[Leevizer]

Just a question that popped to my head. Any implants added to any alpha/delta/betaware must be bought at the same grade, but what about commlinks? They're not implants as is? but if I want an alphaware implant commlink, do I need to pay double for the commlink too. In RAW or by the "feel" of the game?

[Crash_00]

By RAW, there is no indication that commlinks are exempt, so it would imply that yes the commlink does in fact cost double. Personally, I would say the commlink and commlink accessories would cost the multiple as by RAI (they don't really seem any different to the implant that customization or enhancements to cyberlimbs.

Of course, I would rule that it only applies to the hardware. Any software or programs shouldn't have the multiple applied.

[Blue_Lion]

By RAW, there is no indication that commlinks are exempt, so it would imply that yes the commlink does in fact cost double. Personally, I would say the commlink and commlink accessories would cost the multiple as by RAI (they don't really seem any different to the implant that customization or enhancements to cyberlimbs.

Of course, I would rule that it only applies to the hardware. Any software or programs shouldn't have the multiple applied.

That seams about right, they have to buid the hard ware to be less stressfull. And they and they dont just grab a off the shelf comlink all headware is built inside the head to make it less of a evassive surgery, done with nanotechnolagy. At least that is how I understandthe books.

[sway]

Actually, if you look at Augmentation's listings for cybersuites (factoring in x2 for alpha and x.9 for suite) it would appear that BOTH hardware and software cost are multiplied with alphaware.

Both the Shiawase ExecutiveSuite Line and the SK-Cyberlogician include the cost of the Fairlight Caliban commlink before applying alphaware and suite cost modifications. Likewise, the SK-Cyberlogician includes the cost of the Encryption program for the Datalock before applying alphaware and suite cost modifications.

I suppose the logic is that programing has to be tailor-made to operate and run on the alphaware version of the commlink and thus is more costly. 

[Blue_Lion]

More than likly with the package they just multiply the whole cost seams how you get it at a discount that may be why was easer on the number cruncher. What I find kinda odd is most of the packages include stuff most players whould not get like the sensor one having a implanted sim rig.

[sway]

I sort of figured that was on purpose. If a suite was optimized it wouldn't even be an option, every player would take it because its optimized and 10% off (both essence and nyuen) with no downside. The fluff even validates this by mentioning suites aren't generally developed with runners in mind.

[JustADude]

Of course, you do realize the precident that sets means the inverse would have to be true as well. I.e. if you buy a "Second-Hand" Commlink implant, you cut the price of the whole Commlink and all its programs.

That's an extra 0.04 Essence for a major discount off some insanely expensive hardware and programs.

[sway]

If a GM allowed it, I guess.

Although, it occurs to me that the Program thing isn't actually clear. Technically the Datalock does not run the Encryption program, it is merely encrypted (same price is used, but technically the Datalock isn't running the Encryption program). 

[All4BigGuns]

With implanted comm links, the grade would really only be less invasive connections to the nervous system. The part that would be doubled would be the number on the line of the table showing the implant cost WITHOUT the '+ comm cost'. Charging double for the comm itself and all the accessories, modifications and programs is just pointless.

[JustADude]

With implanted comm links, the grade would really only be less invasive connections to the nervous system. The part that would be doubled would be the number on the line of the table showing the implant cost WITHOUT the '+ comm cost'. Charging double for the comm itself and all the accessories, modifications and programs is just pointless.

That's pretty much what I was getting at, in a roundabout way.

If you make the whole package sensitive to Grade then it gets real broken, real fast.

[sway]

I was just saying what the actual examples in the book say. According to Augmentation, you definitely are supposed double the cost of the commlink itself. Every example reflects that. The commlink it appears is intended to be have its cost modified by grade/suite discount.

Programming is more iffy, as there is no clear example either way (the datalock one just doesn't really fit in hindsight). That was an oversight on my part.

As for "making sense", eh... that's the realm of house ruling. I mean, you can ignore the examples the same as you can ignore anything in the books. You and your gaming group are the ones playing after all.

[JustADude]

I was just saying what the actual examples in the book say. According to Augmentation, you definitely are supposed double the cost of the commlink itself. Every example reflects that. The commlink it appears is intended to be have its cost modified by grade/suite discount.

Programming is more iffy, as there is no clear example either way (the datalock one just doesn't really fit in hindsight). That was an oversight on my part.

As for "making sense", eh... that's the realm of house ruling. I mean, you can ignore the examples the same as you can ignore anything in the books. You and your gaming group are the ones playing after all.

Still, even for just the "basic" stats on the commlink, a Renraku Seterusu with Response 10 and Signal 9 upgrades is 237,000¥. Chop that in half for taking it used, and you basically get punished big-time for not spending the essence on buying it as a Used Implant.

[sway]

Again, I was making no "ought" statement, I was simply observing what "is".

[Blue_Lion]

I was just saying what the actual examples in the book say. According to Augmentation, you definitely are supposed double the cost of the commlink itself. Every example reflects that. The commlink it appears is intended to be have its cost modified by grade/suite discount.

Programming is more iffy, as there is no clear example either way (the datalock one just doesn't really fit in hindsight). That was an oversight on my part.

As for "making sense", eh... that's the realm of house ruling. I mean, you can ignore the examples the same as you can ignore anything in the books. You and your gaming group are the ones playing after all.

Still, even for just the "basic" stats on the commlink, a Renraku Seterusu with Response 10 and Signal 9 upgrades is 237,000¥. Chop that in half for taking it used, and you basically get punished big-time for not spending the essence on buying it as a Used Implant.

Isnt there a limit on upgading a stat on a comlink by 2 ranks. So a response 10 and signal 9 can not be put on any stock comlink.

[sway]

The commlink they are referring to is from "War" and is legit (expensive and Availability 40F, but legit).