>>Look at it differently...
>>
>>A 3 year subscription will also give you the next version of Visual Studio too, so for a really great price you get two VS upgrades. You'll also get the next version of Windows and SQL Server. You really can't beat the price.
>>
>>>Thank you, Mike. I prefer to spend less. I bought VS2005 for less than $400 and was pretty much happy for several years. I don't think I need to update my VS or SQL Server every year.
>
>Depends on whether he needs the latest and greatest all the time.
>
>If he needs it, then MSDN can't be beat.
>
>If he gets Windows on a new machine, then Windows in MSDN is only an expense.
>
>If he can deal with an Express version of SQL or isn't worried about upgrading, then SQL in MSDN is only an expense.
>
>If he isn't dealing with the other technologies pack in the MSDN subscription, they are meaningless.
>
>We get MSDN with extra licensing as part of our Certified Partner benefits. If we weren't a Certified Partner, we'd still buy an MSDN subscription. One way or another, we consider it a valid business expense for us.
>
>Everyone's situation is different.

Thank you for your input. I have had MSDN before but honestly probably looked up something there 3 times in all the years. Google or UT or all the forums are so much easier. And my personal feeling is that MS documentation is the least helpful (I don't know if it is me or other people fine their docs not easy to understand).