BTP 1.5 Beta is out now.

[mrkristofo]

As many little nit picks I have with it, it's as good if not better than the other packages available. Beersmith has a few more presets so it's more intuitive for the beginner, but there are enough folks using BTP now that they can help you figure things out. I'd go for it.

I'm gonna have to agree with Bobby. It's certainly a very solid beta, other than that folder problem we discussed in the bugs problem (now solved in 1.5.2).

Other than that, I'd like to see the inventory recognize hops by type, not by type AND alpha acid. I mean, sure, it's nice to know if I have some 5.0% cascades when the recipe calls for and ounce them, but it would be better if it would point out if I had some 6.0% cascades, and better yet if it told me I only needed 0.8oz.

Keep up the good work, Lathe.

 

[brewt00l]

I totally agree that it is really solid for a beta version.

It's nice to see someone really listen to what the user community wants out of the product and really work with trying to create that elusive "best" take on the features requested! Jeff and Lathe's participation with the user base and the upgrade path were two factors when I made the decision to purchase BTP.

 

[scottfro]

so do registered users get updates for free for life?

 

[BeerTools Pro]

We hope to be adding features to BTP for a very long time. We wish we were at the version 10 feature set..but we are a little company in which we all have day jobs.

So...1.5 is a free upgrade...as for free upgrades for life...hard to say...how long do you plan on living? :cross:

Thanks gang...keep up the good work!

Lathe
BeerTools

 

[the_bird]

I really, really wish that you guys would offer a short free trial, a la BeerSmith and ProMash. I'd consider moving over from BeerSmith, but it's hard to say whether I'll like it better or not just looking at a few screenshots.

 

[BeerTools Pro]

Bird,

That's what this is all about. 1.5 brings with it a demo.

Lathe
BeerTools

 

[the_bird]

Ah, sweetness. I'll definately check it out.

 

[Jonnio]

Ah, sweetness. I'll definately check it out.

Same, I was going to pull the trigger on Beersmith today, but now I will have to hold off until I can try out BTP.

 

[Bobby_M]

As someone who has used beersmith and BTP, I can honestly say there are pros and cons to each. Beersmith is a little more developed as its been around longer but BTP is a little more pretty and flexible. There's no way you'll be able to appreciate which one is better without using them for a couple batches. This is even more true if you're used to one and try an alternate. You'll hate the new one.

 

[barrycycles]

Whats the latest?

B

 

[Brew-boy]

I have used both and I perfer BTP much better. The new 1.5.3b is great and they are adding new features all the time with the new updates.

 

[scottfro]

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! the demo needs to come out!

 

[Brewing Clamper]

Hey bobby, have you added "vessels" and "heat sources" to your BTP? How did that work for ya?

 

[mrkristofo]

Hey bobby, have you added "vessels" and "heat sources" to your BTP? How did that work for ya?

I've wondered if it's worth the time/effort to do that, too.

 

[fusion94]

I would love to try out BTP for the Mac but am unwilling to put down cash for something I may not even like.

Am I missing something or is there no demo?

 

[brewt00l]

Page 4 of this thread in reply to that question:

Bird,

That's what this is all about. 1.5 brings with it a demo.

Lathe
BeerTools

One can only wonder how much business they have thrown to beersmith and promash by not having a demo.

 

[fusion94]

Page 4 of this thread in reply to that question:



One can only wonder how much business they have thrown to beersmith and promash by not having a demo.

fair enough...i overlooked that thread...so there's a demo in beta...guess I'll wait a bit longer then.

 

[Bobby_M]

Hey bobby, have you added "vessels" and "heat sources" to your BTP? How did that work for ya?

I have added vessels but I haven't gone through the calibration just yet because I'm about to switch to a KEG MLT. These calibrations, in theory, will help you know how long it will take to heat water, nail strike temps, and know of all your resultant temps. We'll see.

 

[Brewmeister Jeff]

Does anyone want to share a demo so I can compare.

Has anyone seen a release date?

 

[Bobby_M]

Well, no, there's no demo. It's just that the next major release will have a demo. That release is 1.5 and it is currently being beta tested by people who had already purchased a previous version. As a current user, I can tell you that you cannot go wrong with either BTP or Beersmith. Buy one of them.

 

[Brewmeister Jeff]

I currently have Beersmith and like it - I just wanted to see the difference.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

BTP is a stand alone program, correct? It is not dependent on an internet connection... just making sure. My internet is slow in the basement where I brew 80% of the time.

Thanks, I think I will be going with BTP because it looks nice and obviously the support is customer orientated and progressive.

 

[olllllo]

BTP is a stand alone program, correct? It is not dependent on an internet connection... just making sure. My internet is slow in the basement where I brew 80% of the time.

Thanks, I think I will be going with BTP because it looks nice and obviously the support is customer orientated and progressive.

Stand alone but I believe it needs to ping a server after install to verfiy a valid copy.

 

[MNBugeater]

Thanks, I think I will be going with BTP because it looks nice and obviously the support is customer orientated and progressive.

This is a blessing and a curse if you ask me. It's great to have an active use community that can assist with support. But I also like having structured support that actually addresses how to use the software.

I have been really disappointed with the support model for BTP. The documentation on their Wiki is incomplete and more importantly, the online Wiki support link in the current version goes to the even more incomplete Wiki for version 1.5 that only beta testers have and isn't appropriate for the 1.1 version that paid users have.

I too am anxiously awaiting the 1.5 general release to see if the short comings have been fixed and if the supporting documentation is accurate.

 

[McKBrew]

E-mail from Beer Tools today that the new version will be ready for download on September 2nd.

 

[Brew-boy]

I have using the 1.5 for around 3 months now in Beta form, you will like it a lot. Yes I know the online help is still weak but I still like the program better than Pro mash or beer smith.

 

[Bobby_M]

It's a good program and I'm anxious to see how the documentation has been improved. There was an apparent lull towards the end of the beta where they said they were working on documentation and then it would go live. I mean, it's been like 2 months since they did any bug fixing on it so the docs should be more robust. They also hinted that prior versions have been offered at an introductory price. It sounds like they're confident in the new functionality such that it will support a higher price. It better be a slam dunk to compete with beersmith then.

 

[brewt00l]

I mean, it's been like 2 months since they did any bug fixing on it so the docs should be more robust.

There was a new beta update version avail the other day....1.5.11 or some such

edit: v1.5.11 2008-08-13

 

[Shay]

1.5 is released to the public now. I downloaded it last night. The interface looks like a different, but I have used it enough to see the functional changes.

 

[Bobby_M]

I would expect to see quite a bit of new BTP discussions here now that it includes a free trial period. In fact, maybe I'll start a new thread since this one was about the beta.