SW var options?

[pkelecy]

I'm interesting in doing a trial of SW, but my local SW var keeps insisting I sit through a demo before providing a trial CD. I really don't want to do that, as I expect it will just be a big sales pitch (besides, there are plenty of those online). I just want to get my hands on the software. I'm just finishing up a trial of SE and would really like to give SW full consideration before making a decision.

Does anyone know if DS sanctions customers working with vars outside their area? I did a search but couldn't find any others in my area, which is why I ask. Any advice (other than do the demo)? (Go with SE -which is my temptation? ;^)

Thanks,

Pat

 

[Eltron]

My advise would be to tell your VAR just that. You would rather go with other software than listen to them hock their wares. Let them know how much you charge for your time and ask them to take it off of the sales price.

BTW, I didn't have to sit through a pitch to get the trial CD.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Pat, try contacting someone from one of the local SolidWorks User Groups at

http://www.swugn.org/pages/find/directory.html

You could also try contacting one of the regional training centres from

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/training-center-location.htm

There are a couple of VAR personnel who are members here; they may be able to help also.

 

[JMirisola]

Pat,
As a former AE I know that you can, in fact, get a trial version without sitting through a demo. However, many VARs offer a 'hands-on' test drive which would probably be pretty beneficial to you. Basically, it simply goes through the functionality of the software. Yes, there may be a couple of "bullet points" in there, but they're harmless. If the VAR is any good, they'll customize the test drive to your particular industry so you can simply see the pertinent functionality.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

 

[fcsuper]

There is often, but not always, more than one option in your area...though nowadays, the number if options is usually no more than two.

Matt Lorono
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group
and Mechnical.Engineering Yahoo! Group

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Pat, where are you located?

 

[pkelecy]

Thanks for all the responses.

cb - I'm located in southern Indiana. Using your links, I was able to locate another var (Fisher/Unitech) and they seem pretty good. I talked to the rep this morning, and he's going to get a trial disk out right away. So I think I'm all set.

Thanks again for help. I'm looking forward to taking SolidWorks for a spin! (will be interesting to see how it compares to SE).

Pat

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I beleive SBaugh is with Fisher Unitech in that region.

With any luck you may get to deal with him via the VAR or here.

Which version is the trial? Hope you're not trying to compare basic SW with SEwST. That wouldn't be fair to SE.

 

[pkelecy]

Apparently the trial version is the full "professional" version. But I don't expect I'll notice the difference, as two weeks isn't much time to go through a package like this. I'll be lucky to test just the basic features (if my SE trial was any indication).

I like SE and could definitely live with it. But if SW proves better, well I won't complain! ;^)

Pat

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

By version I meant 2008 or 2009?

I don't know how SE is, but SW is very picky when it comes to Video Card and driver combination. Make sure yours is suitable from

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/videocardtesting.html

 

[pkelecy]

Thanks cb. I checked and my system passes (HP xw9300, Windows XP x64, nVidia Quadro FX1400). -p