Programmes which handle vector graphics - a deeper look

QuarkXPress

QuarkXPress isn't a program that I've ever had a need to learn, since either FreeHand, PageMaker or InDesign have been available when I've done page-layout jobs. Well, and even Microsoft Publisher, actually. I found the vector tools averagely responsive, so that I felt they would be usable if I found myself working for a client who needed a job done in Quark; but nothing that seduced me into wanting to open the programme for the sheer sensuous pleasure of using it, like Illustrator or InDesign: indeed the whole thing felt more like a programme from the mid-90s, than anything up-to-date. And I guess I would have to really get into an elaborate project before I would discover what might account for people being ready to accept the price tag of 2,000 euros and more, especially now that the more-sophisticated InDesign is available at half the price, and with special offers of much less than that. I gather there is quite a bit of ill feeling in professional circles, that Quark hasn't kept up to date with a version for Mac OS X, and I heard recently about a large publishing concern in Sweden who quoted that as the reason for going over to InDesign on a large scale.