bartelsmedia

Yes, there is Synergy. We know. But try ShareMouse first and then compare, please.

* ShareMouse supports Drag & Drop of files in BOTH directions.

* OSX Mavericks support

* No configuration required

* Works in any direction (no "slave"/"master" thing)

* Clipboard sync including formatted text and bitmaps

* Free for 2 computers (learn more at http://www.keyboard-and-mouse-sharing.com/freeware.htm)

* And many more: http://www.keyboard-and-mouse-sharing.com/features.htm

In fact I really enjoyed the discussion with Rafe.

I believe, that our pricing model was just the trigger for him to reflect on software pricing in general. It certainly isn't his everyday purchase decisioning scheme. :)

Pricing really is a very tricky thing. Especially for software where there is no cost of distribution. Users have to realize that there are a lot more factors that need to be taken into account than just development or delivery cost.

> can I share only on demand?

Yes, you can.

> less portable

There is a portable option

> and it costs $50 that would be better spent on blackjack

Oh, we should always listen to such kind of advisers.

> $25/machine is enough to make people think and you're suddenly out of impulse.

And this is ABSOLUTELY intentional.

We do NOT want impulse purchases. We don't believe that it is ethical to lure/seduce users to rush to their credit cards.

We don't believe that it is for any good if people buy something and then perhaps realize that they don't need it, are not able to use it properly and waste everybody's time in support and finally perhaps request a refund and are left with an unhappy experience.

No thanks.

We rather want users to be convinced. The software itself shall stand out and trigger the purchase decision. Not the price tag and not any sales tactics.

I believe, that there are cultural differences between the US and Europe regarding sales approaches but we are just fine with that.

Try the software. Become confident with it. Check prices. Review your options. Try other programs. Be back and we welcome you.

> And I think that ShareMouse is overpriced. $25 per computer?

Don't hesitate and make a suggestion. We have everything from "it should be free" to "It works so well, I'd paid $100" so far.

Thank you for your support.

> I also hope that [..] the company won't feel a need to diverge into multiple half-baked products.

You bet. Since 1998, we have a small set of well-maintained software products. ShareMouse is not a quick shot. We are here for the long run.

> I would be more interested in his reasons to abandon Synergy.

Please check out http://www.keyboard-and-mouse-sharing.com/synergy-alternativ... for more info.

We doubt it because it is a niche market, not a mass market.

Additionally, as said in the article, the support load increases and the "quality" of support inquiries is affected by the app price.

> $24.90 per computer, when the software is literally useless without two computers, should be $50 per pair + $24.90 for 3rd, 4th, etc.

Uhm, but the price is just that as you said: 2 x $24.90 = $49.80 which makes around $50 per pair.

The decision to sell individual licenses is made because it makes it easier to offer add-on licenses which you can conviniently add later at any time. I agree though, that we may need to improve how to communicate it.

Sharemouse also include Drag & Drop of files between Mac and Windows: http://www.keyboard-and-mouse-sharing.com/demo.htm

Difference is, that vmware does this on one computer only.

ShareMouse, however, allows drag & drop between multiple Windows and Mac computers. Try THAT with vmware.