I've been using Pure data since i first got my 40h. I'm now thinking of
splashing out on max/msp and was wondering if anybody out there can
offer some comments with regards to the benefits of max over pd.

its prettier!

user-friendliness is a huge factor for me.

- The drawback of Max/MSP is that it's closed and proprietary - and not 
running on all platforms (not even on Win2k anymore). :(

So even if the patches contributed by people are free, it's similar to 
the "Java Trap" (http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/java-trap.html) that 
existed before they made it GPL: You can't freely share your stuff, 
because it's limited by one part it depends on - in this case: Max/MSP.


- Another advantage of pd is, due to its open nature, that it has been 
ported not only to several other OS, but also other devices like iPod, 
PDAs, GP2x, etc... So your pd knowledge has a higher reusability factor.


- If I ain't mistaken, pd has less latency (Windows). Please correct me 
if I'm wrong.


- And, yup, kid-sputnik is right: Max is prettier - for now. But would 
you date someone just because of their looks, when you know that 
he/she's just trying to make you depend on him/her?    ;)

>yup, kid-sputnik is right: Max is prettier - for now.
>But would you date someone just because of their looks,
>when you know that he/she's just trying to make you
>depend on him/her?    ;)

I would have to consider the exact nature of the dependency... and just 
what it provides over the possibly more wholesome alternative.

Short answer: I love pd, but Max is way better in bed. ;)

Max/MSP has a fully functional 30 day trial period, arp1618.  Why not 
try it and see if you can resist?

> Why not try it and see if you can resist?

what a way to put it...


can i resist? no.

30 day trial for max ran out months ago, before i started on PD. If 
there are no real functional benefits i think i'll stick with PD. Thanks 
for your opinions.

Can PD be compiled down to a standalone .exe?

No idea! Can Max?

>No idea! Can Max?

Yes, Max can create stand-alone apps.

You can also create VST plug-ins from Max patches, but users do have to 
install the Pluggo runtime to make them go.  It's free.