Re: ProDESKTOP Express 2001

Rick, I think these programs are really very similar. However, for
me I just picked up DP quicker and easier. It might be totally
different for someone else. I definitely think that both of them are
very capable and great bang for da buck. I know 3D is harder to
learn than 2D but since I have time to play around with them I wanted
to see what the deal is. I'm glad I did because I think you gain a
lot by doing it in 3D. You get to actually see the finished part
before you even try to CAM it. You get to actually fit different
components together to make a complete part. When you design
something and rotate it, looking at all angles, its pretty cool. You
can even see how the different components will move, rotate etc. For
the exercise, I'm designing a new gear shifter mechanism for my car
project. I can visually see how the finished product moves, etc.
You could actually design a motor and watch it run.

It's hard to put a finger on specific things that I like better about
PD. I have only played with both of them for under a week. All I
know is that after a couple of days with each of them, I was way
further along with PD than Alibre. I'm sure a person would get
comfortable with either of these programs, it's a matter of which one
gets you there quicker. I can also see where once a person gets to
learn a program like these it becomes even more frustrating to use
something else because you inevitably relate to how "your" program
does it. Personally, I think the numerous software companies would
be smarter if they had more free starter versions because once you
learn a program you are much more apt to stay with it.
Mark

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "crisenbery99708
<crisen@m...>" <crisen@m...> wrote:

> Mark,
>
> I have been using ProDesktop Exp. on and off for about 8 or 9
> months. Originally to interface with a supplier to one of our
> clients who was designing a mold on ProE. Now I have started using
> it more and more. Doing solids to be exported to Visual Mill 4.0

and

> have recently made decision to use it for all of our designs except
> initial layouts which are much faster in 2d. Have been
> exporting .dxf files of the drawings after model is constructed and
> cleaning them up in TurboCad Pro where customer drawings are
> required, since I haven't gotten enough up to speed on the drawing
> tools to fully dimension drawings in ProD.
>
> Check out user group at prodesktop.net, they have quite a few
> tutorials, discussions and links.
>
> I was considering Alibre as alternate to full version of ProDesktop
> if free version goes away, what were biggest differences you saw
> between these programs, noted that you said Prodesktop "thinks more
> like me".
>
> Rick C-
>
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "natchamp_87 <mark@h...>"
> <mark@h...> wrote:
> > Anyone out there using ProDesktop Express? I have been trying
> > numerous designing programs and came along this one, possibly on
> this
> > list. It seems to have a pretty good interface and is quite
> > intuitive after you do a couple of the tutorials. I am really
> > starting to like it. I also recently tried Alibre and it isn't

too

> > bad either. Alibre's support sure seems to be good. After
> > downloading the trial version I was contacted. The software has

an

> > interface allowing numerous people, conected via the internet, to
> > view and manipulate the same drawing. Pretty cool, the guy took
> the
> > time to show it to me and taught me how to do a couple of

things.

> > For me, I'm leaning towards ProD cause it "thinks" more like me.
> > Alibre is $495 and ProDesktop Express is free. I have absolutely
> no
> > affiliation with either of these companies, just wanted to see if
> > anyone else is using these?
> >
> > Mark