Disclaimer: I’ve ordered an A350, it’s my first physical foray into this field and I’m comfortable with my choice. I intend to buy the 4th axis rotator and higher power laser when they become available.
I’ve been a member of this forum since I placed my order a couple of months ago. I’ve read pretty much all posts since then (the posts arrive in my email) and have read plenty of earlier posts.
There is a growing trend displaying dissatisfaction with the quality of the device and the responsiveness of the company.
This is their second product, SnapMaker Original is available in my local electronics store and clearly penetrated the world with its offering.
I wasn’t around for that Kickstarter or the launch or early release, nor did I have any interaction with the company or its products before my order of the A350.
I understand the frustration, but I don’t yet see anything that isn’t explained by a growing company attempting to manufacture precision hardware with not enough staff during a global pandemic in a world that’s gone mad.
I’ve handed over my money and if I knew then what I know now, I would still have done so.
I cannot help but wonder if the early adopters that we are have become confused about what this product is, a first version of a new release that’s being made available to people who want to have access to a brand new idea.
I think it would be helpful to remember what an early adopter is, what it means and what it implies. 3D printing, CNC and Laser have all been around for a couple of decades, but they’re not mainstream, my grandmother wouldn’t have one for example and even though several people you know might have this equipment, the people in this forum are not average people, they are all early adopters, especially in the field of combined devices like SnapMaker is building.
This product is one of the early ones that may make it into general conversation and you might eventually find it at the local K-Mart, but in my opinion that’s a fair way into the future.
Buy one, don’t buy one, but never forget that this is not yet a general consumer electronics device - yet.
Onno