CHAINKING  OK, there may be a problem with some serials not working (mine does and I don't lose it) and the developer not answering emails (for an app this widely used, he probably gets too many). But this is a great app. It works and does so with a sensible and easy to use GUI. When I need something that I can't or won't buy, I go to Acquisition and it hardly ever fails.  
(Version 2.1v210)

FRODO_LIFE  same problem here bought Acquisition with a lifetime upgrade feature but my serial number does not work and so far no response to my 3 emails sent  
(Version 2.1v210)

FUZZYJON79  I also have had no luck in getting this guy to respond to several emails. I bought the app using an email address that I no longer use (and can no longer access under any circumstances). I've asked him to re-send the code to my new email address and I've even given him the PayPal transaction ID showing I made the purchase. (I even bought the lifetime upgrades option). No luck. Anybody experience similar problems?   
(Version 2.1v210)

ICONZ113  the fact of the matter is its a good app. I prefer it over the competitors and Ill continue to use it but if you ever want to contact the developer don't count on it. I myself never contact the developers of the applications I buy anyway so it doesn't matter to me but I guess a lot of people do. If your really looking for an alternative to what ever your using now Id say get acquisition. I like it , never had a problem and the interface is a lot better then the other guys. But some feel strongly about not buying this guys software for other reasons, but dont let it stop you from using this, most likely you wont have a problem.  
(Version 2.1v210)

RIKOS  I have to agree with all the previous posts. Don't waste your money supporting this guy.I made the mistake of paying for this software. If you have a problem or a question you'll get zero response from him!.  
(Version 2.1v210)

NESSUNO  This guy - David Watanabe - is a complete a#h#. I am a customer who paid for this app, but do you thing that I ever got a reply if anything didn't work (and A WHOLE LOT didn't work!)? Nope.

Don't throw a single dime into this greedy a#.  
(Version 2.1v210)

OZZKAR65  Ok, I have 2 add my 2 cents here and in a bunch of other sites :-) I paid for this program about one year ago. .. and my serial just stopped working. I paid using paypal. I have emailed the seller and no reply.. and that is ok.. because I can be a pain in the a#& and if I don't get this fix within the next 10 days.. I'll be getting my money back.. I already emailed paypal and next is my bank... and to those that have the same problem.. you should do the same. ..   
(Version 2.0v209)

RPOC33  I just bought Acquisition Pro, but I can't get the application to connect. Hence, I can't get any search results. I am only able to use the program to download torrents, which is fine, but I want to download individual songs. I have emailed the creator of the software, but I haven't received a reply (which seems to be commonplace having read the previous reviews about the guy). Does anyone know what my problem might be. I am connected to a wireless connection... My firewall is disabled for Acquisition and I know my port numbers for torrents and gnutella... Any suggestions would be appreciated.  
(Version 2.0v209)

BRILDENLANCH  Whatever. Gnutella itself is just so blah, even Acq couldn't help it out much. It works alright.

Oh yeah, Id like my activation code, DAVE.

I remember back when this app first came out. You were as snide then as you are unconscionably insane now. F you and your license fee. I already paid.   
(Version 2.0v209)

THIRSTYROBOT  I was once an enthusiastic supporter of this app...and heck even its developer. But I can no longer endorse either on account of that guy's unethical behaviour. For those who paid the license on version 1.0 of this app--including many who paid for free upgrades for life--they're now stuck with something that connects, at best, infrequently. The developer's solution? 'Buy a new license, give me more money.'

Granted, we're talking here about getting shafted by a product that helps folks rip off record companies--and maybe there's some karma in that--but insofar as we're talking about reputation on the street, this guy's on the blacklist of many, many people for a reason.

Avoid Acquisition and never, ever give this guy a dime.  
(Version 2.0v209)

INQUISITOR  I use this software from 3 years. I tried Cabos, I tried LimeWire and I always come back to Acquisition.

Gnutella is pretty old network protocol but it's fine when you want to download small files. Maybe more appropriate than torrent or usenet for small files.

I don't understand comments below. If you have good ports opened, and a good connection, it's the perfect app, with a perfect mac look and feel  
(Version 2.0v209)

GOWGATES567  "Support People, not corporations" my a$$. This software stole my money! At least when I support a corporation, they have accountability.

I bought this software 3 years ago, and on the more recent update, my password doesn't work, and I have to purchase the software again... dishonest.

Acquisition was awesome, but now it blows.

Karma bites again.  
(Version 2.0v209)

REEL_MAC  Wow this software has really gone downhill. POS, to put it bluntly. All SPAM results.

Even worse, though, any useful results are coming from "unregistered" users, which you're unable to download (probably unless you hand over some cash to this guy). Strangely, I can share just fine, I've got uploads going in the first few seconds, even though I'm unregistered.

So much for peer-to-peer.  
(Version 2.0v208)

JACK GRAY  don't give this guy your money. please. (maybe if enough people say this, people will start to get the picture)

this developer should be added to the blacklist. help do this by reporting him.  
(Version 2.0v208)

APPLENERD  If your in the market for a P2P app, this is what you want. This is so much faster than LimeWire, or even LimeWire PRO. With other P2P apps, downloads crawl, even if you have a fast connection. With Acquisition 2, even if you have slower connections such as dial-up, you will have noticeable fast downloads.  
(Version 2.0v208)

PL_SVN  Do not give your money to this developer, period!  
(Version 2.0v208)

BRUCEH2  Best p2p app I've ever used! Tried all and this one is always works as it should. Never have had a problem downloading, using the app, or activating my registration codes. The few problems I have encountered have always led back to the isp, not the app. Easy to use. Reliable results. What more do you want?   
(Version 2.0v207)

ISHLAN  I too purchased a lifetime membership to avoid the nags and help the developer. Now no access. Maybe this is one to avoid, up to you  
(Version 2.0v206)

JON55  Please follow everyone else's advise and don't even bother with this app.

What sucks most is this is actually a nice app, but the dev. is an idiot and has a terrible service record. I've lost count over how many posts I've read about people who had bought the "lifetime" upgrade and havn't been able to get it to work. And when you email the dev., he rarely responds and when he does it's nothing more than a 1 word answer.

This app could be awesome if it wasn't so expensive and buggy. Otherwise, looks-wise, it's the best by far.  
(Version 2.0v206)

MADMACK  The current acquisition does not load even though I purchased lifetime updates 14 months ago. I feel this is a big swindle and the developers should be held responsible for liability  
(Version 2.0v206)

JTAB72  In my stupidity, I didn't research any negative reviews about aquisition so I bought the license and the lifetime updates--now it doesn't connect. What a headache. He doesn't even give the correct pathway to connect in his instructions (atleast for leopard) He will go down as one of my word of mouth, never buy for this guy!  
(Version 2.0v206)

RGR  I've purchased a license "for life" in 2006. But when I recently wanted to update to v2 it didn't work. It turns out I have to pay again!! Perhaps 1,5 year feels like a life time to David Watanabe. It feels like theft to me.  
(Version 2.0v206)

STORMCHILD  Although I originally paid for this app, I hadn't used it in a couple years. Today I launched it, was notified of an update, and went to the site to download it, only to discover that my "free updates for life" have now been terminated, and now I have to pay again.

I would complain about this incredibly dishonest behavior, but it's kind of a moot point, as the new version won't even start up. It just bounces in the Dock forever and ever.

Deleted.  
(Version 2.0v206)

JOLIVIERLD  What a crook ! He's wrapping FREE SOFTWARE and crippling now !! at least you could endure the nags before... now it's crippled (randomly ignore search results ??? that's BAD)...  
(Version 2.0v206)

TEAM  David Watanabe is a liar and a thief.

I purchased a license for $15 several years ago, with the guarantee of free lifetime updates. Recently, upon launching Acquisition, I was notified that a software update was available. Thinking nothing of it (why not? All previous updates were free), I downloaded and installed it, only to have it turn my bought-and-paid-for piece of software into crippled shareware. I can't revert to an older version, and now I'm being forced to shell out nearly $25 – $10 more than I paid for it in the first place!

Watanabe's behaviour is at best dishonest, and at worst fraudulent and intentionally deceptive. He promised free updates for life for Acquisition, and he reneged on that promise. As for being a thief, let's just say that Mr. Watanabe has a proven track record of wrapping freely available source code in a slick UI and calling it "original" (e.g. Xtorrent).

There's a sucker born every minute, and David Watanabe knows it. Stop giving him your money and maybe he'll go away.  
(Version 2.0v206)

JAKOB07  I've been using Acquisition without any major problems with Tiger and Jaguar for years. (Even got a free upgrade license / so this Watanabe guy can't be too bad)

But with Leopard I am not able to make a connection. Anybody out there knows why?  
(Version 2.0v206)

PAUL GABEL  I thought this was a file transfer application where I could upload a file and another person could download it. Nowhere does it say it's only for iTunes. Tell me if I'm wrong at paulgabel@comcast.net. "All sales final" is written on their website in black letters on a black background!!! I WANT MY MONEY BACK.  
(Version 2.0v206)

FRODO_LIFE  bought this sometime in 2005 with lifetime update.

Downloaded version 2 but serial did not work.

Emailed developer with my order number etc and asked for a new serial or how to update.

his response was a link to previous version nothing more no explanation not a single word.

he has not responded to any further email asking for clarification.

DO NOT SUPPORT THIS DEVELOPER WORST ONE I CAME ACROSS IN MY 20 YEARS OF MAC  
(Version 2.0v206)

TSURISUTO  On the positive side, Acquisition has a brilliant user interface which is easy to navigate and looks fantastic.

On the negitive side, Acquisition has become unusable due to the fact that it drops all network connections after 5 minutes, and the only way to reconnect is to relaunch the application. I have emailed the developer on numerous occasions (with console logs) but I have never once received a response.  
(Version 2.0v206)

UMIJIN  Fantastic app, but Incredibly inconsiderate developer!

First, the old version of the app tells me there is an upgrade, and allows me to download it. Unfortunately, there was NO NOTICE that the new version required a new license from me.

Second, the developer's website indicates that old versions of the app will still work with old licenses. However, there is no way to DOWNGRADE to the old versions - they aren't available anywhere on the developer's website.

Third, when I bought the app, I recall I would be offered upgrades for life. I purchased it in 2004. What gives?

Fourth, the new version of the app (crippled demo mode) totally lost all my past download lists, including partial downloads. What's up with that?

And this is not the first time I've had problems with the developer, as his attitude towards customer questions has been awful at times.  
(Version 2.0v206)

DAVEECKLUND  I agree that people should NOT support this application, or any of the developer's others as well. The purchase nags and licensing scheme is more invasive than ever. Remember this thing comes from open source code, and there are several other P2P programs that don't bug you as much as this one. Also look at all the complaints about the developer reneging on promised upgrades to paid users.

Current version (as of 12/14/2007) starts a ticker when it starts up... counting down to when it's going to start throttling your downloads. It also removes results from searches and puts little nag-banners in the results. The interface is nice though.

Look at Acqlite, Frostwire, or LimeWire first.  
(Version 2.0v206)

IAMZAM  in light of all the pissed off users this guy has gathered, and his money grubbing ways (promising lifetime licenses, then reneging/not even providing previous version downloads) I wouldn't be surprised at all if this software becomes abandon-ware, and he stops supporting/developing it and runs off to live in a cave with all his money.

DON'T BUY ANYTHING from this guy. you will only end up broke and heartbroken.  
(Version 2.0v206)

MISTERSQUID  All power to the people.

I don't regularly use p2p download software, maybe 5 times a year, if that. This holiday, I searched for "That Holiday Feeling" (not avail for purchase anywhere) using Acquisition 2.x and was struck by the random elimination of results and the badge asking for money block the bottom of the search results (a window that can be moved using software like MondoMouse or Zooom).

Anyhow, I was considering finally paying for a license after all these years but all these comments seem to indicated Watanabe has gone even further down the path of egotistic developer. In my opinion, Acquisition's beautiful interface comes at the cost of an intense internal critic, one that is now finding a target among Acquisition's user base.

I'm downgrading to 128.5 (I keep an archive of downloaded software precisely for such possibilities). I wish Acquisition's users the best of luck and I exhort Watanabe to get his head on straight.

Mr. Watanabe, your users are your base. Listen to them.  
(Version 2.0v206)

GUITAR54  Don't purchase this - the developer is a liar. He will promise and then renig. Look at the people who bought 1.0 and were promise forever licensing. Go get LIMEWIRE!!! Much better app anyway.  
(Version 2.0v205)

SCREAMINGJOY  I bought the first version of this software , after my brother raved about it so completely that i thought it must be the holy grail of p2p. i tried it out for a while and then my conscience convinced me to shell out the cash and pay for it, since I had been using it so happily for a while.

I especially liked the fact that the developer seemed to be perpetually improving the software with

upgrades.

I had a sneaking suspicion that after each upgrade, the results seemed to dwindle, little by little. After another random routine upgrade, the software CEASED TO WORK.It would hang a perpetual "connecting..." and that was it.

Everyone talks about how pretty this app's UI is, and believe me it is, its like it was written by apple. But who cares about looks when functionality is nil?

I tried to find a faq about the problem, forumed myself to death and found no solution that would make the app work again. I tried to go back and install an earlier working version of the app, but the developer Wantanabe, disabled all the links to the old archived app versions and redirected all the links to the new software download/purchase page. i searched in vain for a cusomer service contact number/email/webpage and found nothing. I finnally resorted to contacing David himeslf.

One would think that after making as much money as this man has made selling this software to loyal customers, he would have at least the common sense to hire a PR or customer relations person to handle all the frustrated/angry/ disillusioned customers. Reading his answers to other customers I found him crass, mean, disrespectful and all together careless of basic customer interaction.

Eventually I erased the software, shrugged my shoulders over the lost cash and gave up/ swore off on anything remotely related to To Dave Wantanabe.

Ill be the first one to sign the class action petition. I personally would love my $18 back.

This company has some serious ethical issues. i wuoldnt be surprised if it went under just as it rose, from word of mouth.  
(Version 2.0v205)

LIHD  I thought I had lifetime upgrades. I upgraded to 2, was never told that I would lose all my settings, and now can't register.

I emailed David and this is what he told me.

"Lifetime upgrades were never offered *anytime* in 2006.

Thanks."

I'm pretty sure this is not true, I checked the wayback machine:

http://web.archive.org/web/20061211091133/www.acquisitionx.com/purchase.php

and it appears that there was an option for lifetime upgrades in 2006.

Anyone have any suggestions for how to deal with this. He hasn't replied to any of my recent emails.  
(Version 2.0v205)

THIRSTYROBOT  I've defended this developer in the past, but wow...I gotta admit that his recent moves on this app have been pretty galling. First, I take issue with the sneaky way that licensed users of version 132.7 are told to upgrade. It's only after you have done so and have replaced your old licensed version with the new one that you discover you're now expected to shell out more money for what amounts to the same application you have before, except for a few little enhancements.

Second, even if you opt out of upgrading, you're bothered continually by a nag screen telling you that you really *must* upgrade. At best, this is disingenuous. And the impression it leaves is that the developer takes his licensed user base for granted.

Unless the developer does something to correct this, I can no longer endorse nor will I use this application. And judging from the comments I'm reading, I'm in the majority opinion.   
(Version 2.0v205)

M-RICK  This and xTorrent, same combat, they are based on a old version of libtorrent and libtransmission for xTorrent, why would you buy a bittorrent client ??

Plus both these clients are banned by most of the torrents servers.  
(Version 2.0v205)

MBHOCKEY  for such a promising developer, this application is just plain brutal.  
(Version 2.0v205)

IAMZAM  worst app... ever.

used to be good. now just bad.

kills my wireless, cant download a thing, now i have to pay for it again??? feh!  
(Version 2.0v205)

FVDG  Simply stops all my other network connections. Quit Acquisition and there back again. Poor  
(Version 2.0v205)

DUKEMEISER.  DO NOT DOWNLOAD! The old 1.x versions were annoying enough, nagging you to pay. 2.0 is even worse! Restricting your downloads and practically threatening to beat you with a stick if you don't pay. Why anyone pay for a p2p app is beyond me.  
(Version 2.0v205)

GBK  simply don't work. no connection past 3 minutes...   
(Version 2.0v205)

SHOTGUNWEDDINGS  NO THANKS

Nice GUI, but poor social skills on the developers part!

If you wish to be insulted once you paid the fee and be treated like a leper, then by all means waste your money!

Inflate DW's ego and pocket book at your own peril, you've been warned.

Stick to the FREE alternatives for Torrents and the Gnutella network. You'll get better results, stability and support!

Ratings should be -1 for all categories  
(Version 2.0v205)

PARSONSDESIGN  Garbage from unethical developer. Please read the feedback regarding David Watanabe and Acquisition before considering purchase of this or any of his applications. You will find few (if any) developers or applications that have elicited a worse response from paying customers. Avoid.  
(Version 2.0v204)

MIGUEL  I'm not paying again for this fraud. I already paid too much for a license that doesn't work well. What's the developer thinking?

Stay away from this fraud, don't be deceived by the pretty interface. This developer is not to be trusted.  
(Version 2.0v204)

G4FF3R  Pros: Better GUI than limewire (one of the prettiest?) and you don't have to wait till the file is fully DL'd before realising it's spam, click on the download and it will reveal what it is (unlike Limewire, where you have to resort to navigating to the partialDL folder and seeing what's in there). Also takes up vastly less CPU and RAM. VERY impressed with this side of things......BUT..........

Cons: I always seem to get more results on Limewire ?????? .....which is odd seeing as they are both using the gnutella network

You also cannot specify to just look for (for example) programs. I'm afraid that you really can't. Acquisition will STILL look for everything and the filter just filters the results you SEE, it's STILL searching in all the categories (for instance, typing up toast will search for ALL toast files)....Limewire on the other hand, is able to search in the one category you pick ALONE rather than search everything but only SHOW you one category (so acquisition's not as focused as limewire here).

Or put it another way, with filter "prog files" on; Limewire will ONLY search for prog files, giving you a quicker result (it won't even register other file types...very focused searching); whereas acquisition will register ALL files, but only DISPLAY the prog files....it's still searching for everything though (it still wades through ALL the files with that name).....slower to find things and less streamlined. (Limewire does a true search filter, acquisition is merely a display filter, nothing else).

Thirdly, tends to crash on shutdown a lot (unlike limewire). So much so, that this issue is even a permanent fixture in the help/faq section (you have to trash a file in the lib, which means you have to enter your serial number again and again). :( .....not too impressive on this side of things then.

Having used this a bit more I have to say that the "crashing on app shutdown" is SO recurrent that it reminds me of a windows program :)

Fourthly, tries to secretly "phone home" (use little snitch to prevent this).

Number Five, AcqLite is like Acquisition but free.....use that instead.

Number Six, the NagWare side of things is VERY annoying (again, Acqlite to the rescue here).

OVERALL, if all you're interested in is a pretty GUI, go for it.

However, if you also want an app from a developer with the honesty to keep his promises (eg re:updates and costs as mentioned below), and that DOESN'T act like a broken windoze app or malware, then stay well clear.

There are other apps that do this better and for free...Caveat Emptor.  
(Version 2.0v204)

HONEYCOMB  Folks, you should not only avoid buying this app but also spread words and get your friends not to accidentally purchase it (and other apps from the developer too). The app itself is not sooo bad but the problem is the dev wants the registered users like me who have once paid as much as 18 bucks to make another payment of 24 bucks, now disabling some of the essential functions in the latest release. This is nothing but threatning or extortion. At the same time, what a big shame for Mac community.  
(Version 2.0v204)

ÉLOI M.  Used to be good, gone to $@!& now, with all the limitations.

*(&(! watanabee or whatever's his name.  
(Version 2.0v203)

DONZ  Don't get fooled. Acquisition is the prettiest piece of dysfunctional software under Mac OS X.

The developer knows how to draw a pretty interface.

Underneath, this version 2 gives :

- random ignoring of search results

- disabling of random search results

- download cap at 10.0 kbps (!!!!)

- secretly phones the developer website without warning the user nor telling him the information disclosed

- weird download behaviors

So in order to gain access to a less dysfunctional piece of software, you have to pay US$ 25. This is a lot of money for someone who will just disable your licence if you happen to reinstall Acquisition on your Mac after a clean install of your system.

AVOID THIS APPLICATION ENTIRELY although attractive it can be in its apparence.

And let's hope than some developer do like Watanabe : RIP ITS WORK AND INTERFACE.  
(Version 2.0v203)

D9  There is no reason whatsoever to recommend a software program that is developed by such a lousy operation. I've always stated that any developer has the right to charge what they feel their entitled to for their work; it's up to us to choose whether that's appropriate for us.

But to advertise that you provide lifetime upgrades and then recant on that offer, especially with a "major" upgrade that is nothing more than eye candy UI work, is to cross a line that is intolerable. Sure, a class action could occur, but the best thing to do is to blacklist this guy, here and everywhere (blogs, article comments, support forums). And not just Acquisition but his other software. It doesn't matter what the quality of that other software may be, this type of behavior must be squashed on all levels. This guy must be seen as dirt...which he is!

Pathetic for the Mac community to even has this available!

/  
(Version 2.0v203)

MALI CURRINGTON  I paid the $24. I now hate this software. I used acquisition for over a year as an unregistered program an I loved it. This is the worst software that I have aver used. I have experienced all of the same horrors that others have experienced here - disconnects after a literal minute after it is connected, erasing incomplete downloads when the program closes, no search results, etc.. I only wished that the developer gave a damn. We have got to search for a competing software...  
(Version 2.0v202)

COCKPITBIRD  TOTAL BULLS@#$

David Watanabe, take a long walk off a short pier. I paid for this app 2 times and was told it was a lifetime of updates.

All license holders have been defrauded and we should definitely mount a class action lawsuit against this little greedy piece of shittake mushroom.   
(Version 2.0v202)

MOOG MODULAR  Yep. He used to say "Acquisition is upgraded frequently, but upgrades have always been and will continue to be free for registered users."

He also used to mention "Good karma" ;-)

Anyways, I logged on with my paid version and it said there was an upgrade available. I installed that and not only were all my old searches and partial downloads gone, but he wanted more money.

I downgraded back to the old version.

Limewire's looking better lately too.  
(Version 2.0v202)

TONI23  That's right.

http://web.archive.org/web/20040923235958/www.acquisitionx.com/  
(Version 2.0v202)

BRYAN GOLDSTEIN  This program was once advertised as getting free upgrades for life. The developer upgrades it and suddenly no more free upgrade.

I don't care how big the upgrade is, free upgrades for life is free upgrades for life. You could have a serious class action law suit on your hands.  
(Version 2.0v202)

IAMZAM  Bad developer, lots of ill will among his userbase. He released a new version and calls it a major upgrade. Same app, pretty much everything is the same, except it replaces the version you paid for so that you have to pay for it again...

He must have needed the money.

I have bought two of his apps so far because I believe in the little guy. But it just seems like he imagines that he is a huge company that can do whatever it wants with impunity.

I guess we know now what's going to happen when he has gone through the losers who paid for this current version of xtorrent. He should at least let you know before you download the upgrade that Warning! it is a Major version and that if you install it you will turn into a pumpkin, nag screens and limited functionality await...  
(Version 2.0v202)

ISUB  Just bought this again (no free lifetime upgrades when I first purchased). Every time I have run the program tonight it disconnects after about 1min and it doesn't reconnect. I have attempted to run it 5 times now. I have also restarted and it still doesn't work  
(Version 2.0v201)

MATREYA  this is pretty, but it's basically a ripoff of limewire, with a new look interface.

I despise crippleware. This program actually impedes your download speed and it randomly removes search entries....  
(Version 2.0v201)

JON55  It would be nice if you could get rid of the "What's New?" search.

Also, what happened to the uploads section? I only see the network status and Downloads.  
(Version 2.0v201)

ALEX B  Best looking p2p app around. The interface updates and very nice, but that really is all that's changed since 1.X

Worth paying a new registration for from 1.X users who were nice enough to buy your app when it did something and supported you and not offer it to them now because you didn't offer lifetime upgrades then? I'm afraid not buddy.

UNfortunately, you're more likely to be hit by a train sitting at your desk on the top floor of a building, then you would be with this app.

You'll just end up buying a virtual paperweight.

Save your money and buy some other app instead.

The developer makes the best Torrent app for the mac around though. Buy that instead and you won't be sorry. Besides; Who uses P2P any more?  
(Version 2.0v201)

ALEXIUS  Great update -- but it's creating a "limewire.props" file in my home folder that's quite annoying... help!  
(Version 2.0v200)

WHYATT THRASH  I'm another user who's changed email address since I registered 6 years ago (how likely are you to have switched email address during six years, I ask you? :). After all of the negative comments here, I still mailed Dave about it. I've had contact with him before when Acq. was just a small, newly hatched app. And he's been nothing but corteous in my experience.

I'm not gonna be too optimistic about receiving a response after reading all these comments, but I'm here's to hoping! :) Acq is still the best Gnutella app, hands down, no contest...  
(Version 2.0v200)

FONIX  I waited a long time to buy Acquisition, based largely on the negative reviews, but during that time I continued to use Acquisition with the shareware pop-up. Finally I decided to make a donation to Dave, figuring that if the product didn't work, or if I didn't get my license code, or if anything went wrong, well then that was my gift to him. However, I have had nothing but good experiences with the developer. There was a time a few years back when Acquisition stopped working correctly, dropped connections, etc., but it has worked beautifully for the past year at least.

I have just started using version 2 and while many of the visual changes are subtle, there are a lot of them, and they really do help the interface and functionality. A lot of thought went into the design of this program. It even seems to do a much better job of cleaning up after itself (with regard to search logs, download logs, etc.), which is great.

So look, TRY the software and see if you like it. If you like it, consider BUYING it--and I highly recommend you get the lifetime upgrades, because the versions seem to increase in cost every time, making the $9 initial tack-on a no-brainer.

And no, I'm not a personal friend of Dave's--I've never met the guy. I'm not a hater either. I'm more like a skeptic-turned-believer. Try the software.  
(Version 2.0v200)

NEURALGIA  Sure, you get a nice slick interface on top of the freeware versions of things from this developer, but read the comments. When you sell someone products you have to provide support. And this developer is VERY bad at supporting the software he sells. You have to email multiple times to get a response and usually it is something along the lines of: Sorry, sucks to be you (paraphrasing) when the response comes.  
(Version 2.0v200)

IAMZAM  I have paid for a few of this guy's applications and i used to be very pleased with the quality, but recently my acquisition.app (version 1.3xxx) has been disconnecting and not able to reconnect. Not to mention the complete inability to download a thing anyway. So i noticed that a new version was available, and downloaded/installed it. I thought i had free upgrades for life, since (i think) i paid extra for them, and I remembered something to that effect when I bought this app. Now i see the message that my version 2 trial will expire in an hour, so i try to enter my registration details again. No luck. I searched for my email address and it's not even in his database, just says "sorry... blah, blah..." I emailed the developer for clarification and I am still waiting for a response. I have been reading some of the comments here and I am kinda glad that I didn't just buy the app again, since it seems that the developer is just rude or doesn't respond to paying customers. I feel kinda ripped off and now i can't even download the original version 1 again. In my opinion you should skip this app and just use limwire.  
(Version 2.0v200)

LOOSER  Well I will make you all laugh, I paid for the old version just last week,last night up cam the message 'get 2.0v200 NOW, so foolishly I went ahead and paid the cash. problem is due to a paypal glitch the activation code was sent to my old inactive email address , so i cannot retrieve it.:( multiple emails to Acquisition no response, counting on paypal to help now,so far $50 bucks for nothing, well i can still use the old version. and some how i get the feeling that Acqui is just limewire in defferent clothing eg limewire.props ???  
(Version 2.0v200)

LANCE2376  Ok, I usually keep my mouth shut about comments here but I was really confused about the statements made about having to pay for the upgrade even if you have a 1.x licence because I received an email this morning with a licence for 2.x. Took me a moment to realize that I had opted for the lifetime upgrade option when paying for Acquisition so if you did the same then you will NOT have to pay for this upgrade. Just to clarify that. :)  
(Version 2.0v200)

THEBIMBO  Ever since interacting a few times with this developer re enhancement requests for one of his other apps, Newsfire, I swore that was the last he'd see of my cash. Not just was he *extremely* rude but Newfire hasn't been updated and doesn't even start any more. And now that there's no fair update policy for Acquisition 1.x users it's now real easy to keep my promise; this guy doesn't deserve the ransom terms ( hi Intego ;-) he's setting.   
(Version 2.0v200)

MAIL21  Too bad, I was willing to give this a try since I have a paid license for the previous version...but with this kind of "upgrade policy" I will just stick with the old one...!

I actually like David's apps and have bought several of them and only give ratings of the software, not the man behind it...but one has to wonder what's up with him so totally ignoring the needs and wishes even of his faithful and loyal customers...!?  
(Version 2.0v200)

SHANE SMITH  This is crap! I have a serial for version 1, was going to upgrade to version 2, but you have to buy the whole licience again, No Upgrade Fee! Also if you want the licience to be free on upgrades (ie. v3, v4) or have several users on a network then you have to purchase those options for an additional $9 each. That brings us a grand total of $42 for a sh*tty p2p application. Let it go, there are plenty of free applications out there that do the same thing... besides p2p is dead.   
(Version 2.0v200)

DARYLF2  FYI: This is NOT a free upgrade from the previous 1xx.x versions.  
(Version 2.0v200)

STEELCUT  DO NOT BUY THIS APP!

I did, i payed and never gave the registerd emailadress to anybody!

Nevertheless Acquisition stops working and David Watanabe doesn«t even answer to my inquiries..He seems to be a real p.i.t.a.

David Watanabe is a fraud!

DO NOT BUY THIS APP!  
(Version 132.7)

ALEX B  I really liked this app. The interface is the best, hands down, of any Gnutella P2P client, even on Windows.

My only complaint is that I can never find anything, but spam on P2P anymore. Spam, spam, spam, everywhere I look. Guess it's time is past.  
(Version 132.7)

ADC89  Where is 133.1? It's in the release notes but I can't find a download like anywhere!

http://www.acquisitionx.com/releasenotes.php

I hope it addresses the dropped connections, crashes and other major bugs.  
(Version 132.7)

BENNYBOY5768  I love this app and have loved it ever since I downloaded the trial. I bought it almost a year ago and has never crashed or gotten messed up. The only thing I don't like about it is that it hasn't been updated for a very long time. Kinda makes me think its not worth the $17.99. Good think I didn't purchase the lifetime updates (come to think of it I don't think it was even available when I bought it). And now I see that he has raised the price to $20 for an out dated app. Anyways I would definitely recommend it to anyone using any p2p program and hates there's.  
(Version 132.7)

ARROYODORADO  Ok, I'm gonna add my voice to the choir:

I once paid for this app and had a good time with it. Now I'm so close to deleting it for good and for ever from my harddrive, because it constantly refuses to connect to the net, it refuses to accept my registration and the developer refuses to care about this. Very poor manners!

Oh yes, I tried all the configuration tricks and settings with no luck.

Otherwise, the app was good to excellent, when it used to work... DON'T BUY IT!

8-(  
(Version 132.7)

ACQUSER  I've been having some of the same problems posted here specifically freezing crashing having to force quit losing files that were downloading a long time and then reinstalling to try to solve problem and then the problem occuring again and again. I'm using OS 10.4.9. Looking for simple clues I found that it says the current version of Acquisition must use Java 1.5. I had already installed that, however, I discovered that even though I installed Java 2 SE 5.0 (Java 1.5 is inside this somehow) it retained Java 1.4 for backward compatability I assume. This brought me to an answer that so far has cleared up the problem. You have to open the Jave 2 SE 5.0 folder (Look in utilities) and click on preferences. Under General drag 5.0 to the Java Applet Runtime Parameters (a 0 appears) then drag 1.4 to JARP (a 1 appears). Close and save. That's it. Hope it works for you as did for me.  
(Version 132.7)

DPICKEL  It's good when it works, but it has to be de-installed/re-installed a lot. Just like the other posters on here have said, each time you have to reactive and after a few times (3 or 4) they cut you off and tell you that you've activated too many times. It wouldn't sting so much but they get rude about it and really don't care. Limewire, Acqlite, Cabos and others do the same job for free and their developers don't harass you when you have to reactivate.  
(Version 132.7)

SYROSE  Thank you for your advice.

I know very little about computers so please bear with me

How and where can I check that relevant ports you mention are open?

Can you please guide me step-by-step,

Sincerely,

Sally  
(Version 132.7)

BITTYCENT  What really bugs me is everytime I close Acquisition, Safari launches a new window sending me to Amazon and I find this really annoying. I'm not a computer genious so can someone tell me how to disable this?  
(Version 132.7)

GREGJSMITH  I purchased this program in 2003. Never had a problem until I had to put a new hard drive in. Now I'm getting the same registration errors as everyone else. I emailed the developer and he tells me my "Your license has been pretty clearly used by software pirates."

Whaaaaaa?  
(Version 132.7)

COLINDUNN  This application is beautiful. It integrates perfectly with Mac OS X, is very intuitive, and the price is reasonable. But, I have had a terrible time with this program for one reason.

Lousy support. Or should I say, no support. It works fine for about a day, and then the next time I launch it every time I click an item to download it does not show up in the downloads pane. The only solution? A fresh install. I have reinstalled Acquisition at least 30 times. If you buy this software, don't expect any help if you have any problem.

P.S. To David: Get a forum!  
(Version 132.7)

HUMPACHICKEN  Here we go again, another post from out of the blue, praising this piece of hackware, and using the word 'truly' throughout. The filters do NOT work correctly, do not work well anymore. Lots of junk shows up, lots of things that shouldn't come up do. Mr. Watanabe, you'll have to do a better job of writing reviews of your own software using proxies, unless you are now using a friends as a proxy.

Be that as it may, the network may now have a bunch of junk files. Combined with faulty filters, this creates an experience that can only be enjoyed by the most masochistic of people sharing files.

The interface is truly not groundbreaking. Not at all. But, given some cultural differernces there are around the world, and the way they believe swiping another's work is 'innovation', maybe we've found the root of the self induced back-slapping.

Aqlite looks siimilar because it was designed to look similar as a dig at the ego-maniacal (not to mention dishonest) developer behind Acquisition. At some point, things went to his head, and it swelled rather quickly.

It is amusing how the supportive posts all take the same tone... been using it for years with no problem... people must be stupid if they're having trouble... the interface is incredibly innovative... the developer is a prince... his rip off of other GUIs is innovative... the remarks might be about the developer, but certainly not about the greatest piece of software ever written...

Go elsewhere to see innovation. Use this program but don't pay for it. I never have. Never will either. The program has not been steady for quite awhile. The updates appear more and more to be some kind of way to get people to send money for... nothing.

What you can no doubt count on is another review extolling the virtues of the program, or the developer, or both, along with its "innovations". Whether it's real or not, is for honest people to decide. ; )  
(Version 132.7)

DISPARITY  Great software! Works really well.

I've had acquisition since the early, early days of its existence. Over that time I've lived in three different locations, had two or three different computers, been behind two or three different routers & firewalls and I've never had a problem having to do with the network. Acquisition is steady as a rock and updates itself routinely with fresh core component updates. While not entirely visible, the backend of this software must truly be very well written. Furthermore, the GUI is truly pioneering and has inspired a few look-alikes (see acqlite).

If you look at the majority of the negative comments about Acquisition, you'll realize that most people are only complaining about the developer's attitude, and not focusing on the software itself.   
(Version 132.7)

MAX_918  I too have been a loyal user since 2004. Loved the program early on and it did work (nearly) flawlessly. As with everyone else that has upgraded, I have experienced the same connection, unable to disconnect, forgetting wear partial file are and logging on t oserver problems voiced throughout the internet.

I would'nt even mind spending the extra bucks for an upgrade if the stability and usefullness of the software was restored. But forcing the users to re-purchase the software through less then ethical means is disreputable and will damage someones credibility beyond repair. If Mr. Watanabe truly has the ego that is reported in most forums and blogs, I can't imagine him wanting people to view his work under such a light. It's a shame, AcquisitionX was a great program!

My guess is, the other programs he has listed are taking more of his time / interests, and are more financially lucrative for him to code. Again, a shame.  
(Version 132.7)

TASKMAN  Either this application's junk filters are not working properly, or the Gnutella network recently become filled with bad files.

Don't waste your time with this software, and don't accept to pay anyone for a p2p application (especially when you can get better softwares for free).  
(Version 132.7)

HUMPACHICKEN  The notorious behavior of the less than, well, honest developer are why I am proud to say I have never paid a nickel to use this sometimes useful program. As was written in another review, the nags and brags are a testament to Watanabe's monumental ego. Since he's apparently using code developed by others, this ego problem is even more puzzling. Then again, maybe it isn't, but that is an area outside the realm of this site's function. Anyhow, I would suggest using earlier versions, even up to 132.6, and put up with the nags while you download whatever. Move over to acqlite or other programs if you find the nags to be ... nags. But don't send this guy a penny. Don't fall for him writing the glowing reviews, and posting them here under other names (and no doubt via proxy). Another poster noticed this and wrote about it earlier. I've found this transparent routine to be (pitifully) hilarious. Every time a good, truth filled zinger comes in, we get the guy from out of nowhere who praises the program as the greatest, trouble free, and the developer worthy of being the 5th head on Mt. Rushmore. We all know who the guy is. Same guy who 'borrowed' the code to create his program. A program that's so elegant, other mac apps have borrowed from its design. Yeah. One look and you can see he 'borrowed' everything in the design.   
(Version 132.7)

SHAWNYQ  Watanabe doesn't give two shits about us, the consumers. I purchased Acquisition August 8th, 2005. I recently formatted and reinstalled Acquisition (on the same machine I first registered with) and now, like many others here, my registration cannot be verified.

Copied from my email:

------

Acquisition Registration:

Thanks for registering Acquisition, the most innovative P2P application on the Macintosh!

Please ensure that you are running the latest version of Acquisition. Simply enter the following information in Acquisition's registration preference panel:

email address: *******@gmail.com

If you have not yet downloaded Acquisition, you can do so at the following URL:

http://www.acquisitionx.com/download.php

Thanks again!

David Watanabe

------

Oh, no! Thank you, Dave! For nothing.  
(Version 132.7)

CROSSHARE  I was recommended this program and now find after purchasing it, that I too have the crashing problem I've read about here. If someone out there could recommend the proper coarse of action I would much appreciate it. It just seems unstable.   
(Version 132.7)

KALVIN  I got to this page when I was looking for what other apps Watanabe has made. I just switched to OSX (MBP C2D) and I installed Acquisition... it seems to work perfectly fine. I'm connected and I'm downloading a few songs. This is on the same version everyone else is having problems with. I have JRE 1.5.0_06, in case it matters.

For what it's worth, it seems like a wonderful app to me... :p  
(Version 132.7)

HIRAM K HACKENBACKER  My voice is to add to the side of strong unhappiness with the product AS OF LATE.

I registered my product over two years ago and have had an excellent experience with it. It has been a pleasure to use and powerful.

In the last 3-4 weeks it constantly refuses to connect and now will not accept my registration details.

I could forgive this if I were alone - which clearly I am not.

Please rescue this app from permanent junk status Mr Wantanabe!!  
(Version 132.7)

JOEL.SCHMIDT  Nice troubleshooting Mircoslob, but that doesn't help me.

In fact, doing that revealed another problem with the newer versions. Unless I entered my email address to register the software, Acquisition would only update 15% of the core before stopping and claiming everything was ready.

I have a feeling that not too many people will be happy with being 'forced' to register in order for the software to be properly installed.  
(Version 132.7)

SHOTGUNWEDDINGS  If you are experiencing the "Never ending connection" problem and empty searches, then one of the files associated with Acquisition has been corrupted.

(The ~ means your OSX user account)

1 - Delete or move these folders:

/Users/~/Library/Application Support/Acquisition

/Users/~/Library/Application Support/AcquisitionCore

2 - Delete or move this file:

/Users/~/Library/Preferences/org.xlife.Acquisition.plist

3 - Launch Acquisition and register it again! Done

And make sure you haven't accidentally blocked internet access to Acquisition/Java with NetBarrier or Little Snitch. If your /System Prefrences/Sharing/FireWall is ON, make sure ports 6346, 6881 are both open!

Good luck all, and enjoy your software again!  
(Version 132.7)

MEXAD  It seems I'm not the only one with issues regarding the acquisition 132.6 version. In good faith I paid the registration fee expecting great things according to much positive feedback, only to find that it will not connect (permanently in the connecting... mode). I followed every shred of advice and spent hours trying to get it up and working before I wrote to the developer. I am now without a program, without a reply from the developer and what really pisses me off - without my 18 bucks. I hate the feeling of being ripped off.   
(Version 132.6)

JOEL.SCHMIDT  Useless. Purchased a license a year ago, but bought a new one sunday because Acquisition would not accept my registered email address (and David had previously tried to claim that my email address had been used too many times to register and was blocked). Shortly after I purchased the new license, I encountered the same failure to connect problem that several people have been reporting. As of 3:06:15pm 11/07/2006, Central Standard US Time, Acquisition is STILL not able to connect. I did not purchase this software to spend at least 2 days not able to use it. I have checked all my port settings as suggested on David's site, everything is as he suggests.  
(Version 132.6)

BRUCEH2  It's inexplicable to me how much comment this application inspires. I'm a long-time satisfied user. I have never had any problems with Acquisition. It continues to be by far the best P2P out there, and I have tried most of them. Once registered, the updates are frequent and free. I don't pretend to be a sophisticated user, all I know is it works! Every time, all the time. If I were the developer and had to read the nagging, whining, insufferable comments of many who clearly have either not paid for or have pirated this program, I might be testy as well. Thanks, Dave, for a great program! Keep up the good work, in spite of what the noisy minority have to say.   
(Version 132.6)

HAAPI  Regarding Acquisition: I have been using it almost from the beginning. I paid (no problem with that: the app was marvelous.) The past few updates simply do not work. Period. Many people are complaining and then some anonymous names come back and counter with a blaze of glorious compliments for the app...you have to wonder! I am just a humble mac user and a humble Acquisition user. And I humbly paid. And in my humble experience, the problem is not with the wording of the developer/s marketing nor with him asking for a piddling 18 bux for the license. My problem is that it simply doesn't work and rather than shedding light on the situation the developer is ignoring what is obviously an across-the-board problem.

What is most unfortunate is that until just a few updates ago this was a gorgeous, seamless program that made lots of people (myself included) happy, as you can see on many message boards. Now we are all pretty sad and a name --David Watanabe-- that once stood for good work, is now starting to stand for all-around shoddiness. Too bad.  
(Version 132.5)

COLONEL  The program is indeed failing to connect. What is the story with the 'developer' of this app? The self-serving claims about other apps 'borrowing' some of its design, etc. are hilarious. It's the other way around. The nags aren't so much nags as they seem to be testaments to his massive ego. Someone has told me his app uses stolen code. Is this true? I would not be surprised if this is true. Use Cabos or Acqlite instead.  
(Version 132.5)

SAMIR MOBASHER  i am with hanspeter, acquisition just says connecting and never actually connects, how do you get this to work?  
(Version 132.5)

PROFUZIONPROD  Please everyone. Lets get real here. This is by far one of the best P2P clients out there for OS X. Period.

I get the fastest downloads, better searches and fair stability, far greater than anything else out there.

Cabos, Poisined, iSwipe all crash or have never downloaded a single file for me ever.

Yes, I know it is wrong for him to charge for the program, but honeslty I will just take my time once every 30 minutes and hit the Later button. It is well worth it.  
(Version 132.5)

HANSPETER  After the update to version 132.5, Acquisition does not connect to any servers any more. The "Connecting..." sign stays forever. Anyone else having this problem?  
(Version 132.5)

TURIM  i totally agree with the customers, and i will not give my money to this developer.

use Cabos instead, which is free:

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/16330  
(Version 132.5)

BOBSTER  Cabos has been working pretty well for me for quite some time now... and it's FREE :-D  
(Version 132.5)

ADFASDFASDFASDF  DO NOT DOWNLOAD VERSION 1.3.2.5 unless you want all your previous unfinished downloads to be lost!

I was dumb enough to erase my older version by this one on both Macs - on both, the download list is empty now. All half-downloaded files are still in the "Incomplete" folder, but they don't appear in A. any more.

This guy should be locked up in some programmer asylum... Poor? Him? Much "poorer" are all those people who invested their money in this crapware.

I wonder what what kinda b*s* this guy's new project (Xtorrent) will be....  
(Version 132.4)

REGULARGUY  I echo other user's disappointment. This thing used to work, now it is useless. On top of that the developer is obnoxious, at best ignoring pleas for support, at worst sending insulting one-liners. Acquisition is terminal.   
(Version 132.4)

MAJIKALMAN  Good example of a good developer gone bad. I've never seen such a piece of nagware in my life. I buy software when I use them but this guy won't get a dime from me just because of that incessant nagging. I'd rather use software that doesn't work as well. Way to alienate another customer with your nagging and bitching.  
(Version 132.4)

JON55  Yeah no kidding the past 2 updates have sucked! This thing doesn't download now....ever! That and I have to force quit every time. It makes me sad because I loved this app so much, it was working so well for so long.  
(Version 132.4)

BXLBJORN  Can anyone provide me of the 132.2 version ? This program get's buggier and buggier.

bxlbjorn@yahoo.co.uk

thanks !

Björn  
(Version 132.4)

BEDSTUY65  I've been using this program for around 4 years and only lately have I ever had any problems. I don't know what's been going on with these updated for "bugs" every 2-3 days but the bugs are still there. Every time I open this program lately it seems to make other applications freeze up.  
(Version 132.4)

JON55  Since the past 2 updates I everytime I start it up everything seems fine at first, and then when I try to download something nothing will show up under "downloads". When I quit it (which I have to force quit now...even with this new version) and restart it back up again for a second time, it works fine and I can download again (but still have to force quit it in the end).  
(Version 132.3)

MAPACHE  Instable, crashes a lot and forgets the started downloads then, seems to take a lot of bandwith (even when the downloads grip in very slow) so that loading a webpage will take much longer or even stall.

Going to delete that thing now.  
(Version 132.1)

SHIELDJAGUAR2002  Works flawlessly doesn't crash and is updated regularly.

Excellent app.  
(Version 132.1)

CTF  I've used all the P2P clients over the years, Acquisition is certainly the most stable and allows one to source those rarer films and music not commonly available. Far more efficient than Limewire, where, if you're a clunky PC owner (I sadly can't afford a mac yet, but will do soon, I hate Windows!) you aren't plagued by random downloading features which end up crashing your pc, as with limewire. It gets the thumbs up for me. A great piece of software. Only knobheads with tiny IQ's could make a mess of this downloading experience (see complaining bimbos below to prove my statement). Keep it up, guys.  
(Version 132.1)

JT KOFFENBERGER  I had no problems and no "paypal" force when downloading a version. I've been a registered user of Acquisition for several years. It saved me while in China... :D Great product.  
(Version 132.1)

ASHAMI93  This is easily the premier P2P app out there. Don't listen to the trolls complaining about it...I've been using Acquisition for several years, and it is far and away the most elegant, easy to use, robust in its class.   
(Version 132.1)

ROBERT  To make matters even worse, the download button on the Acquisition website now forwards you to Paypal. So people like me, who bought the app, must buy it again before they can download it...

That is just plain rude and outrageous.  
(Version 131.3)

ADFASDFASDFASDF  This is the ultimate utter crapware.

Never on all my Macs have I had an app that crashed practically on every shutdown.

Never have I had an app that froze that often.

Never have I had an app that refused my registration information blankly. (Now, what would you do? Yeah, ask the guy who created that crap! But…)

Never have I had an app whose creator refused to answer any question or complaint about his garbage.

Never have I BOUGHT such sh… – except Acquisition. And I won't ever do it again.  
(Version 131.3)

BUZZARD  Having used Limewire for many years I thought I might download Acquisition and give it a try. I queued up a few trial downloads and left Acquisition to run all night. On returning in the morning, I found perhaps a dozen "nag" screens loaded on Safari. Yes, this trial version not only nags you to pay for it, but it also hijacks your browser...not just once, but over and over again.

To me, this is bordering on malware. After closing the multiple and repetitive nag pages that Acquisition hijacked Safari into loading for me, I promptly quit the application and trashed it. Simply out of principle, I do not support any app that hijacks other applications with nags, and I will not put up with such foolishness to simply evaluate shareware.

With that, I give Acquisition would give one star for "features", but I cannot evaluate the other categories since I am not willing to put up with its hijacking my web browser long enough to evaluate it.  
(Version 131.3)

FERRAK  I've had acquisition (paid for) for a couple years and for awhile it worked wonderfully. But for the last couple months, I try to download something and nothing happens, as if files are locked or frozen (I'm not too computer-literate so forgive the dumb analogy). Is there some simple way to fix this problem? what should I do? I'll totally appreciate any advice! thanks.  
(Version 131.3)

MIBRILANE  I am a registered user. For about half a year now, Acquisition yields few if any search results. Lately, with version 131.3, there are no results whatsoever. Gnutella isn't being blocked by my cable modem provider, as both Cabos and Acqlite yield results.

Acquisition has gotten prettier since the 120 version, but has ceased to work in any useful way.  
(Version 131.3)

UMIJIN  Where's my free dowload? I don't get it.

I purchased this app previously, and currently have 131.1 installed. When I booted it up, I get the 'Update Available' nag. Ufortunately, this opens the Aquisition home page. But the only 'Download' button takes me to a PayPal purchase link and there doesn't seem to be any free update or upload link.

What's up with that?  
(Version 131.3)

...  I have been using this piece of junk for well over a year and have to say, as of today - with Ver. 131.3 - this is the last version I will own. As the previous poster has mentioned - this application has a fatal BUG which KILLS all downloads and requres a Force Quit of the application. Upon relaunch, it is no longer able to re-asign ALL or ANY previously, partially downloaded files, leaving them useless - you have to start each new file again and again and again. And even when it does work: Acquisition requires constant updates & revisions by the 'one man band' developer - as many as 10+ per year - about 70% of all revisions fail and require another revision shortly after - it's so hit and miss, it's now time to advise that this piece of crap it a complete waste of money, bandwidth and time. Forget trying to contact the very arrogant developer Dave Watanabe - he never responds personally and the information on his webiste and blg page are minimal and misleading. DO NOT DOWNLOAD ACQUISITION - USE CABOS INSTEAD: --> http://cabos.sourceforge.jp/ ... it's not as pretty, but it's free and it just works ...  
(Version 131.3)

CHRISG5_UK  I've been a long time Acquisition user (yes )'m registered) and think its an excellent application, how ever the last 2 updates have had some odd side effects, like it keeps taking over my network so that any other app using the internet stalls. Also the download rate never seems to get above 20 Kb/s anymore, any one else getting this problem?  
(Version 131.3)

QUINCAN  Well done! Version of Acquisition 131.3 works again on (my) Panther!!! Hope it does also on yours. Bye!  
(Version 131.3)

PETER 232  I like it and paid for it. I am dumbfounded by the cheapskates who complain about paying for the work of the developer.

Sure its application is almost certainly illegal, but so is that of dope. And we all paid for that at some stage or another!

"Mr Dealer (whine, whine, whine), it's not fair that you make money for drugs while we are busy snivelling and holding our hats out for twenty cents while our girlfriend is strumming an out-of-tune guitar and moaning like a beaten whore (whine, whine, whine). It's not like you deserve any money for your work (whine, whine, whine, whine, whine)."

Well, actually, he does!  
(Version 131.3)

DOC RENAUD  LOL, David will kill you !  
(Version 131.3)

DOGSRCOOL2ME  Aquisition is now cutting off the ends of files and slowing down downloadd time alot if you are not regestered. I think this is because the people who made aquisition want money. This is two bad. Now that aquisition is geting slightly popular it is horrible. Use limewire.  
(Version 131.3)

QUINCAN  Older versions of Acquisition worked very well, then I downloaded the new version 131.2. Now nothing works anymore. Anybody knows why this could happen? I'm working on OS X 10.3.9. Thanks folks!  
(Version 131.2)

ASHAMI93  As usual, an excellent update. On my Intel iMac, it is blazing fast, and very stable. This app continues to the be the king of the P2P hill.  
(Version 131.1)

68KMLA  Who would be stupid enough to pay for a Kazaa-type P2P program?  
(Version 130.4)

SAES  While Acquisition works, in that it's an attractive and functional gnutella/bittorent client, it pains me to see the software totally crippled and reduced to nagware, in it's unregistered form. Version 130.4 introduces novel measures to entice (force) people to pay, which basically renders Acquisition useless until money is passed over. It's saddening to see this happen. If the developer alienates his market like this, I don't really see why we should pay for it. If he were to relax and allow the obvious merits of software to sell itself, I'd feel much happier paying. For the while though, I can't be bothered putting up with this, freer alternatives exist.   
(Version 130.4)

RIZZZOFOSHIZZO333  I'm not sure why someone would pay for this. I tied it and I was not that impressed. The thing is I have been using Acqlite for the past year, I thought I'd finally try Acquisition...their pretty much the same. Only difference is Acqlite is FREE. No nagware or donations! So why not keep your money?  
(Version 130.4)

EMELOISE  This is so greedy it's essentially sadistic.

I guess enough people pay the developer that he experiences some reinforcing, intermittent reward; enough to guarantee any 20 updates will be nothing but more and nastier nagware. For any who remember earlier versions, the application has become nearly unuseable. I hope someone will write the same application soon, cosmetically alter it and offer it pain-free.  
(Version 130.4)

GUIDOXX  Acquisition it's the best Gnutella client. Point.

I'm using it since 2 years ago, maybe more.

Never got problems, after a couple of months I've purchased the serial (with the €/$ change i've got a good price) and NEVER complained about that.

I prefer goving some cheapy 10€ for this software that 200€ for M$ Word...

I don't know, i'm sorry someone got problems with the programmer, but we're here for judging software, not for laggy emails or other problems.

Acquisition is really GREAT!!!  
(Version 130.3)

GMORGAN  DO NOT PAY FOR THIS UNTIL HE REMOVES THE DISHONESTY!! This is actually Donationware or Freeware. The version that downloads prior to “registration” is the complete application. Purchasing a registration code provides no additional features or enhanced performance, despite his bogus claim that “Registering will enable all features and ensure you get fast downloads.”. Once you purchase a “Single User” license, you are instructed to “Simply enter the following information in Acquisition's registration preference panel,” when, in fact, there is no registration panel in which to enter a registration code. I recently filed a grievance through PayPal to extract a refund from this guy after my emails were greeted with nonresponsiveness, followed by deception, derision, dismissiveness, and threats. PayPal agreed with me and processed a refund. It’s great software, but its creator is rude and dishonest. Enjoy his software, but don’t pay for something that doesn’t exist. This application should be relabeled Donationware or Freeware.  
(Version 130.3)

MBHOCKEY  Great Program...i had one poor experience with the developer a while, while back. But there is no doubt that his software his amazing. I like all of his stuff, actually. he's a very talented individual, and really gets how to program for Mac OS X. This is easily the best working and looking filesharing application available for MacOS X.

i had the unfortunate opportunity to use some 3rd party programs on Windows recently, and i just wanted to say its developers like Dave for the Mac that show just how much better even 3rd party apps are for our systems.

Thanks!  
(Version 130.3)

ARES  I am not an avid P2P user, but imho Acquisition is the best Limewire & Co clone. I don't know the developer (it seems he is not very kind and drives bad reviews) and I don't care about him, because I use the application not the guy :-D Thanks to him anyway, big thanks: the app is great. It can be used for free, works like a charm and the GUI seems made by Apple (perfect integration with iTunes). 5/5  
(Version 130.3)

JT_XIII  Overall this is a nipe app with a great, polished GUI. The downside is that bittorrent performance is terrible: connecting, alayzing... There is still no decent bittorrent client for intel macs...  
(Version 130.3)

ALEXIUSCA  About the update schedule. Personally, I -like- the fact that small-time developers have this flexibility. Or we could have a bi-yearly update schedule like Microsoft, would you like that?

- An Acq fan  
(Version 129.3)

ADFASDFASDFASDF  Folks who have never had any problem with Aq.: Why do you think might someone else try to contact the developer? Difficult question, I know, for someone without any troubles with this app. But give it a try: Why might I have tried to contact this guy? Bingo! Because * I * did have problems! And I'm still having problems with Aq. every day, even after trashing its prefs (and losing tons of partly downloaded files) several times, re-installing it over and over again... No update fixes Aq.'s issues (it keeps freezing downloads and "forgetting" them after restart).

You may say "love it or leave it". Yep, I would say so, too - if I hadn't paid for this crap. Thus, I have a right to get problems fixed, I have a right to contact the developer, I have a right to get an answer. - Three NOs.  
(Version 129.3)

NIGLETSYZ  A lot of people complain that the developer is rude, doesn't respond to legitimate bug issues, but seriously, there is rarely a time that will occur where the average user will encounter a problem that requires speaking with the developer to solve. I have never encountered a major bug issue with the 3+ years I've used the program. Some updates aren't as great as the last ones, but everything is usually resolved quickly as this program gets updated pretty often by the developer.

Acquisition downloads FAST, I mean FAST. I was clocking over 1.2 MB/sec with 30 simultaneous downloads, maxing out my 9 Mbps cable line. Searching yeilds good results, sometimes varying your keywords will help find the files quicker [e.g. {Greys Anatomy episode} vs. more a more specific search, {Greys Anatomy s02e15} (season 2 episode 15)]. The filters help rid the spam results that seem to becoming more common in the gnutella networks. Its stable, the GUI looks like it was designed by Apple, and its interface is easy to use, but not limited in features at all. I purchased it a few years back and feel it was one of the best investments I made for my mac.  
(Version 129.2)

BRETTD  I was extremely displeased to see Acquisition "take over" the BitTorrent filetype without my permission.

Also- any chance David can release a new version no more than once a month? These updates on practically a weekly basis seem to be little more than an attempt to constantly "bump" Acquisition in the "what's new today" display...or poor QA.

At the very least, tell us what the "misc fixes" that seem to be in every version are...give us the power to decide if we really need to download the update. Does it fix a data corruption bug? Is it a network protocol bug that causes Aquisition to be a bad "netzien" and we should download immediately? Etc.  
(Version 129.2)

ORION MK. V  Always works well for me. Attractive, intuitive and most importantly returns good search results.

Only one time did the app have problems, but I trashed the pref file and it worked again like a charm.  
(Version 129.2)

HUEVOX  I am a registered user. This is a fantastic great application! I don't know why anyone would need to contact the developer. I have never had a problem with it.  
(Version 129.2)

GIBLOW  Not surprising that developer never answers complaints or concerns, and just to illuminate anyone new to this: there's a reason why you only see all these positive reviews for the thing on his blog and other related sites. It's not because the positive experience reviews are lies or shills, but because he deletes and email-argues with anyone who tries to post any complaint or concern otherwise, so the only things that EVER make it online within his control are positive remarks.

Stick with macUpdate and any other site Watanabe DOESN'T have editorial control over. Sure, there might be some cynical remarks here, but at least they're not bowdlerized to death to make a sometimes-faulty app look like the next answer to Gnutella Heaven or something.  
(Version 129.1)

MONKEYMISSILE  128.3 didn't work at all for me, 128.5 is just fine. Guess I wasn't the only one! Thanks.  
(Version 128.5)

JON55  Im not even a registered user and I've been using this program for a very long time. I love it! Never crashes, stable, looks great, simple to use! Highly Recommended!  
(Version 128.5)

MACSTERDAM  I don't understand some of the negativity here. I've been a registered user for some time and never had any problems with this program nor with the developer. I've written him on a couple of occasions and always got a reply. As for version 128.3, I love the new interface. For me, the best just got better.   
(Version 128.3)

HP  This guy just doesn't savvy how to compile a decent app that does its job without crashing every day.

A. still loses downloads. Days and weeks of waiting vanish into A.'s nirvana.

A. is slower than ever. Click "resume" and start waiting for the beachball to go away. (A new and impressing nuisance; congratulations!)

The developer never answers to questions, remarks, complaints - even if you're a registered user.

SO WHY BUY THIS CRAP ???

I did buy it a year ago - and regret it every time I try to use it. Bad karma: spending money for an app whose only purpose is theft. Here I am, punished.  
(Version 128.3)

PLAYHER10X1  This is by far the best P2P and bittorrent software available for the Mac. No PC software or Mac software compares to the ease of use and reliability this software has. The interface is great and this software only gets better with each final release(not beta). I wish there was more software out there like this one that is so innovative. I recommend this software for all pirates and non-pirates alike. This software is great for legal and illegal activities. By the way PCs are trash. Microsoft is garbage. Bill gates should hang himself.  
(Version 128.3)

GFIUMARA  My mistake, the subtraction sign (-) should be an addition sign.

chmod +x path  
(Version 128.3)

THIRSTYROBOT  I paid for my license over a year ago without the least bit of hesitation. This app just keeps getting better and better.  
(Version 128.3)

TIM.DEHRING  I also have been using this for a number of years and cannot live without it. The developer is very active with this app and is always improving on it.  
(Version 128.3)

SETTANI  I have downloaded this app three times. Each time I try to launch nothing happens. Any sggestions ?  
(Version 128.3)

MACSTERDAM  Absolutely fantastic. Have used this for years and never a simgle problem The new look is even better. Thanks!  
(Version 128.3)

SHADOWNIGHT  This P2P app is simply the best - clean interface, EXCELLENT preferences for searching and finding what you want, fast, smart previews of downloaded music, and even encourages people not to steal music by placing links to Amazon or iTunes next to the search results... Unfortunately, I really don't think it should cost $18, since people just don't want to pay money for something like a P2P client, as good as it may be...

Also, although I haven't had problems, this developer is known to being not very nice...

But just considering the program, it certainly very Mac-like.  
(Version 127.1)

WHYATT THRASH  I dunno why Dave keeps updating this app, there's absolutely nothing missing... Great stability, clean GUI, totally mac-like. 5 stars all around.

If you want a free Gnutella app, use limewire. But once you've tried Acquisition, you'll never go back.  
(Version 127.1)

WARBRAIN  Is anybody else having problems finding any sort of results for searches? I know I have been...  
(Version 127.1)

PIRX  Good, clean, wholesome Gnutella fun. Delightful to use, and worth every penny.  
(Version 126.1)

J0SH0  Love Acquisiton, been using it since I upgraded to Os X. Recently, I've been trying to get into torrents and how to use them. But, when I search and download torrents and attempt to open them, nothing happens, it goes to the download screen, but there is no downloading happening. Please tell me if I am doing something wrong, or if there is something wrong that needs to be fixed. If I'm doing something wrong, could you help me out here? And, if there is something wrong with this version, I understand and you can take much time as you need to repair it. Thank you.  
(Version 126.1)

DREMWKR  Works as advertised, clean interface, easy to use, doesn't crash. A model Mac app.  
(Version 126.1)

UMIJIN  This is a working version of Acquisition, and it solved the crashing problem the last one caused.

Acquisition is a full featured P2P and (now) Torrent client. Search functions are well-developed, and support the use of non-roman characters (at least Japanese). Searches are also saved, so you can come back to them when you relaunch the app. You can filter your search results by type with the click of a button. However, the app doesn't remember the last filter you applied. (This wasn't true for earlier versions of Acquisition - don't know why it was removed).

Like other P2P clients, you can limit uploads, change connection numbers, search specific hosts. The current version has implemented a 'spam' filter which supposedly adapts to the type of spam you might encounter. You can select a file you know is junk, and Acquisition will add its characteristics to its Spam database.

Torrent usage is a recent feature, and it's still very basic. You don't have options for viewing torrent uploading, trackers, and stats like you do for 'BitsonWheels', for example. But this level of detail may be unnecessary to most people - number of peers/seeders may be enough. As for the speed of torrents, I have no way to benchmark - but it seems a bit slower than I anticipated.

Acquisition's strengths are in its user interface - very Mac-like and easy to use. It's also encouraging to see the developer make frequent updates to the app. So if you are a paid user, like me, you get your money's worth. However, the version numbering scheme is a bit overwhelming, and some versions really should not see the light of day (i.e., not released until thoroughly tested). The developer of this app can be easily contacted by email, and he often responds quickly to direct queries. However, be forewarned that patience and politeness are not 

his strengths - at least in my experience.  
(Version 125.3)

XTAL  was anyone able to remove the Amazon links from the search results panel?  
(Version 125.3)

GAOSHAN  Kind of like a tarted up, dumbed down second cousin of Limewire. Only not free, like Limewire. No contest... get Limewire.  
(Version 125.1)

CYBERDORK  Same problem here. Torrent downloads crash the app since updating from 124.1 to 125.1.  
(Version 125.1)

NEQER  Doesn't work anymore with torrents : I get the rainbow ball when trying to download one. Back to version 124...  
(Version 125.1)

UMIJIN  I just downloaded this update, installed it, and BAM - crashed. The app quit while it was 'updating some core elements'.

Please address this issue immediately.

-Paid User  
(Version 125.1)