AQ Plus? Orchid Wiz??
 

I'm undergoing quite a project as of late. I'm cataloging all my orchids, their growing requirements... temps, humidity, watering, light, rest period etc, as well as any quirks they might have. It's quite the task when you've managed to collect 100+ orchids in a short period of time! :faint: It's particularly compounded when you start to get curious about the heritage of a particular hybrid you've got... start wondering what cousins it's got... etc. :rofl:

I realize this all would be much easier, as would the research and addition of any new plants, if I had one of these nifty programs. I've been to the websites of both, and both claim somewhat similar things. Although, it does appear orchid wiz is much more comprehensive than aq plus. However, there is a HUGE price difference. I'm having a hard time stomaching the price on orchid wiz, plus updates.

So, my question is really... what's the difference between the two? Pros? Cons? Compare & contrast? Is there anyone here who has both? I'd like to hear your thoughts!

I know that AQ+ is what the AOS judges use when judging. That said I have heard same AOS judges muttering that they wish AOS would let them use OW instead. When OW updates in June there will be a new feature to enter data on your own orchids which I think is pretty nifty. I bought it when the first special was offered to OB members and I love it. I know I use it at least once a day to look plants up. It's very user friendly and it has loads of cross references and pictures, plus a whole lot more.

I'm holding out until Orchid Wiz comes out with a version for Mac. I know, I know... you can run Windows on a Mac, blah blah, etc. But I prefer to wait, albeit stubbornly. :(( :biggrin:

Thanks so much for the info Terri. I somehow missed that the new update will allow you to put in your own information! I will have to check into this. :biggrin: That would be incredibly helpful! It sure sounds like you're getting a lot of use out of it. I think I probably would too.

I guess if AOS judges are mumbling about wanting to use OW instead of AQ, that says something too.

:lol: Stephen, I sometimes forget that there are macs out there without windows! It seems like windows has infiltrated everything, but from what I hear, the mac OS is pretty good too. Hopefully OW comes out with a version for you soon :)

I have OW and I have to say its freakin awesome! Im dont know if you know of the Baker orchid care sheets (Orchid Culture - Charles and Margaret Baker) but these guys have done EXTENSIVE work on individual orchid care sheets and all of their stuff is included with OW (ie. every species they worked on is in OW). A lot of their info has also been transferred to easy to read format with various charts that significantely enhance what the Baker's did. Thats in addition to the pics, some of which are provided by our very own Mauro Rosim (so you know they are good!). While Ive never used AQ, I would definitely recommend OW to anyone who is serious about keeping, collecting, breeding, whatever their orchids. It hurts to buy, but the pain quickly subsides when you realize what you got!

OW has all the AQ+ awards anyway doesn't?

Orchidwiz is highly recommended and is a very impressive program. It's an investment.

I agree :biggrin:

I have OW and use it all the time. There is just so much info on each plant! Before, I used to go search everything on internet, and it took a while. Now, a few clicks and everything you could possibly want to know is there. If you do get it, I would hold out until June so you can get the new version with an orchid log. I have to remember to buy the maintenance plan before then, so that I get the update!

Hey when does it go on sale? Version 6.0 I mean.

Any idea? I should really check the website......lol.

The next quarterly update to OW will be released in June...I think that's also when the upgrade to the new version comes along.

For anybody thinking of ordering the program, once you use it you'll wonder how you got along without it before! :lol:

In my opinion, IF you're going to buy the program, part of the purchase should include getting the maintenance program...it saves a LOT of $$$ along the way :nod:

As far as I understand it, AQ has all prior award info which is awesome info to have if you're having your plants judged...but I think OW has more useful everyday information. I'm looking forward to the journaling option, really hoping Alex has it ready for the next upgrade :Tup:

I run Orchid Wiz on a Mac with Fusion, I couldn't be without it really.. it's come in handy so many times. I absolutely cannot wait for the new version, so exciting!

I sort of doubt Alex will come out with a native Mac version, although I did see a post he made on facebook asking if there was any interest in a iPhone version. Then again who knows? :)

Thanks so much for the input everyone! :thankyou

I think I better understand the core difference between the programs now... and the reason there is such a price difference. AQ Plus mainly focuses on judging and awards, while OW maintains much more information not related to judging.

The cataloging your own plants would be a HUGE plus for me, since that's what I'm in the process of doing on my own using Microsoft access. And yes, I'm spending a lot of time researching to get the information that I am getting. I enjoy it, but it sure is time consuming. I also get distracted easily by finding some info I need on a website.... and then wanting to read a lot more stuff that I don't really need, but is interesting!

Looks like I'll wait to see what the June update holds. I'll start saving my pennies! It's going to be tough because I'm also saving for a greenhouse! :biggrin:

Nichole, it is well worth the price. :)

I understand that lots of folks can't afford to spend so much on a software program...and I always tell folks that bills and everything else comes before orchids or anything to do with them but if you can afford it, you will not be sorry. I can't imagine not having it.

Please also think about the maintenance program...it's a chunk of $$ at one time but saves SO much money along the way...each quarterly update (which you do not have to get, you can get just one per year and it will have all the pertinent info. You just won't have it at the time it became available) costs $$ and then the upgrade costs more $$. The maintenance plan really discounts what those numbers come to individually.

:Tup:

I keep hoping that Alex and the AOS could come to an arrangement that would give Alex the award photos and relieve the AOS of having to develop "software" win win for the users. I like OW!!

Yeah I've been on the maintenance plan for a couple of years and highly recommend that instead of just buying it as a one off.

I'm surprised more people don't have it.