Hi Everyone,
I have always used AutoCAD mechanical but I am currently evaluating 3D design Software. I have narrowed my choices down to Solidworks, Inventor, or Solid Edge. I have heard good things about Solidworks, but I'm having a hard time obtaining a demo CD from my local reseller.
The Autodesk and Solid edge reseller's sent out demo CD's right away and Autodesk even sent a very helpful book. When I contacted Solidworks, they referred me to a local reseller. I called the reseller and they wanted me to come to a meeting in order to check out a demo. Some time passed & I contacted the reseller again explaining that I am far to busy to attend any type of meeting. The Solidworks reseller said that they could send a personal edition trial that expires in 90 days or a professional version that expires in 15 days. Since the personal version did not have rendering, animation, or data translation, I told them I needed the Professional 15 day trial. Actually, I had heard Solidworks had great rendering and animation and those were two of the most important features I wanted to check out. I mainly do mechanical drawings, parts & assemblies, but I also need something that is good for presentation.
After I told the reseller that I wanted to try the Professional verstion 15 day trial, they said I had to send them a signed purchase order for the program. I felt that this request was very premature, since I am only evaluating the software at this stage. The Solidworks reseller said they would tear up the purchase order if the program did not fit my needs, but I do not feel comfortable sending them a signed purchase order for the program at this stage. I did tell them I would pay for the CD and shipping, but I have not heard back from them.
It seems Solidworks is making it very hard to obtain a demo, which is strange because if they want to make a sale, you would think they would have no problem sending out a demo. I would like to try the Solidworks demo and compare it to Inventor and Solid Edge, but I need to get a demo & I am not comfortable sending them a signed purchase order for the program just to get a demo.
Has anyone else run into this type of problem before ? I would appreciate any advice or recommendations for another reseller. You can reach me via this forum or at the yahoo email given in this forum.
Thanks for your help. John