Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: CAM software upgrade policy

On Sat, 05 Jan 2002 22:09:44 -0700, Steve Smith <sos@...>
wrote:

>Vector being 32 bit is a nice feature. There were other items too, but 32 bit
>was the main change. I keep debating with myself over whether this would
>qualify as a major upgrade and not being sure.

I thought it was wonderful to get long file names - the rest was gravy.

I don't have any problem with Vector's upgrade policy at all - and the
SW seems to be refreshingly bug free. If the upgrades are always this
affordable (made more affordable by buying in advance), I'll be a
customer for a long time.

It is my perception as a customer of theirs that Vector is certainly in
the contest for best supported SW in the history of CNC. Period. That
is because of Fred's hard work 24 x 7. Sometimes I wonder if he ever
sleeps? That on line forum is far worse than a dairy herd for needing
attention!

One of the nice things about having a variety of SW available is that
there is going to be something for just about everybody. Dolphin will
work for some, Vector for others, some will prefer BobCAD to either of
them - others will use separate CAD and CAM programs feeding the NIST
(free) driver program.

Frankly, the upgrade policy is not the most important part of the SW
choice, in fact it didn't even enter into the trade off matrix when I
bought Vector (during their sale last year). I wanted something that
was current, supported (not a development orphan like BobCAD), initially
affordable (to limit my risk) and easy for me to use.

I have a total of $400.00 (less than the sales tax on the majority of
CAD/CAM SW) invested in Vector including the upgrade cost. For me it
works just fine so far. If, in a couple of years, something better
comes along, or Fred moves on, I have the choice to sit where I am then,
or begin looking for another package. Its not like I have $15,000
invested like some packages cost that have become orphans.

Fitch