I just had a look at Reason, I was surprised to hear they were using a dongle now, Ableton is great, I’ve happily paid to upgrade to Suite 9, it doesn’t require a dongle and I can work on the move.
Anyway, while a dongle is a drag, and I certainly wouldn’t buy anything that has one (GA3 was a reluctant purchase, I’ve loved Groove Agent for a decade and can’t get by without it) the Reason system seems eminently sensible to me:
http://www.propellerheads.se/products/record/index.cfm?article=ignition_key&fuseaction=get_article
Propellerhead Ignition Key
Propellerhead products have used various types of copy protection over the years. In Record, the copy protection is based on a USB device called the Propellerhead Ignition Key.
Wait – a USB device? You mean… a dongle? Are you insane?
Yes, no and no. Don’t worry, we have done things a bit differently from what you are used to. And we’re pretty confident that you’ll like it. Here’s how it works:
Copy Protection Done Right
The Propellerhead Ignition Key is to Record what your car keys are to your summer road trip on Ruta Del Che. Just stick it in and go. With one important difference – should you lose the key, your vacation won’t be ruined.
Record can be launched in three modes: Demo Mode, Authorized mode and through Internet Verification.
Demo Mode
If you have neither the Ignition Key nor is able to use Internet Authorization, you can launch the program and select “Run in Demo Mode”. In Demo Mode, you can work without time restrictions - and even save your creations to disk. That’s right. You can SAVE in Demo Mode. The only thing you can’t do without authorizing Record using the Key or over the Internet, is to open your saved files.Ignition Key Verification
The simplest way to run Record in Authorized mode is to have your Propellerhead Ignition Key connected to your computer.Internet Verification
If you don’t have your Ignition Key at hand, you are given the option to use Internet Verification instead. This means that the program communicates with the Propellerhead server. Just enter your Propellerhead user name and password when launching Record, and the program is authorized over the Internet. Should your connection go down while working, the program will not even flinch. Record will automatically go over into Demo mode, letting you continue recording, editing, mixing – and, of course, saving your work.To sum it up: should the dog suddenly eat both your Ignition Key and your internet router, you can still record - and save - the sound of him chewing!
If you have multiple computers in multiple locations, install Record on as many machines as you like, and just bring the Propellerhead Ignition Key to the one you’re using at the moment.
Should you lose your Ignition Key, you will be able to order a replacement from the Propellerhead Online Store at a nominal fee. While waiting for your replacement you will of course be able to continue working by using Internet authorization.