Datacolor User to User Support Group.

Let me repost this, with a more descriptive title, since these may be the most asked questions this month:

Display Calibration: There is no way to use the new Spyder4 software with Spyder3 hardware. The new device has significant internal changes, so there is no way to upgrade your Spyder3 to use the Spyder4 apps. 

Printer Profiling: No changes to the hardware (though the finish and logo will change at some point) so Datacolor will continue to support all older devices with the new SpyderPrint software. Don't get too excited, as this is a housekeeping update, and while there may be a bug fix or two, it won't contain any feature changes from the previous version on our site. 

Spyder3 to Spyder4 "upgrades": There is no such thing as hardware upgrade, it's just a new product, same as with other companies. Historically, once the initial demand for a new Spyder has been caught up with (it usually takes a few months, Datacolor only has one factory) user loyalty programs, trade in or rebate programs appear. These are regional in nature, as the regulations and practicalities vary. 

If your current Spyder is doing the job nicely for the displays you currently own, you might choose to wait and see what offers arise in the future, or you might wait until you get a new display of a more challenging type. Or you might rush out and line up overnight at B&H to be the first photographer in your town to own a Spyder4. Personally, I'd suggest ordering online; it's cold out at night this time of year!

C. D. Tobie
Global Product Technology Mngr.
Imaging Color Solutions
Datacolor.com
CDTobie@...

On Jan 8, 2012, at 8:42 AM, Cdtobie <CDTobie@...> wrote:

> I believe I've covered this all in some detail already on this list, which is why I was terse last time. Sorry if that caused any confusion. Simply put:
> 
> Display Calibration: There is no way to use the new Spyder4 software with Spyder3 hardware. The new device has significant internal changes, so there is no way to upgrade your Spyder3 to use the Spyder4 apps. 
> 
> Printer Profiling: No changes to the hardware (though the finish and logo will change at some point) so Datacolor will continue to support all older devices with the new SpyderPrint software. Don't get too excited, as this is a housekeeping update, and while there may be a bug fix or two, it won't contain any feature changes from the previous version on our site. 
> 
> Spyder3 to Spyder4 "upgrades": There is no such thing as hardware upgrade, it's just a new product, same as with other companies. Historically, once the initial demand for a new Spyder has been caught up with (it usually takes a few months, Datacolor only has one factory) user loyalty programs, trade in or rebate programs appear. These are regional in nature, as the regulations and practicalities vary. 
> 
> If your current Spyder is doing the job nicely for the displays you currently own, you might choose to wait and see what offers arise in the future, or you might wait until you get a new display of a more challenging type. Or you might rush out and line up overnight at B&H to be the first photographer in your town to own a Spyder4. Personally, I'd suggest ordering online; it's cold out at night this time of year!
> 
> C. David Tobie
> Global Product Technology Manager
> Imaging Color Solutions
> Datacolor inc. 
> cdtobie@datacolor.com
> www.datacolor.com
> 
> On Jan 8, 2012, at 8:14 AM, "Mike" <mikesellers@...> wrote:
> 
> > Are you saying there IS a software update in the works for this device? When will it be available?
>