Re: Softdent Question


Disclaimer: I don't know anything about SoftDent.

Software/hardware techs tend to be kinda expensive. Especially the
vendor's techs. They can be *a whole lot* more expensive than any
hardware, no matter how outrageous the markup.

The decision, I think, is a function of two variables:

1) How computer-savvy are you and your wife? Do you have any
computer-savvy people around you?

2) Is SoftDent a well-tested, bullet-proof shrink-wrap product like MS
Word with a straightforward installation process? Or is it one of these
poorly tested, rapidly changing niche market software products out
there that really should not have been released just yet in the first
place. If it's the latter, and something goes wrong (e.g. SoftDent
gives you The Blue Screen of Death once or twice a day) your custom
hardware and, more importantly, custom *software configuration* might
make it a troubleshooting nightmare for their techs in case something
goes wrong. Especially if there is an angry dentist yelling at you over
the phone. Been there, done that.

If you were located here in the NW, I would have been glad to help you
for free, and then my recommendation would have been to go with
custom-purchased and perhaps even used hardware (why not, there are
great 2004 or 2005 boxes available for almost free; I can't imagine
software like SoftDent having a huge footprint, but that's easy to find
out). You've created some good karma for yourself by answering our
stupid questions, so if you post your location, maybe a good samaritan
local to you will help you. It's pretty easy.

Hope this helps.

.