(Posted to the "astro", "MAPUG", and "shallow-sky" mailing lists. Sorry
for the duplication if you see this more than once, but I expect each
group will have a different-but-relevant perspective on the issue.)

First, I know it's only been shipping for a week or so, but has anyone
out there tried "Guide 7" yet? Can you compare it to any other current
packages?

At the moment I'm waffling between Guide (which seems to be good
at rendering nebulae and reasonable at Solar system modelling) and
Starry Night Deluxe (which seems to excel at Solar system modelling
and photo-realism, while lacking in areas like nebula outlines).
Also, please let me know if my summaries of these products strengths
and weaknesses are inaccurate in your opinion (and why).

FWIW, I *think* I've already decided against Megastar (which seems to
excel at database accuracy/cross-referencing), ECU, and SkyMap Pro for
various reasons. And also against The Sky (level IV) mainly for price.

Important features for my purposes: A easily-read, uncluttered display
(with no "gaudy" rendering of star magnitudes); a reasonably deep and
accurate object database; good rendering of extended object outlines;
accurate modelling of solar system objects (including Jovian satellite
and spot events, Lunar occultations, etc.); and control of an LX-200.
(quite a small order, isn't it?!!!)

I don't particularly care about it being a good observing planner/log
or printing fancy star charts. Mainly I just want accurate ephemerides
and visualization.

Anyone with similar preferences out there? What do you use/like?
Any other thoughts? TIA !!

Mark

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