Why does replacing the Pro-Stitcher tablet cost so much?

Also: Why can't I just load Pro-Stitcher on my own tablet?

((This is my opinion based on my years of software and hardware support.))

Answer:  It is the cost to support the software and hardware on the tablet.

Handi Quilter is actually trying to keep the cost of the Pro-Stitcher down by limiting the tablets that they need to support.  Each tablet needs to be tested, special cables built, and possibly a special mounting bracket created.  And as much as I would like to enable the WIFI on the tablet controlling the longarm, it would increase the number of variables that they need to deal with.

Example: Handi Quilter allows the PSP software to be installed on any laptop to run in Simulator mode.  They support Windows 7 and above.  There are many issues with the 

differences between Windows 7, 8.0, 8.1, and 10... oh wait, there is build 1803 and 1809 of Windows 10 and a new one comes out every year or so.  Problems on the locked down tablet on the machine are far fewer than when running Simulator mode on any laptop.

MK Quilts can knock $100 off the price when selling a new PSP tablet.  But if we spend a couple hours supporting the customer during the sale and installation, the profit is gone.

But I already paid for that support when I bought the Pro-Stitcher the first time.

Answer: No you did not.  It would be nice if the car dealer automatically added the new features available on the latest model cars to the car you bought two years ago.  As long as the features on the car you own continue to work, you got what you paid for.  Free feature updates will be limited on what the car can support and are really a nice extra.

In enterprise sales, complex machinery and software are often sold with a service contract... right from the start the company has to pay 10%-15% of the original purchase each year for service, support, and upgrades.  If you are not under a service contract, you do not get upgrades and support.  Call in without a contract..  Time and Materials are charged at a high rate.  Without the extended warranty on my car, it cost me $1700 for an ABS module.

HQ gives a very good warranty: 2-years on the tablet and 5 years on the rest of the hardware.  The normal warranty on a tablet by the manufacturer is 1 year.  Consider the extra money you are paying on the tablet replacement as an extended service contract.
​