Replies

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Dec 23, 2002 07:23am | #1

   we use CHF vs. 8.0.. i looked at thehome page you referred to and read the consumer alert..

   the 3d features should be superior to ACAD Lt.. but the 2d cad will be inferior to ACAD Lt..

   i'm just guessing that for YOUR purposes.. the  Chief Home 5.0 will work better for you.... do some more research before you decide

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   Handydan | Dec 23, 2002 11:49am | #2

   Well I can tell you that I know less than nothing about drafting on computers, but if you are doing this for anything other than a hobby, the two hundred difference in price, is almost meaningless.  If the more expensive does the job better, then that is where I would spend the money.  You can waste a lot of time trying to save a little money, in my opinion.  Of coarse I always try to save, but I am starting to learn that the best tool is almost always a good buy.  Not much information, but maybe I made you feel better about spending all the cash.   Good luck!

   Dan

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Dec 23, 2002 06:24pm | #3

   Handy, thanks for the advice, but in this case you have to be there to understand it.  The catch is that AutoCad LT does not do 3d at all.  It is nothing more than an electronic drafting table, although a very good one.  If you want to do a perspective drawing in LT, then you draw it manually.  Chief, and several other programs, automatically convert 2d to 3d,  There have been many discussions about which cad program is best, and always with a lot of discussions, always centering around the users skill level (there's a steep learning curve, especially for AutoCad), and intended purpose.

2. 
   nigelUsa | Dec 24, 2002 12:05am | #4

   If you get the chief arch 5.0 you should note you have 90 days to try it out! If you don't like it return with no problem. By the way the Chief arch people are great to deal with.

3. 
   MrJalapeno | Dec 24, 2002 12:57am | #5

   Dan,

    

   I am fairly new to CAD programs.  About a year ago I took some adult ed courses in ACLT (ver. old) and went from there.   You must have a very old ver. of ACLT to be looking at a full price upgrade.  I found an unopened copy of ACLT97 at a local computer show.  Upgraded to 98 via Ebay.  Upgrade to ACLT2000i via AutoDesk for a total under $400.  I bought a couple of add-ons for ACLT from “Real Architect” @ about plus $150.00.  I am happy with what I can do with the program.  It produces high quality plans in 2D quickly and easily.  I just purchased the “Real Illustrator” add-on for 3D modeling.  Add $15.00 (sale price) plus shipping.  At those prices, who could resist, especially since “Chief’s” trial pack would not let me print sample working-plans to evaluate.

    

    

   Mr. Jalapeno

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Dec 24, 2002 06:10am | #8

   You're right, I have an old version of LT.  It's v 2 which requires Windows 3.1.  To make matters worse, I can find the original box but not the disks.

1. 
   MrJalapeno | Dec 24, 2002 05:36pm | #12

   Sounds like you're due for a total ugrade.  Machine as well as software.  If you choose wisely you will like your new system.  Get lots of memory to run the new CAD you choose.  Always buy new or unopened products.  I would think there will be some good deals right around the corner.  Happy Holidays.

   Mr. Jalapeno

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Dec 24, 2002 07:11pm | #13

   I'm half way there.   Just took delivery of a Dell 4550 (I think), 2 mghz speed, 256k ram, cd burner, etc.  Now I need the software.  When I had an office job, I always managed to keep a current copy of AutoCad LT running, and somehow a copy ended up on my home pc so I could take work home.  But I'm no longer an office boy, and I can't getv the software to transfer over, so I'm faced with buying something.

   I had been looking for a new pc and watching the sales flyers.  Went to the mall where Dell had a kiosk set up, really nothing more than a couple of kids with high speed access to the Dell web site, and a couple of machines on display.  Ordered the pc on a Saturday (12/14).  Got home, realized that I had mis-ordered one option, called the factory but they were closed for the weekend.  Called first thing Monday morning and the girl said that any changes would delay the shipment.  Ok, I want to get it right the first time, so let's go ahead and make the change.  She said the new estimated ship date would be after Christmas...since it's not a gift (well, it's a gift from me to me) that's not a problem.  Three days later, Thursday, the pc was delivered.  Talk about good service!  I had not paid for express delivery, so I was rather surprised.

1. 
   MrJalapeno | Dec 24, 2002 10:33pm | #15

   Dan,

    

   Well, it sounds like you were on Santa’s good list.  Congratulations on your new rocket sled. 

    

   When I first put ACLT2000i on my system I encountered many over-heating problems.  Freeze and crash scenarios.  I was in the market to upgrade so I changed CPU (from an AMD T-bird-1200 to an XP-1700) and added 512k of RAM (For a total of 718k).  The added memory relieves the duty on the HD and the XP-chip runs cooler.  I’ll bet you that you will want to double or triple the RAM of your new unit too.

    

   I assume that this new box came pre-loaded with Window’s XP Home or Pro Ed.  This will probably affect your CAD purchase.  I would also think that if you are already proficient w/ACLT that you will want to stay with it.  I am not meaning to endorse ACLT.  I have only been doing CAD drawing for a year and am unfamiliar with other CAD products.  AutoDesk is the Harley Davidson of CAD Software I understand.  The LT versions are anything but “automatic”.  I chose it for the high quality 2D working prints and availability of inexpensive training locally.   The Add-on Software I purchased helped bring me up to speed.  Good luck with your new tool/toy!

    

   Mr Jalapeno

4. 
   RichardAIA | Dec 24, 2002 05:26am | #6

   Coming from AutoCAD LT, you likely will find Chief's 2D drafting inferior. It's the easiest to learn 3D, though, IMO. Many are using Chief for 3D, exporting .DWG's, and doing their 2D work in other programs like LT.

   Richard

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Dec 24, 2002 05:37am | #7

   that was generally true with version 5.0  (chief '97 ) and the reason i bought ACAD LT.. when 6.0 came out.. i also upgraded my ACAD LT .. but the improvements in Chief's CAD were sufficient  that i have never used ACAD again..it's loaded on my machine but i've never opened it

   now... with version 8.0.. the increased efficiency  of ACAD's   2d cad  is just not worth switching programs

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Dec 24, 2002 06:12am | #9

   Do I understand you to say that the Chief 5 is not as good as LT, but the higher versions are better?

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Dec 24, 2002 07:25am | #10

   let's not confuse Chief HOME 5.0 with the old Chief 5.0.....Chief HOME 5.0 is the next version of 3D Home Architect.... which I have never used

   what i meant was vs. 5.0 ( also known as chief '97 ) was lacking in 2d cad.. and many users were running chief for 3d , but would switch to something else , like ACAD  LT , for 2d CAD..

    in the later versions like 7.0 & 8.0... almost none of  the guys who post on the user group are switching, because the 2d CAD is so improved

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

   Edited 12/23/2002 11:29:30 PM ET by Mike Smith

1. 
   RichardAIA | Dec 24, 2002 09:13am | #11

   Mike:

   According to a recent post by Dermot Dempsey on the Chieftalk forum, the Home Edition is a "bridge" to the more professional versions - more advanced than consumer grade, but not a a full professional level-- and they intend to come out with a 3D Home Architect level version.

   I agree that the 2D functions are much improved over previous versions, and that if you are starting from scratch, you can probably do anything you need to. But if you are coming from AutoCAD full or LT, there will undoubtedly be functions that you are used to that aren't there which can be frustrating. (Offset, for example.)

   Richard

2. 
   xMikeSmith | Dec 24, 2002 09:00pm | #14

   frustrating is true... just my observation that in 4 years of participating in Chief User group,  the criticism of the cad function has been reduced to a few minor items.. and almost none of the posters use a 2d program for CAD anymoreMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore