VS 2005 Standard or Professional?

[JPicasso]

I"m considering getting myself a copy for home. At work we use the Professional version of VS2005.

Does anyone use the "Standard" version, and do you konw of any serious drawbacks? the pricing is $260 vs $720. That's some serious money for a second copy to have at home.

[RobDog888]

Here is a comparison that should help you decide.


http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/products/compare/

[JPicasso]

I've seen that,
but what exatcly is "Simplified menu options and defaults"
and "SQL Server 2005 Integration"??

those seem to be the big differences. and crystal reports, which I can do without.

Also, I'm concerned I"ll have to do some hacking to get projects from work on Professional to load/save on Standard. Anyone have any first hand exp?

[Hack]

Standard versions of everything are always subpar to the Professional or Enterprise versions.

Goe with at least Professional, but Enterprise is always better.

[RobDog888]

If you have Pro at work then you probably want to be safe and go with Pro at home too since you are going to be working on the same project at both locations.

Ps Hack, there isnt a Enterprize version. Your probably thinking VB 6.

[ducky]

If you have 2005 at work you may be able to install it at home too. Check the eula which may say you can install at home too. However since your company licensed it to you, if you're thinking of writting aps for other than yourself then they may have a complaint. Otherwise if its for personal use or work from home you may be good to go.

[JPicasso]

One of the "problems" is that I am currently employed as a contractor.

If I was an employee, then yeah, I'd ask for a copy right away. But I ain't.
And while I would probably only do work for these guys, concievably, I might do some work outside this company.

$700+ ain't worth it. I'll just play games at home.

[RobDog888]

The EULA usually has a clause that allows you to install it on one laptop if being used 20% of the time as compared to having the original install on a regular system 80% of the time. Basically they let you install it on your system and laptop knowing that working off site is common.

[mendhak]

Standard wouldn't be much of a problem for you if you're a good c0dder. Because you won't need the wizards and can get most of what you need accomplished.

[Slaine]

You might want to approach a Microsoft Reseller and ask them about an open value agreement. You can make significant savings if you take out a Software Assurance Pack over a three year contract and pay in installments.