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BEEBLEBROX I can't say my experience with MacPOSX has been satisfactory. I wish that were not the case because I generally like supporting small developers.
The software itself is functional enough. Screens are customizable, if a bit dated looking. It will do the job but it is somewhat buggy in key areas and abstruse in others (I won't go into those frustrations given that only top-notch applications avoid kludges and unfortunately, this app is not in that category). The Filemaker layout functionality is difficult to use and so you will need to rely on the developer for help in this area (which he will give at first).
Reporting from the app initially seems extensive but in reality, is not that user-friendly, nor are reports easily customizable. One can view lists of items but these are read-only views and not editable. One must return to a single record mode to edit rather than in a spreadsheet form which would be much faster and more intuitive, especially if you have lots of items in your database. The developer recommends printing out the list view for reference when editing but it would be easier if the app used the standard OS X convention of double-clicking on an item in a list and having an edit dialog pop up at that point.
Because there are dozens of individual databases and config files, don't expect to troubleshoot the app on your own if you run into problems. It is labyrinthian. This is one program that requires hefty support from the developer to keep it functional. There is no "phone home" feature built into the app for you to send the developer information about an error so one must dig through hidden files and logs to send back information that will help him resolve the problem. Of course, if the POS station is in use, this is a nearly impossible task and must be done after hours.
Unfortunately, customer service for the app is a mixed bag at best. The developer, while knowledgeable and responsive, is surly, terse, and prefers to avoid writing complete sentences. He makes no attempt to hide his contempt for users who don't appreciate or completely understand his software. He will make an attempt at being thorough, even providing screen shots of how to do things but he is loathe to take responsibility for his software's shortcomings nor will he explain how to get around these shortcomings without you having to weed through dozens of brusque, contradictory, or "oh yeah? so's your old man" style emails. Programming is this developer's specialty, not customer service.
While purchase of MacPOSX ostensibly includes email support, the developer may tell you that he won't give you that support and to simply rely his marginally organized and somewhat incomplete online support docs. This can be problematic if your issue is not addressed in those docs. There is no reference section in the support pages, only a tutorial (which is not accessible from any menu on the home or support page but can be found here if you want to peruse it) so looking up specific issues by index is not, from what I can tell, possible.
Ultimately, if you don't mind working with a developer who is highly defensive and easily angered, then this software will do the job for you. If you have higher expectations of a Mac developer, look elsewhere.
I give the application MacPOSX itself a grudging thumbs up as it does the job. The support for the app makes the thumb go the other direction however. Too bad too, it has potential. (Version 1.23g) |