Astro Software.

I know this has been covered before, but I am now wanting to buy a better software. I am interested in printing charts that are useful and do observation planning.
I am looking at a few, Redshift 5, Skytools 2, Desktop Universe.
I would like to hear from anyone that has used these stating your opinions and reasons for liking or disliking them.
I am really interested in how good is the chart printing utilities. With the planning utilities being a secondary concern.
Any real time experience would be very much appreciated. Reviews don't mean that much anymore.
Thanks,
Floyd
P/S I purchased the Sky Atlas 2000.0 Field Addition Ver 2, and am a bit disappointed in it. The charts leave a bit to be desired in labeling and ease of use in finding objects. So if you were thinking about them look at a copy before buying them would be a good idea.
I will probably sell it and the companion guidebook.

Floyd,

My two main pieces of software I use are TheSky and SkyTools2.

Typically, I start with TheSky as my general star atlas (and to control my scope). Once I've "zeroed" in on an object, most likely something from a SkyTools2 observing list, I switch. I find SkyTools2 invaluable at the EP. Its charting capabilities let me see a simulation of what I would see through any optics I use in a session: finder, binocs, scope/EP combinations.

SkyTools2 is also where I do my logbook. I can generate an ephemeris. For items in my observing lists, SkyTools2 can suggest optimum viewing times.

Regards,
Lou

I also recently purchased SkyTools2 and am in the "learning phase". Seems like a very good package so far. Lots of info and fairly easy to use. I purchased this based on the review I read at Rod Mollise's Astroland website. If you go there check out the back issues of his Skywatch newsletter.
The Jan/Feb 2003 issue has details of Skytools 2.
The Sep/Oct 2002 issue has details of AstroPlanner, Megastar 5, DeepSky 2002 and Cartes du Ciel.
The May/June 2003 issue has details of Deepsky 2003.