Is Chief Architect V.7 worth anything?
There is one on eBay. The claim is that it will fire up given the code number on the box. No dongle, no nothing needed but the #. The box has been opened and the software used.
I had a copy of CA from maybe around 1997. Got if from a friend in the marketing dept in ThermaTru, who had gotten it as a freebie from Chief at a builders show. Never could get the hang of doing things.
It looks as if the cost of getting something current is $1500 to $1750.
Replies
Gene,
Where are you seeing Chief for that price range? I'm seeing $2200 with no video training (which was very helpful to me). Unless maybe you're talking about the Lt version? Did youlook at the pricing for the upgrade from v.7? Might be a savings there for you.
As for v.7 when I look around at the questions aswered at Chief Talk I don't recall ever seeing anyone using it. Most are newer so the answers may not apply to v.7. I'm using X1.
One source for X1:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Chief-Architect-x1-Bundle_W0QQitemZ160280046679QQihZ006QQcategoryZ96946QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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"A stripe is just as real as a dadgummed flower."
Gene Davis 1920-1985
If that's legit it's a good price. Be sure it's not a counterfeit and needs the security dongle. IIRC Chief is onto couterfeit versions but not sure if they can tell.
The x1 bundle is what I have. Videos as certainly handy but not earth shattering. Not sure if I would've been able to get this far without at least the basics from the videos though.
but looking at the ebay add it says nothing about training videos which are part of the x1 bundle as defined by Chief. It looks like just the x1 package which Chief is selling for $2195 right now. I don't trust ebay all that much and not sure a savings of $545 would be worth the worry/risk. But the seller does have a money back guarantee...
But the seller does have a money back guarantee...
Guaranteed not to get your money back!! More like it. I thought you needed the dongle to run that. I have the Home Designer Pro $495 or something it has the dongle. To upgrade to CA I need to send it in.
Gene, I came across this message this morning over at Chieftalk re: license transfer
http://www.chieftalk.com/showthread.php?t=38180
some people are talking several hundreds of $$ to transfer a license.
I wouldn't buy a copy without a license trasfer or the doggle. It just sounds fishy but maybe they didn't use the doggle in V7. I'd call CA direct and ask before I sent my bucks.
when I buy used I try to keep the price around 50% of what new value is. Otherwise I go straight to a source that I can count on the legitmacy of the product and follow-up support.
If you can get a version with the USB key. This way you can have the program on both laptop and desktop, then transfer the key when needed.
More to the point. Its a good program, easy to draw buildings, easy to show kitchens, bathrooms, etc. Its an enhanced version of 3d home from brodo something.
Gene,
I have v8. been using it for a couple or three houses/remodels a year. It does not seem to be the most stable program/version. I've had it on three different machines. Win 95 and xp, did not seem to matter which one.
It does have some odd quirks, nothing that you can't get used to, but more to futz with as your on the learning curve.
I think I paid CA 800 bucks back in 2002 or so.
Along with each version I have heard that some of the quirks were fixed or that part of the program was dropped. CA seems to drop their updates/fixes pretty quick on the older versions so if you have a conflict with the software your SOL.
Just my one cent, matt
How much would it cost you to update to XI?
for pricing I saw this the other day when Gene 1st posted. http://www.chiefarchitect.com/shop/pricing.html
Looks like an upgrade from earlier version is $600 and if you act now you get free video training (insert annoying add guy's voice here).
I guess that's better than buying a whole package outright at $2200 to $3000.
Upgrade from 10 to 11 ( X1 ) is $600. From version 8 just buy new at $2200.
Looks like I misread that one completely.
Jim, don't know. I have not checked into it. I think they might not give me an upgrade option with v8. Might have to be v12 or up.
Still hackin' stuff out in the dark ages w/ v8. matt
Version 8 works fine, you don't have some of the "shine" of the later versions but its gets to a point where what could you add that is such a big improvement?
X1 has some extras on 10 but from the list given its not worth $600 to me.
For you to upgrade would cost same as starting again ($2200). By now your so good with version 8 a later version would slow you down. A lot of things have been moved around and work a different way.
Edited 9/10/2008 4:39 pm ET by USAnigel
Yea I would say 8 is just 'Fine'. I'm used to it. It does what i ask of it and gives me what I need.
Do I wish it could do more? I probably use 35% of the program to make money. The other is all flash.
Faster fly throughs and cooler 3D rendering, no thanks. It is not really a true CAD program so if I were to need VERY detailed drawings I would probably ante up for an Archy to do that.
Im happy with it and glad I have it in the tool box. matt
"It is not really a true CAD program so if I were to need VERY detailed drawings "What do you mean by that?
every version gets better... the CAD capabilities in 8 can't hold a candle to Vs.10 or 11
i'm hoping there will be a bigger emphasis on CAD in version 12..
i have 11, but only work in 10.08a
too many other things on my plateMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
That explains it. I've only worked with 11 and I thought the cad was pretty easy to use.
I understand what you say about the cad but it does have many cad options, thing is the program draws most of what you need with out you using "cad". ie You need to know some of the cad 'ways" for custom counter tops.
With the pre-spec walls, adjustable cabinets, prebuilt door modules etc. I have not noticed much change between 8, 9, 9.5, 10 other than many more pre-built items. But I don't use the program everyday. Odds on there is much stuff I've never seen. I did attend one of the three day training courses and I was surprised how much I knew and how much i never used or knew of.
One thing is it really helps with a sale!
i had versions 5,6,7....... every one thru X1
i don't remember how version 7 was enabled
pretty sure i had a dongle with vs. 8.....
much prefer the dongle to the password...... very easy to move from machine to machine
Chief users group is a good place to check on the validity of offers you may see from one place or another