JEOL Probe Users Listserver Moderator: Ellery Frahm, [log in to unmask], Electron Microprobe Lab, University of Minnesota Post a message: send your message to [log in to unmask] Unsubscribe: send "SIGNOFF PROBEUSERS" to [log in to unmask] On-line help and FAQ: http://probelab.geo.umn.edu/listserver.html * On Aug 31, 2005, at 1:13 AM, John J. Donovan wrote: > That statement regarding a "fraction of what Jeol charges" is based > on what ______ told me that Jeol quoted them for the ______ > upgrade. _____ told me he was happy to buy my product because it > was both cheaper and better. But I have to admit, I've never seen > the quote from Jeol. > john [edits above are mine] As I said in my earlier post, I have heard good things about PfW, and I mentioned some of the additional features that are not available with the JEOL propriety software. And as I stated, we are spending a lot of money for no increase in functionality, whereas a migration to PfW would give us additional features. One of the main reasons we didn't opt to switch to PfW was a training issue -- we have dozens of users that would need to be retrained. It was certainly not at all that I thought PfW was an lesser product. In fact, I've not yet had a chance to use it, and I look forward to playing around thoroughly with it sometime. And I will be the first to admit that the JEOL propriety software is not perfect and certainly not the "best" or only way to run a probe. I don't know if the upgrade you mentioned was done under a service contract. If not, perhaps the cost is significantly more to do an upgrade. We also have a 8900R. Perhaps an instrument of a slightly earlier vintage, like a 8900L, would cost more. It is also possible that HP's line of compatible workstations has decreased in cost, or it is possible that JEOL has lowered their install charges in the face of increased competition. It could very well be that JEOL did charge significantly more to do a workstation upgrade to older instruments, especially for those instruments not covered under a service contract. However, those labs in a similar situation as mine should be find a similar result from quote requests. Which is cheaper would very highly among different situations. This particular statement was true in some situations, but it is clearly not universal. Let's all just be careful in the future with similar statements. If anyone uses "I heard from so-and-so..." statements, we are dealing with anecdotal evidence. Granted, this isn't a peer-reviewed journal, but don't be surprised if someone else had a difference experience or has different information -- they might feel obligated to share it. Best, Ellery -------------------- Ellery E. Frahm Research Scientist/Manager Electron Microprobe Laboratory University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Department of Geology & Geophysics Lab Website: http://probelab.geo.umn.edu