Should you buy Mac App Store versions?

[maflynn]

Rarely true, unless the developer has free payment processing and hosting. They may get more of the money, but in many cases, it's likely that they earn more from a Mac App Store sale, or at least come very close.

The software I purchased I did so through paypal - do they charge as much as apple. I don't disagree that apple provides a good service of marketing and processing orders. I don't have a problem with MAS, but if there's alternatives then I'll do that. As I mentioned partly because I want to back up the installer myself.

 

[Mal]

The software I purchased I did so through paypal - do they charge as much as apple. I don't disagree that apple provides a good service of marketing and processing orders. I don't have a problem with MAS, but if there's alternatives then I'll do that. As I mentioned partly because I want to back up the installer myself.

No, PayPal's fees are not as much. 2.9% plus $.30 per transaction seems to be their going rate. Of course, they also don't provide the hosting/bandwidth, nor any promotion. Running a lightweight website that doesn't need to host the installer file for multiple people to download costs a lot less in most cases than running a website with enough bandwidth for a significant number of downloads, more than enough to offset Apple's 30% for most apps. It's up to the developers, by seeing how customer's choose. You've made your choices there, which I respect, so we'll see how developers respond in the long-term. I suspect we'll see more switching to the App Store only as it's benefits build, but I could definitely be wrong there.

jW

 

[Weaselboy]

Mac App Store has very strict policy and does not allow any applications in his store can access the administrator privilege. So some software has the special and less powerful version on App Store. If you want full functions, go to the official website.

That is absolutely false.

There have been some apps that had to remove features to get in the app store. There was some teeth gnashing from 1Password users when features were dropped to get in the app store. See here for one example.

 

[saberahul]

I prefer MAS because:

• It's easier to update all apps at once
• One location for all purchases so less credit card info flowing around
• More than 1 license till the time you're on the same iTunes account
• Integrates flawlessly with AppShopper so I can put apps in my wish list and buy when price drops
• ...

 

[jsw]

I too prefer the Mac App Store for the reasons stated by others. It's a quick, easy, essentially foolproof way to buy apps, to install them on multiple computers, and to keep up with updates. There are times I'll buy an app bundle elsewhere if the price and apps are right, and I'll obviously buy apps that aren't available on the MAS from the developer sites. Still, if I can buy something on the MAS, I will.

Are there some apps that are "crippled" in their MAS incarnations? Sure. But not many, and for the most part not significantly.

Also, as others have said, the argument that developers make less money there than by selling apps themselves is bogus. Sure, they might make more on a given purchase on their own site, but they don't net more overall... or else they'd not be on the App Store. They're there because it provides a net benefit overall. Perhaps the income is less - although I doubt it - but the overall benefit is positive.

And the benefit to consumers is significantly positive.

 

[GGJstudios]

There have been some apps that had to remove features to get in the app store. There was some teeth gnashing from 1Password users when features were dropped to get in the app store. See here for one example.

There's no question that apps have had to follow Apple's guidelines, but it is false to say that Apple "does not allow any applications in his store can access the administrator privilege."

 

[jlc1978]

I absolutely detest the Mac app store and will not buy from it at all.

It represents all that I abhor about the dumbing down of Apple in the iOS Era.

The list of others reasons is long, with the primary complaint being Apple taking a good chunk of money away from the developers.

The flip side is they get much wider exposure for their apps than before, plus they don't have to worry about things things like download bandwidth; keeping users current, etc. A 30% retail markup is not that unusual; and developers of good apps can increase prices a bit to get the same net from sales; with the benefit of far greater exposure and potential sales.

 

[maflynn]

I suspect we'll see more switching to the App Store only as it's benefits build, but I could definitely be wrong there.

Yeah, I think the odds are high that will be the case, provided they can live within apple's guidelines. I mean by that some applications won't pass muster just because of what they do, or how they're written.

 

[Michael Tsai]

There's no question that apps have had to follow Apple's guidelines, but it is false to say that Apple "does not allow any applications in his store can access the administrator privilege."

Guideline 2.27 says "Apps that request escalation to root privileges or use setuid attributes will be rejected". This affected one of my apps, DropDMG. However, it's true that some apps in the store are allowed to access administrator privileges: Apple apps such as Xcode and the Lion installer.

This page describes the differences between the Mac App Store and direct versions of my apps. I’m sure there will be many more differences once sandboxing comes into effect.

 

[Maverick513]

Not all applications need administrator privilege to carry out the operations, but some do. I have learned that difference from some system utilities’ official websites before. When I was browsing the applications in the App Store, I noticed some system utilities were much cheaper than the ones on their official website. To be curious, I checked further and learned that difference. Of course, Apple own applications in App Store can access the administrator privilege. It is true. But I consider this is the unequal treatment.

 

[GGJstudios]

Not all applications need administrator privilege to carry out the operations, but some do. I have learned that difference from some system utilities’ official websites before. When I was browsing the applications in the App Store, I noticed some system utilities were much cheaper than the ones on their official website. To be curious, I checked further and learned that difference. Of course, Apple own applications in App Store can access the administrator privilege. It is true. But I consider this is the unequal treatment.

For any app to have administrator privileges, all that's required is the user enter their admin password during installation. Any app on the Mac App Store can do that. It's not the same as having root privileges, which Michael Tsai was referring to.

 

[vitzr]

The flip side is they get much wider exposure for their apps than before, plus they don't have to worry about things things like download bandwidth; keeping users current, etc. A 30% retail markup is not that unusual; and developers of good apps can increase prices a bit to get the same net from sales; with the benefit of far greater exposure and potential sales.

If my post is read correctly, one will notice I'm not claiming the App Store is bad. In _no_way am I being critical of it.

I'm simply stating my individual opinion, and why _I won't_ use it. We all have our own preferences, and this is in fact a forum of public opinion.

Your points are a reflection of your thoughts & opinions of the App Store, all of which I respect.

 

[ringgit]

I will buy from Mac AppStore because it's so easy!

Actually I like that all my apps are from one source just like how I like to buy games from only Steam.

 

[maflynn]

The list of others reasons is long, with the primary complaint being Apple taking a good chunk of money away from the developers.

A 30% retail markup is not that unusual

As others have stated and from what I've read about it, 30% is not all that bad, considering that apple is not only processing the payments but providing a delivery mechanism some level of marketing and also a feedback system for others to see and the developer to use. Then there's the metrics that apple provides the developer. Seems that the developer is getting his money's worth.

I initially stated that I opt for non MAS versions partly because that gives the developer more $$ but I was incorrect in some assumptions as MAL pointed out. I revise my opinion on this topic after doing more research. It still costs developers $$ to try to publish and maintain apps outside of the MAS, in fact it may take more up front work as apple does a lot of the leg work in the MAS

 

[vitzr]

The flip side is they get much wider exposure for their apps than before, plus they don't have to worry about things things like download bandwidth; keeping users current, etc. A 30% retail markup is not that unusual; and developers of good apps can increase prices a bit to get the same net from sales; with the benefit of far greater exposure and potential sales.

As others have stated and from what I've read about it, 30% is not all that bad, considering that apple is not only processing the payments but providing a delivery mechanism some level of marketing and also a feedback system for others to see and the developer to use. Then there's the metrics that apple provides the developer. Seems that the developer is getting his money's worth.

I initially stated that I opt for non MAS versions partly because that gives the developer more $$ but I was incorrect in some assumptions as MAL pointed out. I revise my opinion on this topic after doing more research. It still costs developers $$ to try to publish and maintain apps outside of the MAS, in fact it may take more up front work as apple does a lot of the leg work in the MAS

Point well taken.

In retrospect much of my concern is surrounding the influence of iOS, and what Apple _may_ (or may not) do to dumb down OS X. Admittedly I'm very biased towards Apple Computers & the day to day enjoyment I derive from using Snow Leopard vs Windows 7 at work.

Having used both concurrently for so long, I cringe at the thought of losing OS X as the professional tool I've relied on. Therefore I must say that the moment Apple changed their name from Apple Computer to Apple Inc. I've been concerned. While I congratulate Apple for it's amazing success, I surely hope that they choose to include those of us that rely on, and prefer OS X in the workplace.

I appreciate the truly explosive growth and exemplary way Apple has maximized iOS, as both a great product for the consumer, and a profit center for the company. Hopefully they will do the same for OS X.

Conversely if they use OS X to draw in more new users via changing it's look & feel to replicate iOS as we are seeing, it will be a damaging blow to those of us loyalists (not to be confused with Fanbois).

Speaking of which, I'd be thrilled if the Fanboy moniker would disappear. However much like the "Dead Heads" that worshipped Jerry Garcia's Grateful Dead, Apple has it's equivalents. Zealots that bring their anger and desire to argue, call names, insult, and cause discord to this otherwise wonderful forum.

Such is the state of Apple circa 2012.

 

[jlc1978]

Conversely if they use OS X to draw in more new users via changing it's look & feel to replicate iOS as we are seeing, it will be a damaging blow to those of us loyalists (not to be confused with Fanbois).

Speaking of which, I'd be thrilled if the Fanboy moniker would disappear. However much like the "Dead Heads" that worshipped Jerry Garcia's Grateful Dead, Apple has it's equivalents. Zealots that bring their anger and desire to argue, call names, insult, and cause discord to this otherwise wonderful forum.

Such is the state of Apple circa 2012.

I also hope Apple keeps the general look and feel of OS X - while adding in cool ideas from iOS, such as Siri. I think Apple is in a unique position - they've successfully blended being a computer company with a media delivery company - and can use both capabilities to do more than a company that is one or the other.

As for Dead Heads, i'd say it's uncool to bring "anger and desire to argue, call names, insult, and cause discord;" the Dead are about love and peace and music.

 

[vitzr]

As for Dead Heads, i'd say it's uncool to bring "anger and desire to argue, call names, insult, and cause discord;" the Dead are about love and peace and music.

You're quite right. I didn't convey my point very well. The intent was to simply state that both the Grateful Dead & Apple have cult like followings.

The Dead Heads, as you have so accurately pointed out were about peace & music.

Conversely the Apple followers tend to be a negative crowd that prefers hate, anger, personal attacks and "yes men" mentality.

There is often a number of sensible posts from other members asking a simple question, which are met with snide comments or criticisms that fail to offer help or answer the question asked.

 

[jlc1978]

You're quite right. I didn't convey my point very well. The intent was to simply state that both the Grateful Dead & Apple have cult like followings.

The Dead Heads, as you have so accurately pointed out were about peace & music.

yup. It's all cool. I agree with your point. Interestingly enough, the Dead and Apple have another thing in common - they sell an experience, not a product. the Dead also were ahead of their time by letting fans tape shows and trade tapes.

Conversely the Apple followers tend to be a negative crowd that prefers hate, anger, personal attacks and "yes men" mentality.

There is often a number of sensible posts from other members asking a simple question, which are met with snide comments or criticisms that fail to offer help or answer the question asked.

Some folks just need to chill out. Everyone was a newbie at some time, and no one knows everything. Then again, flame wars are nothing new; I imagine Ogg and Trog the cavemen arguing over the best material for spears.

OGG: Flint rules. Way cool design and easy to use.
TROG: Flint for fancaveboy lusers. Obsidian best. Used by more cavemen.

Then they go look at some cave drawings of cave girls before going to their parent's cave basement. Some things never change.