I start a CAD 101 class on August 23. The book for the class is AutoCad 2004; a problem solving approach. So I'm assuming that we are going to use AutoCAD 2004. That said, I was wondering if anyone has experience using it? waskillywabbit? What are your thoughts? Is the learning curve steep?

I can use photoshop CS with decent results, but I have never used a design program for a grade. So I would like to get ahead while I have about a month of sitting on my arse. I would also like to get a copy of it, because I will take 4 more CAD classes in the program I'm enrolled into. Does anyone know where I can find a less expensive copy? Autodesk sells um for about a grand and a half, OUCH!

Thanks!

 

I use the latest version of CAD daily and once you get a feel for it...no problem. I took a one day course when we upgraded to learn the new features and now it is like 2nd nature, just like the earlier versions. It's like any other program, practice makes better. I wouldn't suggest "pirating" a copy.

 

Thanks Brian.

I don't want to pirate a copy, I would like to know if there are any other sources to purchase the program that are less expensive.

 

Sorry. Nope. AutoCad is expensive period.

 

You can get an educational copy that is much less than the full version. Look on their site.

www.autodesk.com

 

I used it quite a bit this summer. First time ever using any cad program. I picked it up after a week or so.

 

Thanks for the heads up Cebby, I forgot that I qualify for an educational version.

David,

What did you use it for? Eventually, I will design using AutoCAD, and then export files to MASTERCAM for a Haas VF-4 CNC machine. I'm really excited about getting started.

 

i took a class on that as a freshman (in highschool) and i got the hang of it, just takes time and a good teacher i guess... but its a really good program

 

http://www.journeyed.com is another great place to get student discounted software - I save thousands every year buying through them.

 

I used it for As-builts for various buildings (electircal and mechanical engineering) Basically I'd do anything from labling light fixtures, designing air ducts, and running gas lines. I did this for schools, washington mutuals, and nordstroms. Here is the company I worked for http://www.hargis.biz/

 

That is a great site, Thanks! I looked at the computer requirements for Autodesk inventor 9 and I need to upgrade my RAM in a major way.

 

That looks like a good business. All the best!

 

I use Autocad 2005 in my job. I am a project coordinator specifying in utility mapping for a University.