[PD] max msp vs pd

[Thomas Grill]

Hi Matt,

> Ok i'm curious .... why would someone spend 400 dollars on max when 
> you can get pd for free.  Is it because of the ability to make 
> plugin's using pluggo.  But can't you make plug-ins from pd as well.   
> I was going to buy max but i came across pd and thought,  "this is 
> great..max for free."  Am i wrong.  And yes i read about the 
> differences .. but they don't justify 400 dollars.

i use both programs on a regular basis.
Realizing things in PD usually takes more time (for me at least), 
probably because the help reference is far more usable and there are 
built-in GUI objects which allow for better interaction with the 
patches.
As i teach both PD and Max/MSP i can tell by the experiences with the 
students that Max/MSP is easier to start with, first because 
configuration is much more intuitive and second because of the 
tutorials and the amounts of documentation. Things usually also work 
instantly, without need for consulting the forum.
PD on the other hand runs on linux, which is preferable for 
installations. Since it's open-source bugs can be fixed quickly and new 
features be implemented without being dependent on the maintainers, so 
PD is more customizable than Max/MSP.

gr~~~