there are lots of things i like about EQ6, but i am not impressed by the looks of self-scanned fabrics. it's sooooo up close you can see every detail of the weave. it distracts from the "in person" beauty of the fabric. the colors aren't right, either. these problems could be from the software or my scanner. not sure. whatever the cause, they don't look any better in EQ6.

point of all that being ... don't pay extra for EQ6 if your only reason is being able to scan in your own fabrics UNLESS you are satisfied with the quality of the scans you get. otherwise, you're better off plundering the built-in and downloadable stuff to find something close to the fabrics you plan to use.

P.S. a few days after writing what's above, i tried taking pictures of the fabric instead of scanning. i had to fiddle with the zoom to try getting an "actual size" photo), but they look much better in general and especially in EQ.

Patrice:
Like you, I tried to scan some fabric into the "stash" on my EQ5 from my personal stash and when it was done I didn't really recognize the fabric I had scanned so I'm glad to hear that you took pictures of your fabric then saved it in EQ. and it worked for you. I hadn't even given that a thought but I'll try it! Thank you.
Feathers

I know I haven't posted much since I started reading the forum...but..just wanted to make sure that everyone is aware that you can't legally sell your old version of EQ. When I upgraded from EQ4 to EQ5 I thought it would be nice to give my friend my older one, but after reading the agreement, decided to just leave it on the shelf http://www.electricquilt.com/Help/PreventPiracy.asp scroll down to selling or giving away....
Hope this topic doesn't offend anyone.

Gee, If it is old and they are making money on the new, what is the problem if you give it to a friend. What if you owned two computers and your friend used one........Sounds like they may have spyware in their soft ware. Creepy. Maybe you have to rent a computer so that they can't watch you. Beware the man is watching :roll: :( :evil: :thumbdown:

I too have been looking into EQ6, but have decided not to purchase because of activation restrictions. and I really really wanted this programme. It costs a lot over here too NZ$310

I don't mind registration and activation, I understand companies have to find some way of protecting themselves from piracy. But to charge for every activation after the first four is just a bit much. Even Microsoft isn't this restrictive. In fact over my recent computer troubles they were very helpful about reactivating programmes.

I recently had experiance of having to reactivate programmes after a major computer meltdown and have realised that if you had a bit of bad luck it wouldn't take much to use up 4 activations. EQ does allow a 5th for computer malfanction situations but after that there is a charge every time no matter what the situation. I was informed of this in an email from the company in reply to my query.
Charge is US$37.50 which is about NZ$45 -50 depending on exchange rate.

some of the things that would cause you to have to reactivate would be, upgrading or replacing the hard drive, formatting the hard drive because you had to get rid of a web nasty, buying a new computer and so on.

It's a shame really because for a long time I've looked forward to when I had a computer good enough to run a quilt design programme, am quite dissappointed. May look into EQ5 though as this doesn't have the same restrictions. PS sorry about writing a book :lol:

I have EQ5 and have not upgraded to EQ6 because of the limited lives for all the fore-mentioned reasons.
If I pay for it, it should be mine to re-install as many times as I need, without further charge.
We all know how many quirks computers can have.
What if you just want to roll your computer back to a previous date, does that take one of the lives?
I have EQ5 on a computer that I bought in 2000 with Windows Me on it.
I also have a new computer I just bought but had XP and a floppy disk drive installed because of all of my other software that would not be compatible with Vista.
I feel it is my right to have choices with something I bought and paid for!
Joyce

I have EQ5 and upgraded to EQ6. The reason for the activations is so people don't buy then sell for cheaper and buy more and so on and so on. It makes sense. And there is no spyware. All programs have legal issues, it is just no one reads the small print. EQ6 doesn't beat around the bush and puts the facts right out there. Better then MicroSoft! But also if you really had a problem with the activations and notified EQ they do help. They are just trying to stop pirating so they can stay in business and keep us EQer's happy. Also if it is just patterns you want there are cheaper programs out there. I think the name of one is Quilt Pro. EQ is for someone who wants to design or learn to design their own patterns. Even before I had EQ I never used a pattern to make a quilt. I used the patterns for ideas that is all. Even my first quilt a baby quilt I designed using Thomas the Train fabric (without EQ). Anyway just though I would put in my 2 cents. :D On a nother subject I am going to post a new subject about a couple of contest. Mall Crawl and the Bunny Hop. Its fun. So check new subjects in a litte bit if you like contest. :D

i don't think most people object to the piracy protection. i think it's the need to be online during installation and - i assume - the extra steps it would take if you wanted to move the software to a different computer (without violating the only one-computer-at-a-time license.)

i never used EQ5 but am not convinced 6 has enough new bells and whistles for the price jump.

that being said, i DO think it's great that they continue selling EQ5 right alongside the newer version. most companies force you to buy only the newest versions. AND it comes with a BOOK! a real, live, hold-it-in-your-hand-and-have-it-handy book!!! almost unheard of in this day and age. sooooo much nicer than having to switch back and forth between the task and online help.

i've had many conversations with their support folks. they are absolutely the best when it comes to listening to their customers and for general customer service. i got my money's worth getting answers to just the first two weeks' worth of stooooooopid questions. :lol:

I have EQ5 Just learning it .. I've found this to be a great program .. it's fun :) I have to learn how to make my pantographs with it.. I know there's a way some how :)
Connie

Wow! Connie....I think I like your sewing machine (avatar)! If you get tired of us, just PM me and I'll send you my addy and pay the postage!

Feathers