so-called "live effect"--is still a pitifully crippled subset of the functionality of the discontinued Dimensions. That approach would negatively affect my future buying decisions re Xtreme. Sometimes, less is more.
Either way, I think Xara seriously needs to clarify its intent in this regard. People make buying decisions when they don't feel confused. Despite its quite modest cost, I've been sitting here for weeks not purchasing Web Designer 6 simply because I don't know whether all its functionality will be replicated in Xtreme Pro 6, which I'll almost certainly buy.
JET
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