<< Infragistics does really have a good website and advertises regularly in
msdn magazine etc. >>
None of that means that their Web controls are mature or ready for market or
well documented (their documentation is terrible). Notice on their Web site
that they do not have *live samples*
That fact, by itself, is meaningful. If you don't have time to download,
install, and screw with their components - then get other people's opinions.
I've actually implemented Infragistics Web controls. Most people who
recommend or write reviews about their products have not *actually
implemented* them.
For independent verification of what I'm saying - you can go to
Infragistics' free news groups. Just cruise through those and see the types
of questions people are posting. Notice the volume of questions, the types
of questions (should developers even have to ask these sorts of questions?),
and typical lack of helpful responses (and a noticeable lack of response
from Infragistics support personnel; they would rather sell you support -
which you'll unfortunately need - rather than provide it for free).
Now, go to ComponentArt.com and you'll not only get to see live samples -
but you'll see all of the sample code (ASPX, C#, VB.NET, and CSS) that
creates the samples. Their outstanding documentation is also available on
their Web site for you to review. Then check out their free news groups.
Many fewer questions (because, IMHO, their products are very well documented
and are stable), and questions are typically addressed by ComponentArt
personnel (for free).
It took me about 60 frustrating hours to implement a non trivial menuing
system using Infragistics. It took me less than 6 hours to implement the
equivalent with ComponentArt's WebMenu.
<< What about Dundas for charts on asp.net? >>
I don't know - they seem to be popular - but then again, so does
Infragistics.
-HTH
