Well, with next falls basic discontinuance of Eagle Point, Looks like I am migrating to Carlson. Going to purchase before the end of the year to get the great year-end deal, and then implement in the slower Jan-Mar timeframe. I am even going to upgrade this 9 year old computer.
I know any upgrade like this is a headache, Going from XP to Win 7 (maybe 64 bit) and a lifetime user of EP to Carlson is going to be wakeup for sure. I used to dread a possible software switch, but I am actually kinda excited about some of the Carlson feature I don't already have.
Anyone out there going through the same thing, or have any pointers/pitfalls I should look for?
I made the move to Carlson Embedded Autocad and don't regret the move.
I installed Carlson CES several months ago and am learning that before I get the upgraded versions.
Very satisfied with what it can do. Will take some time to get away from what I am used to doing and to use only CES.
What Version Of AutoCAD Do You Have?
If you are happy with your AutoCAd version and don't plan to upgrade, you can install Carlson in the AutoCAd you have. That way you have full AutoCAD plus Carlson's add ons.
It is my understanding that the latest versions of Carlson work completely within older AutoCAd versions. Carlson's can do pretty much anything without needing a lot of AutoCAD garbage.
Paul in PA
What Version Of AutoCAD Do You Have?
Thanks Paul, I have been ICad since day 1, like ICad '98/EP I have found that it works just fine for what I need it to do, so I will be going with the embeded ICad 6.6, with 7.0 coming out in Jan/Feb. Softdesks busniess practices are forcing EP to destroy about 2/3 of their surveying software, or they will not issue them a license. Carlson is a good option for me, since I don't want to work with softdesk (but still need to be compatable with clients ACad drawings)
Forgive me I am still learning Carlson stuff, CES?
What Version Of AutoCAD Do You Have?
Neil:
I'm in the same boat as you. I've been a EP/Icad user since 1996 and am looking (needing) to upgrade.
Good luck.
Somebodies Needs To Take AutoDesk Down
For years third party add ons have done what AutoCAD cannot do and AutoDesk works to disable the other parties so that you are forced to buy their crap. I say it is "restraint of trade". More than twenty years after I first bought and used AutoCAD 10 there are things that worked then that AutoCAD has forced others to disable. More money and less capability that is the Bill Gates method to success. My regret is that I saved $200 way back then and did not buy AutoCAD 10 386, instead buying the 286 version that cannot address the way extra memory is handled in newer machines. What I do can be done quite well in AutoCAD 10.
Paul in PA
What Version Of AutoCAD Do You Have?
TL,
Quickly look at Carlson's year end deals, and then compare to the special they have for EP converters. EP ends next fall, which is way too busy of a time for me, so I have to make the change and be fully up and running within the next 3 months. You may want to at least look at buying soon, and implementing later if needed. We only have the one CAD seat, so it is kinda critical that it works properly.
What Version Of AutoCAD Do You Have?
> EP ends next fall, which is way too busy of a time for me, so I have to make the change and be fully up and running within the next 3 months.
Suit yourself regarding the schedule, but the fact that EP is ending support for its software next fall doesn't mean that the software won't run after November. I keep a copy of AutoCAD 2008 installed for the surface modeling and earthworks calcs I need to do using EP, and I figure I can keep on doing so for some years to come.
What Version Of AutoCAD Do You Have?
Ending support means no more A thru Z patches to fix the bugs. Hopefully they ended up with a good product....I doubt it. JRL
What Version Of AutoCAD Do You Have?
Your right.
I haven't contacted EP support in over 3 years. (Thank goodness)
What Version Of AutoCAD Do You Have?
Jim,
I normally would agree. I have not upgraded EP in about 7 years, and has been a good product for me over the years. I am usually in the mindset of: If it is working, don't fix it. EP had not come out with any new features that I thought was worth upgrading, so I just kept working right along.
Here is the big problem with next fall: EP will no longer issue machine licenses for old software. That means if your computer dies, or you need to re-install for some reason, you are SOL. I know I need a new computer here. I plan on re-installing EP just to have incase I need it, but since it is kinda time to upgrade anyway, it is time for me to move on. My suggestion is, if you plan on using an old copy of EP for production beyond next fall, get it on a new, or a very reliable computer and get it authorized, because it is the last chance you have, and if something goes wrong, you are either switching, or on EPs new "upgrade" (downgrade) path.
CES is a product from 1997-2001 that I've had on the shelf and never took the time to learn until recently as this dinosaur has had more time to learn something newer.
😉
What Version Of AutoCAD Do You Have?
I had EP. Dumped it for a number of reasons and went to Carlson. It is one of the better engineering/surveying firm decisions that I have made in my 35-year career. Carlson is easy to use, and in my opinion far easier to use and more stable than EP was, and in my opinion the tech support of Carlson is far superior. I have never regretted a single thing about that move. Of course this is my own opinion related to me personally. EP was also a good project, but in my opinion not a fantastic product like Carlson. I am sure others could justifiably choose EP over Carlson. That is what makes horse trading good. But I am a Carson supporter 100% and they are a Willis Engineering supporter 200%.
