Where can i get SolidWorks?

i've been wanting to get a good 3D design program for a while, and in the last couple days i've been looking more seriously.

i looked at both AutoCad and Solidworks, and i like the look of SolidWorks more. specifically, SolidWorks Office Premium.

i can't seem to find it anywhere, i don't know how much it costs because no one seems to sell it.

any ideas?

Never played with Solidworks before but the 2007 version of autocad is absolutely amazing, assuming you have the machine to suport it (MINIMUM 2GB of RAM, preferably at 900Mhz...).
Last year (or hereabouts) Autodesk bought Discreet and Sketchup so the 2007 version essentially has the 3Dmax modelling system (and rendering) and Sketchup built into it.
Have a look at the autocad website and check out the 2007 tour videos.
It's not as rigid as it used to be and still offers you 99.99999% accuracy.

Only thing is, i'm not sure if Autocad has built in the pre-built tools for what you would be dealing with as ultimately, it is still aimed primarily at us builders and them engineers.
It is still the most instinctive CAD program I've ever used.

my t'pence.

I'll also ask my product design friends to see what they use and where they get their software.
PM you later.

ok, so i need AutoCad 2007 and a new computer...

i looked on the AutoCad site but it didn't have much in the way of examples of what it can do. that's why i was considering SolidWorks, because their site showed a few pictures and features.

Solidworks is not a program the man on the street just walks in and buys, it's a powerful package and as such costs a lot of money. Not to mention you have to have the machine to run it on.

I'm running Acad '07 at work and it's a great program, it does have issues with backwards compatibility to older versions of autocad though.

Any premium package will come at a premium price, if you're looking at a S'Works or Autodesk package you're looking at the top end of the spectrum. There are many other packages out there with similar capabilities for a lot less money.

i know, but i want to do a lot of in-depth work in it.

after taking a course or whatever on it.

i know, but i want to do a lot of in-depth work in it.

after taking a course or whatever on it.

both programs have their strengths and weakness, what do you intend to use it for? do a google on "solidworks reviews" and you'll get a lot of links like this: http://www.caddigest.com/subjects/solidworks/reviews.htm

i want to make 3D models of cars, and parts.

i also want to design stuff like bull bars, bumpers etc..

check here for student prices and user guides: http://www.studica.com/SolidWorks/

My old flatmate (engineer at uni) uses solidworks. Brilliant program, but definately not something you can just pick up and use.

I've used SolidWorks and Pro/Engineer a lot, actually. Both are extremely powerful tools.

PM your way.

SolidWorks is aimed at mechanical solutions while AutoCad is designed more for the construction and building design peeps.

Solidworks is not a program the man on the street just walks in and buys, it's a powerful package and as such costs a lot of money. Not to mention you have to have the machine to run it on.


Well I would agree with you that Solidworks isn't something you can just walk in to a store and buy... where as I have seen AutoCAD 07 LT for $999.99 in a staples. However I would be inclined to wait a couple days to have a copy of solidworks shipped to me for the student retail price of $199.99.


to answer the original question...

Academicsuperstore.com has the student version of SolidWorks with COSMOS for 139.99 after a $20 mail in rebate.

Or your in the UK aren't you... You would have to go to JourneyEDEurope.com and they have it for 123.00 pounds.


Although be forewarned I believe the student edition puts a watermark on anything you print. Which if you are just using it for personal use it probably won't bother you, especially if you don't plan on printing anything.

it puts a watermark on? well that sucks.

i'll look into it.

thanks guys.