I got a licence for DT 3 Pro and I am currently thinking about the upgrade to DT4. I am not really sure what to do and want to share my thoughts. Maybe there are additional thoughts and ideas.
My needs with descending priority:
managing PDF, text, office files within folders in JD-structure
full text search in all files and folders
avoid duplicates
using unique file links
encrypted storage
no lock-in and easy export
finding related files
quickly view and edit PDF files (rearrange, delete pages)
syncing to mobile devices
After reading the new functions I can say that:
i dont need the AI features from DT4
i dont mail archiving because i can store them as file systems
i dont need audit-proof database
i can use OCR from my scanner, but liked the feature from DT3 Pro
So. My current thoughts are:
I don’t really need any of the new features. Therefore I don’t have to upgrade.
If I upgrade in the future, I thinking about downgrading
But for now I think I will not upgrade until there are any useful features for me.
A solid strategy. Though, I suggest that you won’t actually know what’s useful until you kick the ties. Release notes are interesting, but hands on will be the only way to know for sure. So, maybe download DT 4 and test it out in a test database on a new user account, so you don’t interfere with the rest of your data. The reason for suggesting this is that “AI” in DEVONthink is well-considered and designed – best of class compared to AI in all the other apps I use.
I’d agree with @korm. You won’t know till you know. Also, eventually DT3 won’t be updated anymore. These guys are great but can only do so much for so long.
I am curious how “full text search” and “quickly view and edit PDF files” are on your list of key features yet you feel AI would not be useful to you.
I suspect if you shared a bit more about your use case then other Forum users would suggest ways AI would be helpful for you.