eevBLAB #55 - Solidworks Pricing is BULLSHIT

[cdev]

Its been a very long time since I've used any Adobe software, and I do graphics related stuff all the time. I use Linux (but most FOSS programs are available on Windows, Mac, etc. too now) and free tools like Gimp, Inkscape, and many others.

It's possible that at some point I may need to use commercial products again so I keep the old master disks around, in case I ever need them (upgrades are usually cheaper than buying new) but I have not had any of it on my machines or used any of those apps in - more than a decade now. When I have had to share files back and forth with users of those apps, we've always figured out a way to get whatever data we needed to one another. Some format which we both have.

Unfortunately, the state of CAD software on Linux is not quite as developed as the tools on Windows. But I just have never needed CAD so much that I couldn't make do with what I've got access to.

So far, it does what I've needed it to do. (Just little things)

If I was a professional like a mechanical engineer, or architect or industrial design pro then I likely would shell out the big bucks to buy the high end CAD tools, and deduct the cost from my taxes.

If I were those companies I would offer free versions with basic functionality for non-commercial users, not just college students. It would be a good business practice.

Both are cases of dominant market leaders doing whatever they please, knowing full well most people are going to have to take it. Adobe software is the defacto standard in graphics and Solidworks in most sectors where CAD is a thing.

Even worse is that you don't really get value for money as development is slow or non-existent. Some shiny features are occasionally tacked on, but at its core it's still the same software that can throw a hissy fit over nothing. Engineers have learnt to tiptoe around the peculiarities and ways simple operations can throw errors but that really shouldn't be necessary for something that costs this amount of money, and each year too.

Apparently Fusion 360 isn't enough of a threat to change things. It's a deal with the devil too, as it's not just Autodesk but also a cloud solution. Maybe getting shafted by Dassault is still better.

[rsjsouza]

I also use Gimp, Inkscape and Blender as Adobe alternatives, but IMO the only one that has a polished and sensible interface is Gimp - the other two are quite unpalatable. However, it is just like the CAD tools: you suffer but you have no alternative...

[cengland0]

It's all about what the market will pay.  Since people in Australia are willing to pay more, then they charge more.  To fix the problem, everyone needs to stop buying it.  Apple can charge a premium for their crap products because people keep paying that price for them.  If people stopped buying their products, they would have to reconsider the prices they charge.

It's very common for a pharmaceutical company to sell drugs to Canada for less than they sell it to us Americans.  Even inside the USA, certain groups get better discounts.  The VA pays the lowest price for drugs while people without any insurance pays the most. 

[thermistor-guy]

I also use Gimp, Inkscape and Blender as Adobe alternatives, but IMO the only one that has a polished and sensible interface is Gimp - the other two are quite unpalatable. However, it is just like the CAD tools: you suffer but you have no alternative...

For 2D CAD work, I've found QCAD easy to use, and good value for money (EUR 33). Available for Linux and Windows, and you don't need an internet connection to run it. Lately I've used it to make technical illustrations (circuit diagrams). QCAD has a CAM extension which I haven't tried.

[rsjsouza]

I also use Gimp, Inkscape and Blender as Adobe alternatives, but IMO the only one that has a polished and sensible interface is Gimp - the other two are quite unpalatable. However, it is just like the CAD tools: you suffer but you have no alternative...

For 2D CAD work, I've found QCAD easy to use, and good value for money (EUR 33). Available for Linux and Windows, and you don't need an internet connection to run it. Lately I've used it to make technical illustrations (circuit diagrams). QCAD has a CAM extension which I haven't tried.

Thanks for the tip. My use of CAD tools is very sporadic but it is good to have an alternative.

[f4eru]

what's a good FOSS replacement for 3D-cad ?

[Mr. Scram]

what's a good FOSS replacement for 3D-cad ?

Good? None.

[f4eru]

That should change in the years to come.

[Mr. Scram]

That should change in the years to come.

What indications do you have for that? Is there something to go on, or are they good intentions?

[thermistor-guy]

I also use Gimp, Inkscape and Blender as Adobe alternatives, but IMO the only one that has a polished and sensible interface is Gimp - the other two are quite unpalatable. However, it is just like the CAD tools: you suffer but you have no alternative...

For 2D CAD work, I've found QCAD easy to use, and good value for money (EUR 33). Available for Linux and Windows, and you don't need an internet connection to run it. Lately I've used it to make technical illustrations (circuit diagrams). QCAD has a CAM extension which I haven't tried.

Thanks for the tip. My use of CAD tools is very sporadic but it is good to have an alternative.

My main uses for QCAD are to make test jig base plates with cutouts (for mounting connectors), and custom connector backcovers, out of sheet metal. Metalworking being my worst subject in school, I print the QCAD design as a pdf on a large adhesive label at 1:1 scale, stick it on the blank metal, then cut, file, drill, punch, and fold away. Just follow the lines (it works for me). I leave the label on - it has designations, version information, critical dimensions, centre lines, source file name, etc. that are very useful when I'm assembling or upgrading parts.

What sold me on QCAD was that, when I first tried it, I could get some useful work done without reading the manual. That convinced me to buy it, buy the manual, and spend the time getting more familiar with it. It's hard to beat at that price.

[f4eru]

What indications do you have for that? Is there something to go on, or are they good intentions?

Pure wishful thinking

[Mr. Scram]

Pure wishful thinking

Ah, I misunderstood you there. Indeed, a KiCad or GIMP quality FOSS CAD program would be nice but it's both a niche application and quite hard to do right.

[cdev]

You wouldn't believe all the lies the drug industry tells to try to justify the insane prices they charge Americans.

They have been exposed again and again telling bald faced lies about their drug pricing structure and no-matter how clearly they have been exposed they just keep on telling them.

It's all about what the market will pay.  Since people in Australia are willing to pay more, then they charge more.  To fix the problem, everyone needs to stop buying it.  Apple can charge a premium for their crap products because people keep paying that price for them.  If people stopped buying their products, they would have to reconsider the prices they charge.

It's very common for a pharmaceutical company to sell drugs to Canada for less than they sell it to us Americans.  Even inside the USA, certain groups get better discounts.  The VA pays the lowest price for drugs while people without any insurance pays the most.

[Bassman59]

What sold me on QCAD was that, when I first tried it, I could get some useful work done without reading the manual. That convinced me to buy it, buy the manual, and spend the time getting more familiar with it. It's hard to beat at that price.

I bought a QCAD license, and I upgrade when they ask. It's not expensive, and it does what it's supposed to do.

Someone asked about FOSS 3D CAD, and I think the only option there is FreeCAD, which is a mess.