[Jeff G]

Due to me being a student (online/distance learning), I have an opportunity to purchase Autodesk AutoCAD Design Suite Ultimate 2014 for $149.99. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $11,495.00.

I have very limited exposure to using software like this (none whatsoever with Autodesk), but I plan on eventually working my way into a design/build firm (Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise). I also fully realize that a program such as Autodesk has a definite learning curve to it, ergo, I want to find out if this program is worth the effort that it will take to learn it (of which I'm certainly willing to put in). If not, anyone got any better suggestions/recommendations?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jeff G]

You get the whole suite for about three years and it has a watermark on it that states something like "This is from an Autodesk Student version" or some such.

That is usually around the perimeter of the paper space layout. I find that you can use some of the free AutoDesk clones like DraftSite and get rid of the watermark.

AutoDesk is the 800 lb. gorilla of cad programs so you can't go wrong learning it.

Andy.

In this regard alone, it sure seems like it might very well be worth the 150 bucks.

Would you mind answering how one could go about using DraftSite to eliminate the watermark? If you can't (or shouldn't), I certainly understand.

 

[Jeff G]

Awesome!

Thanks a lot for taking the time, Andy! You've been very helpful!

 

[Jeff G]

You should take advantage of the student pricing on that. It is an excellent skill set to have, and pretty much the industry standard.
Scipio mentioned Draftsight which is a good free option. I've heard good things about Solidworks (from the same company), but I haven't used it so I can't say how it compares to Autocad.

In your opinion, or anyone else for that matter, how does DraftSite compare to Google Sketchup?

 

[Jeff G]

I think google sketchup is pretty darn good for what it is.

I'll certainly second that opinion!

 

[Jeff G]

I believe that "enhanced" student suite you're referring to does not have a watermark and that there is no 3 year limit. They have different tiers - depending on how much you pay. The free version is a year. Caviat is you can't upgrade. .. unless you're still a student.

I'd get it without blinking an eye. My sister in law teaches urban design and she's got it. I have fun playing with it whenever I visit.

You can't go wrong with learning AutoCad. It's the benchmark.

Since I initially posted my inquiry here, I found out that you are indeed correct. The new student version has no watermark issue (no background image stating: "produced by autodesk student product"), nor time limit (it's a permanent license). The only restriction is it cannot be used commercially.