I've been using LightSpeed for over a year. We have not yet upgraded to the latest version, but we're only a build or two behind.
Basically, it's fine software, but it's far from perfect. Everyone else here will tell you it's the best Mac POS software around, and I think this is true from a conceptual standpoint. However, it causes a great deal of frustration in daily operation. On a PowerPC iMac (last PPC version before Intel), it runs absolutely glacially, making the name "LightSpeed" an ironic joke around our store. As they presumably continue to optimize for Intel, we've noticed it runs slower with every upgrade, which is why no matter how many problems it causes us, we never rush to download the latest versions.
Their compatibility with peripherals (cash drawers, receipt printers) seems oddly spotty, and these things run very slow with our software. Sometimes, it takes thirty seconds just to get the drawer open during a cash transaction, and one must go through a great number of superfluous dialog boxes to get there (we were told by their technical support that there is a way to cut down on the number of the dialog boxes, but this never seemed to work for us).
Their technical support has been very helpful during the numerous bugs and problems we've had, but the documentation has been merely OK.
I feel that XSilva and LightSpeed are capable of great things, but they aren't there yet. I do recommend this project, but I wish I could recommend it more heartily.
LightSpeed
Multi-user point of sale system.
Version: 2.8.8
Good but very far from perfect
Feedback Type: Review
Contributed by: davidb1224 Tuesday, September 18 2007 @ 03:07 PM PDT
Product Platform: MacOSX
Used Product For: Over One Year
Recommend Product: YES
Overall Rating:
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Good but very far from perfect - KDAVIS202
We have a retail Gift Store and are considering purchasing this POS system. We currently use a PC based POS and would need to purchase and learn how to operate a MAC. We were wondering what your viewpoint is regarding the Xsilva POS vs a PC POS system for the same/similar cost. Are there any advantages?Also, our store only has one point-of-sale register. Therefore, processing time is very important to us. Have you seen any improvement in the speed of transaction time from your previous post?
We need to make a decision immediately as our current POS is on it's last legs. Any comments you may have will truly be appreciated.
Thanks
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Tuesday, June 10 2008 @ 06:41 AM PDT