StuffIt Deluxe 2009 offers a unique shortcut device it calls Droplets. Users can create a macro to perform a task and assign it to a Droplet. The Droplet is saved in the user's Smith Micro folder under Local Settings (this is why you need to know about that folder), and from there can be moved anywhere convenient, such as the desktop. By clicking the Droplet icon, you can apply the macro as needed without actually launching StuffIt. The Droplet operates as a mini-app all by itself. So, if you frequently bundle files and e-mail them, or burn them to a CD (for example), you can create a Droplet to handle that task, put the icon on the desktop, and click on it whenever you need it.
StuffIt Deluxe 2009 will also create SEAs — Self-Extracting Archives — as .exe files which will expand themselves without the recipient needing a zip application of their own to access the material.
StuffIt Deluxe 2009 has a MSRP of $49.99, with an upgrade price of $19.99 for users who have an earlier version. Users who are running a 64-bit version of Windows XP or Vista should note that StuffIt Deluxe 2009 requires a patch to run under these operating systems, and some users have reported compatibility issues.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Wow... No offense,but, I was surprised to hear that StuffIt still exists.
With available solutions like WinRAR($21) and the free 7-Zip, why would I pay 50 bucks for software that does a little bit better compressing?! Seriously,its a legit question about the lack of information covered in your review.
"Droplets" and Blu Ray support don't really justify the cost. Honestly, Do you have a Blu Ray burner? And whose still using CDs to cart around data?? Never mind storing 50+ GBs of compressed info on a Blu Ray disc. With the advent of Flash/SSD memory, I don't see expensive & bulky programs like this sticking around.
2 - Vyrdolak
It certainly has its uses, especially for people who aren't tech-savvy, which is nearly everyone. *Lots* of people still burn CDs and DVDs, and flash drives have their limitations. StuffIt is aimed at people who aren't necessarily geeks or techies and are still using older systems because they can't afford to upgrade. They also aren't tech-savvy enough to understand apps written for techies. You might be surprised how many such people there are.
I use StuffIt chiefly for bundling publishing files (Amazon Kindle files have to be zipped) and extracting files from other platforms that people send me.
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Well... That's exactly where I was coming from. From the less experienced point of view. A non "Techie" wouldn't be concerned with burning anything to blu ray and even though Flash Drives have limitations (which are few & far between), most non "Techies" don't even come close to maxing out the storage sizes that are now available especially if its dedicated to data purposes. The geek would be enthralled with Blu Ray capabilities along with a new mini-app set of features(Droplets).
Fact of the matter is, if you are not a PC geek, then you're most certainly not going to pay for compression software, never mind 50 bucks for a core product which you could easily get for free(7-Zip). Honestly, it's not like these other solutions are unheard of...
4 - Dave
Even if you are a pc geek why are you going to pay for software that is available freely?