Switching to Altium--Productivity Boost?

[ajb]

We've been using Eagle here since before I was hired, but it's become ever more evident that Eagle is going to be an increasing pain in the ass with some of the projects and priorities we have on the horizon.  I'm pretty well sold on Altium, as just from what I've seen in the feature set and demos it looks like it will be a huge productivity booster.  However, I've not had a chance to actually use the software in a serious way and I want to be sure my perceptions aren't too colored by wishful thinking and frustration with Eagle. 

So for those of you who've made the switch from other software solutions (especially if anyone has switched from Eagle), how much of an impact has Altium itself made on your productivity?  Taking into account that some acclimation will be required, of course, if you had to put a percentage to it, what would it be?  Any factors in particular that you were or were not expecting?  Any big problems that hold it (and you) back?  (I'm an AutoCAD user of many years, so an occasional crash doesn't scare me if the overall productivity gains make up for it)

On the one hand, I'd like some very optimistic numbers to help sell the idea of dropping $8K on software up the ladder, but really I want some honest feedback as a reality check and a counterbalance to all of the marketing wank.  Anyone care to share their experience?

[DerekG]

Any big problems that hold it (and you) back?

On the one hand, I'd like some very optimistic numbers to help sell the idea of dropping $8K on software up the ladder

There are some bugs in Altium, just like all software. Some bugs get fixed quickly, others do not.

Like all powerful software, the biggest hurdle is the learning curve.

Altium's price will rise by US$2000 in June, so don't delay if you are going down this track. Remember Altium will slug you another US$1850 for annual support that you have to pay. Remember also that you will have to continue to pay this every year if you want access to the "Component Vault" which has been extensively used since AD14 was released (the component libraries that come with AD14 were significantly reduced over those in AD13).

If you want pcb design software that is quite powerful & certainly easier to drive than Eagle, consider Proteus. US$2000 will buy you the unlimited version & there are some fairly cheap pin restricted versions plus a demo available (save is disabled in the demo package).

Owning Altium & Diptrace & having used Proteus for a contracted design job 18 months ago (package owned by the company I did the design work for), I was pleasantly surprised at its ease of use & the features offered.

You need to look carefully at how much pcb design work you do & what features you require to complete it.

Also take a look at how big the bulge is in your wallet.

 Proteus has both an auto-placer & an auto-router & you can add the powerful Electra autorouter (just like you would use in Altium Designer) for US$400.

Just my 2c worth.

[markus.dnd]

I went to altium and have seen it to pay off immensely. No idea about other paid softwares, but Altium works well for day to day schematic design. It surely is way better than eagle. I actually can not stand it anymore, thou i started with it.

I got lucky, I had it for 5000€ with subscription for first year.