Alibre Design Standard for $99

[spiked3]

"Basically its a finger pointing match"

Yup, I've been through the same with McNeel and Mecsoft with Rhino/Rhinocam. Thankfully these companies were a bit more helpful.

I looked at Alibre a few years back and didn't think much of the high pressure sales tactics so went for Rhino. I looked at Alibre again today to check out the $99 deal and also read this thread. I think I'm going to stick with Rhino.

Wow, back and forth several times. All alibre can do is recommend I get codes from mechsoft, all they will do is tell me to contact alibre.

I have pretty much had it with this product and company.

The CAM alibre has is a version behind, and the stand alone visual mill product (which is what alibre cam is, but current) doesn't support alibre without scaling and unit conversions. Total junk. I have yet to get a part out of alibre to the mill, and it costs me $400.

Everyone - beware - even if the modeling is what you are going for, the support from both alibre and mechsoft is horrible. Look somewhere else.

[ger21]

After having the $99 + maintenance product for a week, I will have to say I am really disappointing with CAM and support..

Isn't the CAM package just a demo? Nothing on Alibre's sight mentions getting a CAM package included for $99.

[kawazuki]

Isn't the CAM package just a demo? Nothing on Alibre's sight mentions getting a CAM package included for $99.

Thats how I understood it! If you demo Alibre and want the CAM demo also I don't think the $99 'Xpress will work as its v9.0 whatever and the CAM download is V10 whatever. So unless you can find an older version CAM that will be compatible with V9 disappointment may ensue!
Or i'm completely base over apex and should shut up now

[spiked3]

Thats how I understood it! If you demo Alibre and want the CAM demo also I don't think the $99 'Xpress will work as its v9.0 whatever and the CAM download is V10 whatever. So unless you can find an older version CAM that will be compatible with V9 disappointment may ensue!
Or i'm completely base over apex and should shut up now

Well that may be the case - at this point its hard to tell. Originally CAM 'light' was included only with design expert, then later offered to everyone. I assume the $99 design standard is the same as the previously priced $1000 design standard, and as such, CAM express should run. But I never could get anything beyond parallel facing to show up as a MOP, and never could post any gcode. And I constantly get an error dialog saying 'running in demo mode' as well as not being able to save even a parallel mop as I should be able to do with cam express. That tells me something in the licensing scheme is wacky. I also have seen other posts (here or on Mechsofts site, cant remember which) with the same problems, and no solutions.
What really ticked me though was alibre support, their suggestion was to follow the instructions I had already followed 10 times. I come from a software development background, and was a manager for a lot of that time. That type of support lights a huge warning flare to me. It means no one really looked at or has an interest in solving the problem, just always reply with a pre-written response.
Anyhow, someone in sales took interest, and is issuing a refund on support. So im done - lesson learned.

[kawazuki]

I got to admit i'm seriously impressed with the abilities shown in the demo's and are way beyond my skill level but I may purchase just to learn at my own pace and never upgrade! But the thing that irks me right off is the USA cost is $99.00, UK cost £99.00! Thats $158 and change at current exchange! Its a download ferchristsake - why a different cost! Every price in $ is set = to £'s basically its a 50% mark up! Grouch over

[ger21]

I read somewhere else that guys in the UK are ordering from the US website for $99 US dollars.

[kawazuki]

I read somewhere else that guys in the UK are ordering from the US website for $99 US dollars.

Hmmmm! - I feel a dollar CC purchase coming on.........

[george4657]

Checking Alibre web site I don't see th $99 offer any more.
I think it has expired.

George

[ger21]

Checking Alibre web site I don't see th $99 offer any more.
I think it has expired.

George

A big banner in the middle of the page says ONLY 17 DAYS LEFT.

[tobyaxis]

The "catch" is that the program is actually pretty good and you will get hooked on it and start paying the maintenance every year! In four years you will have paid the $999.

LOL, you also get Tech Support and the Latest Version. $999 for 4 years is worth it if you want to stay updated.

BTW: a note to anyone that uses a CAM Software.

You can use the Direct Editing Feature to Suppress Holes, Fillets, Pockets, ect. to Rough machine your parts.

Oh, this is for Version Professional and up.

[tobyaxis]

A big banner in the middle of the page says ONLY 17 DAYS LEFT.

Yes, only because V12 is around the corner in a few weeks.

[george4657]

Thanks Gerry

I have dial-up and that banner is so slow to load I had moved on to the purchase page which still shows $999 before it appeared.
Have to go my Son's house and download file to look at it then not procrastinate for more than 17 days.

George