VP-200 vs VP-400
Marc, I do applaud you on your inovation, you are doing things that others aren't, however, as a person involved in business performance management, I have often seen successful businesses make a wrong turn, or for that matter, a product too far ahead of the market.
However, the successful ones know when to take a step back and give the product the customers want in spite of what may be the better option.
I feel here that you may be on to something, however, it may well be too far ahead of the market to be adopted and that the inovation you have shown will basically be replicated by the other EFIS providers for significantly less cost, thus rendering your solution mute.
A VP-200 integrated for button control with other EFIS would be a fantastic product that has a particular market. Backed by your reputation, I am sure has resounding market appeal. Unfortunately, from what I see here the VP-300 and 400 basically don't.
I hope I am wrong about the VP-300 and 400 for your sake, however, I can tell you from my personal opinion, I was going to purchase the VP-200, however, I won't be purchasing either of the VP-300 or 400 for the following reasons:
- I don't need another screen to put on my panel
- It does not have the features I had earmarked for my panel (i.e. VP-200)
- It just costs too much for what I get.
- I can get most of what you are offering from an alternative source
I am building a fully IFR RV-10 with (planned) 2 x AFS EFIS, GTN750, AFS Autopilot, TT ADI and some other odds and ends. The VP-200 provided a quality product that had no equal. Now that this is gone with no replacement, the VPX-Pro is my only real option, without the bonuses. Panel space is an issue and I just don't need another screen.
In closing, I want to let you know that all of the people who have responded here are doing so for two reasons.
- They want a certain sort of product that is now not available
- They respect you and your products and feel that they want to help.
We all know you have obviously invested a lot of thought and energy into this product, just make sure your direction from here isn't clouded by pride and "woods for the trees" thinking.
Please take this all as constructive criticism as I feel it would be too easy to take offense and defiantly hold your ground, where the better business decision may be to look to a different option. At the very least hear the customers and provide and augmentation to your offerings.
The VP-300 & 400 may well be the products you learn from rather than the ones you make profits from.
Best regards,