CAD version

Hello everyone.

I'm new to autocad. I'm learning using autocad 2000i.

I think I have a pretty good grasp on 2D, but have just begun to wet my fingers in 3D.

Would anyone be able to advise me if this version is too outdated for 3D, or workable? I'm not a student, so I don't have access to the free

student download.

Thanks G

It definitely is not outdated, as 2000i is more than capable of 3D. The tools to create 3D models are considered outdated but that doesn't mean you can't get it done. The newer versions definitely make the creation of 3D models a much easier task. Open the Help file and search for the 3D commands, they give a good description on how it all works.

Thank you for your reply. I'll take your advice.

I would say it is outdated based on the emphasis on 3D enhancements the last two or three releases. You can accomplish tasks in 3D with 2000i but you are missing a lot of added 3D functionality by not using the latest release.

BTW, the saying is "getting my feet wet".

hanz007, welcome to the forums.

Learning, new to AutoCAD, 2000 is very capable. Have fun learning.

"Getting my feet wet."

Thanks for the input! I made a few easy 3d objects using 2000i today. But looking at the options in the posted tutorial videos. I think I'm missing out on a few things.

Oh and I hope I don't drown from this, let alone get my "feet" wet. LOL

Thanks guys

ACAD 2000 is fine. I still use that version

Good Luck:)

Once the water gets up to about your nose in 2000 you can download a trial of 2011 to check out some of the new functionality (put on a floatation device first).

You might also want to ckeck out free Inventor Fusion http://labs.autodesk.com if you are in the mechanical field (as opposed to architectural or civil or...)

Once the water gets up to about your nose in 2000 you can download a trial of 2011 to check out some of the new functionality (put on a floatation device first).

 

You might also want to ckeck out free Inventor Fusion http://labs.autodesk.com if you are in the mechanical field (as opposed to architectural or civil or...)

Whooo - 2000 to 2011 could be a very big jump.

Ive known poeple who were really good with R14 who took a long time to grasp 2000.

I would suggest learn 2000, then move to 2004/2006, then 2008 and/or the jump to 2010/2011.

Too much work. Might as well learn the new Ribbon UI at the same time learning anything new with 3D added after 2007.

You are going to convince me that starting with 2000 is a waste of time if going to hop skip and jump the way to 2011.

Yep, changed my mind. Forget 2000 it is obsolete.

In fact, forget AutoCAD altogether. Might as well learn one of the next-generation 3D CAD programs specific to chosen field of work. AutoCAD is obsolete technology.

I agree that 2000i is a bit long in the tooth as they say. Put that horsey out to pasture. A jump to 2009, 2010 or 2011 will not only be an eye opener in regards to additional 3D functionality but you'll also have to contend with the dreaded Ribbon. For some the Ribbon was a shock too awful to bear so they eased the pain by switching their workspace (there's another new feature) to AutoCAD Classic. It's like Classic Coke without the carbonation.

JDM's comment about AutoCAD being obsolete technology has me picturing him with shovel in hand planting the cross with R.I.P. engraved on it. I'm not sure we're ready to mourn the passing of an old friend just yet. But his advice re: next-generation 3D CAD specific programs bears further contemplation and investigation on your part. I'm sure JDM would be happy to make some recommendations should you be so inclined to ask.

I'm not sure we're ready to mourn the passing of an old friend just yet...

Keep in mind you are an old pro with AutoCAD 3D. The OP has that same hill to climb. Might as well climb the next hill rather than the old one only to find that the competition has passed him by, by the time he can see over the top of the hill.

I don't think AutoCAD will ever truly be obsolete.. not for as long as it remains half the price of SolidWorks and is now doing parametric modelling as well.

It's like calling a KIA an obsolete car.. it's not the best, per se.. but obsolete? It adapts.. and as long as it does that, it stands a chance.

Keep in mind you are an old pro with AutoCAD 3D. The OP has that same hill to climb. Might as well climb the next hill rather than the old one only to find that the competition has passed him by, by the time he can see over the top of the hill.

You just kill me.

Schematically speaking of course.:lol:

I've got one more hill to climb and that's AutoCAD Electrical. Right now, I'm feeling pretty winded. It's kicking my butt!

But...(like that segue?), I am thinking of looking into the Inventor class next fall at the nearby local community college now that I'm down to only one college tuition payment left to pay.

.. not for as long as it remains half the price of SolidWorks ...

IMO anyone who can't make up the difference in cost in 6mths using a modern tool should change careers. After six months it is all gravy... There is a reason they can charge more for next-generation tools.

(reminds me, anyone catch Survivor last night, Rupert, "There is a reason Russel is on the villians tribe..." ) LOL

I kind of see this CAD competition like the game of survivor.

So you're saying that Solidworks is twice as effective as AutoCAD in everything that can ever be done on AutoCAD?

How effective is it budgetwise, assuming limited capital, versus unlimited capital?

If I can make $10,000 profit using $5,000 software, then in-order to be effectively priced, I must do $20,000 profit using $10,000 software.

In the portion of the manufacturing industry I'm in, it's much more effective to get two AutoCAD seats going at the same time. That's because we don't have a use for any of the "extras" that Solidworks provides.

Now, if you were to become a mechanical engineer, and wanted to know which program you should use, definately go for solidworks. If you go for solidworks on it's own and don't use the "extras" at all, you gain no benefit from it.

If no one minds. I was curious what type of job field people here are working in?

I'm in manufacturing myself. Designing fitness equipment. Can anyone recommend a

more suitable software then cad?

For that? Solidworks is DEFINATELY the way to go.. lol

The end use makes all the difference in the world.

I don't think AutoCAD will ever truly be obsolete.. not for as long as it remains half the price of SolidWorks and is now doing parametric modelling as well.

AutoCAD does parametric modeling? I must be missing a toolbar somewhere!

KC

For that? Solidworks is DEFINATELY the way to go.. lol

 

The end use makes all the difference in the world.

Or Autodesk Inventor - they are equivalent and Inventor includes AutoCAD for free. (actually if you look at it you are getting Inventor for $1300 more, not double the cost)