I've followed a few of the threads on the VS-700 issues with X2.  With the upgrade offer for X2 at an all time low, I'm tempted to jump in.  But I have questions.
 
Is X2a functionality finally on par with X1d?  Are there still significant issues?  What, if anything, is missing?
 
What are the benefits of X2 over X1?  What new features make it worth the switch?
 
Is there any single feature that makes X2 a "no brainer"?  
 
Is there any single feature that's missing (or broken) in X2 that makes staying with X1 the better choice?
 
Thanks in advance for any advice you may offer.  :)
 
~ Heather
 

When are we all going to realize that user actions and computer hardware differences make these questions an ongoing thing. I think even the techs are "working with it". Do you think that any product support division wants to not have an answer to your problem? We are working with systems that are complex. We as artists, work in a different regimen. Making it fit into the artists realization is the ongoing work in progress. Ask any engineer.

Craig,
 
Your reply doesn't make sense in the context of my question.  What are you replying to, exactly?  I'm not complaining.  I didn't present a problem.  I'm looking for helpful input on whether it's worthwhile to upgrade from X1d to X2a.  That's all.  Do you have any such input, or answers to any of the questions I actually asked?
 
Thanks,
 
Heather

It does make sense Heather. Make some more sense out of it. I've tried to help you before, but you want instant answers to unknown variables. Ones that you don't understand enough to state in clear terms. Is your system and work flow habit going to work without glitch in X2A? It would seem by now the amount of variable problems would alert you that hardware and user use create different problems.

Craig, you don't seem to have a clue what you're talking about.  My last post was over a year ago.  I don't have any current problems, and I certainly haven't asked for "instant answers to unknown variables".     I happen to understand this stuff very well, thank you very much.  But since you brought it up, as I recall, you were never able to help with any of the issues I brought to the forums.  In fact, I found solutions myself or through support, and none of them were close to anything you tried to suggest.   But that is neither here nor there.
 
My question here was perfectly honest, straightforward and reasonable.  It didn't deserve a snarky response.

Again, all I was looking for was feedback and advice about whether it's worthwhile to upgrade from X1d to X2a.  That's it.  No " instant answers to unknown variables".  Certainly no insults about what I understand or don't understand.  I'm not talking about issues or problems.  Just.  Simple.  Advice.  
 
Preferably from someone who actually comprehends the question. 

I got your post today. In my email. The post says 1 hour ago. Never mind, I won't respond to your posts anymore.

CrgNever mind, I won't respond to your posts anymore.

 
Perfect.  Thank you.

Heather,
 
Here's my view - maybe that helps :-)
 
Is X2a functionality finally on par with X1d?  Are there still significant issues?  What, if anything, is missing?
I think X2a is better than X1d - definitely in terms of Sonar stability and integration with the VS-700; Cake did close some gaps, but some VS-700 Features, which were there in 8.5.3, are still not supported / functional (channel locking, branch functionality, take lane handling, ...)

What are the benefits of X2 over X1?  What new features make it worth the switch?
What Cake annouced as the new great thing was touch capability, but that is irrelevant for me ... other than that I don't see many differences ... apart from porbably several hundred bug fixes
 
Is there any single feature that makes X2 a "no brainer"?  
Better VS-700 support ... at least that was it for me

Is there any single feature that's missing (or broken) in X2 that makes staying with X1 the better choice?
no. none of what i use on a regular basis. i think what was in X1d is still all there and functional, plus better VS-700 handling ...
 
you can install X2d and X1d in parallel. so there is no risk to your workflow. the risk is just $$$ when purchase the upgrade
 
I'm a bit worried, though, as X2b is overdue but not showing up. cake might try to sell us their next round of required bug-fixes as X3 ...

FreeFlyBertlHere's my view - maybe that helps :-)

 
Very helpful indeed, and just the kind of input I was looking for.  Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions!  :)
 
The "better VS-700 support" sounds encouraging.  In what way is the VS-700 better supported by X2a as opposed to X1d?  
 
Your concerns about X2b being MIA are definitely something to think about.  I'm still torn.  It seems there are a lot of both positives and negatives about X2 vs X1.  
 
I'm still really interested in hearing the opinions of others, as well.  
 
Thanks again!  :)

Hi Heather, I have to echo Rob's comments.
 
There is no doubt the improvement to 700C control that X2 brings is the one thing that kept this user making music with Sonar. X1 was a dog with the 700C IMO but I think it only barked the most if you'd been amazed at the workflow you could previously achieve with 8.5.3 and the 700C. It was not perfect but it was incredibly fluid... I have a disclaimer though... I am not a big MIDI fanatic and don't have loads of exotic plugs etc etc...what happens here is we track with the best outboard we can and use the 700C to mix and playback as well as get some nice workflow enhancements like automation and touch faders etc etc. I do also still find wav editing with the 700C pretty clumsy. Make no mistake though... there is still much the 700C 'could' do but we have to accept at this stage that Cake have dropped this product unless we see something great in the next release.
 
Anyway....there is simply so much function in Sonar now as Rob says that the mouse get a lot more use. Personally it meant putting away the track ball and going back to traditional mouse usage because trackballs are great but a standard mouse is a lot easier to be really accurate and quickly functional with..at least for me anyway . Plus after the X1 dramas, it made things a lot easier again.
 
Soooooo if you have a 700C...definitely jump on to X2. Do not pass GO... IMO (+Rob's too  ).
Cheers!