[juven14]

Both scripts function exactly the same, the designer is just encrypted.

The module system will allow modules to run on both designer and developer editions. The module makers simply need to have their hooks included in an upcoming release to work with the designer version. Also, they need to develop their modules to work with both versions, if that is what they intend.

The module system is very robust and if you make your modules right it will be pretty easy to upgrade. It took a little while to get my head around the system but it can do quite a bit with out needing to even touch the core files.

The template files can be managed in such a way that while the module is not actve their content doesn't display, so after upgrading if the module isn't up-to-date then all you have to do is deactivate it. Then you can work to upgrade your module or template files.

The choice really is how much do you want to change the way the script functions, with the designer version that is pretty limited although you can still do quite a bit with modules and smarty plugins. If you don't write your own modules you will be limited to what is out there or what module makers are willing to create. With the developer version you are pretty much limited to your own PHP skills.

The thing that make the developer version nicer is the access to the source code. Some time bugs are found and can be fixed faster than the next release via forum support. Also, you can use modifications found in the forum that require access to the core files.

I think if the price isn't that big of a factor, you will be happier with the developer version. Even if you don't know PHP that well, you can still get help with modifications to the core files. I know some people start out with the designer version and upgrade if they find they need the flexiblity.

I hope this helps.