Given the impending implosion of iWeb, I've been researching a suitable replacement for some time. I was completely unaware that Freeway Express even existed until I saw a mention of it over on MacRumors. What I wanted was something that was a step up from iWeb, but still had a lot of the ease of use. It was also important to me that I not be limited by pre-packaged themes that couldn't be modified. What I've found in Freeway Express is a solution that meets all of my requirements. As others have said, it can initially be a bit overwhelming to start using FE, but with a few days of study (the downloadable tome of a manual really helps) and playing around it can be mastered even by a web novice such as myself. In the past 3 days, I've been able to learn enough that I've almost recreated (and significantly improved) my old site originally designed on iWeb. Thanks for the software, Softpress! BTW: Check it out on Apple's App Store- it can be had for less than $30 as of this writing.

I don't know one thing about HTML code, and I'm not a professional web site designer or developer - just a guy who wanted to completely overhaul his web site. I downloaded the trial version of Freeway Express 5.4.2, watched the video tutorials, then started working on my web site.

Initially, I was overwhelmed. The manual is more than 400 pages long and tough to read. The video tutorials are moderately helpful, but they omit a lot of details. My first 3 or 4 days of working with this product went pretty slowly.

But - here's the bright point - the tech support is excellent. Honestly, it's probably the best I've ever encountered. They take time to read and understand your questions, and they provide detailed answers with good explanations. And they add more information (beyond your question) - anticipating other things that might confuse you, or explaining why to use a particular image format in a particular situation.

After a few emails with the Softpress tech support, I felt much more comfortable using Freeway, and work on the web site went much more smoothly.

I didn't try the Pro version - but the Express version has everything (and probably more) that an amateur web site developer would need. And once I got the hang of using the program, I found it very easy to use.

The tech support people could probably reduce their workload a lot by either improving the manual or by posting more (and better) video tutorials on their web site. If the manuals or video tutorials were better, I would probably give 5 stars. On the other hand, if tech support had not come to my rescue so well (and if I had to rely on the manual and the existing tutorials) I would probably give 3 stars. As is, this product earns a solid 4 star rating.

BTW, a few other people have complained about lack of multiple Undos. I haven't found a need for multiple undos. Occasionally I use a single undo. If a really screw something up, I just delete the screwed up item and recreate it. The software is so easy to use, that it's pretty painless to have to do that.

Note: I almost never write software reviews, but the tech support was so stellar that I felt compelled to post this. And price is VERY reasonable.

Softpress is a company that develops, markets and sells the Freeway family of products. We aim to provide excellent technical support and customer service. We also listen to our users.

Softpress is not, and has never been, a company known for “gouging” our users. Our prices for new software are well below what would be expected for the quality of our products and services. We do not regularly demand money for upgrades (like many in the industry). We do however maintain our software and offer free upgrades to sustain older versions of Freeway for extended life spans, as early adopters of both Freeway 3 and Freeway 4 can attest.

Last week, to coincide with Macworld and to get feedback from our users, we launched a Beta version of Freeway 5. In conjunction, we are now offering a free upgrade to 5 for all users that purchase after January 1st, 2008. We're very excited about the new features, and we're sure you will be too.

Some users who purchased Freeway in the last few months of 2007, including those who have commented here, have expressed their view that we had somehow tricked them into buying when we knew a new version was on the way. People that purchased here at macZOT! got Freeway at 60% off the retail price, which is even lower than our regular upgrade pricing from 3 to 4.

Freeway 5 will not be released until at least March, and that would backdate the free upgrades on release to a minimum of two months, which we believe is fair. Those who have complained, seek to penalize us for offering our existing and potential users a “sneak peek” at our new software, which makes it difficult to receive and apply the feedback we need.

Freeway 5 is not yet ready and not for sale. When it is, it will be a wonderful tool for home users and professionals alike. It will empower users and save their precious time. It will be solid and fully-featured, in part because of the users' opportunity to test it and offer feedback.

There will be an announcement about upgrades from version 4 to 5, probably around the release of the second beta. Again, you will see that Softpress does takes care of its users. Until then, please feel encouraged to use the Freeway 5 Beta, enjoy it and let us know what you think.

Ian Schray
US Marketing Manager
Softpress Systems Ltd
http://www.softpress.com

This program has tuned into a nightmare. It will no longer save anything I change, although all changes show in Preview. I must save in BBEdit and then upload through BB. I changed a series of text graphics - they show in preview but the files themselves have not changed - this is an issue BBEdit cannot correct as they should be converted in Freeway (but are NOT being converted). Big mistake buying this program.