Revise the pricing policy

Pricing for square mm, not in set dimensions. 

Op Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:42:02 +0200 schreef Michael Kellett 

<noreply-5400@element14.com>:

You could look at EasyPC which has low cost versions based on pin count 

rather than board size so the 1000 pin limited version is only £247. 

I've used EasyPC for years and while of course it's not perfect I've 

found it good enough for some quite complex designs. The good news is 

that I've found it to have far fewer bugs than more exotic packages - 

and it is easy to use.

 

MK

 

Thanks, I know there's other pcb software with licensing schemes that are 

probably better suited for my needs. In fact, I tried EasyPC, among 

others, last time I was looking for new pcb layout software. Can't really 

remember why it didn't work for me (was 10 years ago....).

The problem is, with cad software, there is almost no compatability 

between different manufacturers, or only very basic. I've used Eagle for 

more than 10 years (and used other software before that). I've made 

hundreds of pcb's with it and with audio / tube stuff, I regularly 

rework/expand pcb's made 10 years ago. The technology doesn't age that 

much.

One very important reason why I choose Eagle over others is, that even 10 

years ago, it already existed for a long time and looked very stable with 

a promising future. The price (for the pro version), although a bit steep 

for a 'pro-hobbyist', does allow Cadsoft to continue development better 

than some of the cheap packages, which feature-wise could be good enough 

for me.

So, I would like to work with Eagle as long as possible. But lot's of the 

added features are not very useful for me and adding some form of 

licensing for "less features - more pcb size" would help a lot with that 

decision!

Richard

You could look at EasyPC which has low cost versions based on pin count rather than board size so the 1000 pin limited version is only £247. I've used EasyPC for years and while of course it's not perfect I've found it good enough for some quite complex designs. The good news is that I've found it to have far fewer bugs than more exotic packages - and it is easy to use.

MK

Here's a suggestion inspired by Adobe! Rental licenses.... meaning when you need to make a 300mm x 300mm board, you can rent this upgrade for a month at a time! Then you get the best of both worlds. Adobe now does this with their entire Creative Suite CS6 (which is very expensive to purchase otherwise).

Also, the great thing is no commitment.

Anyway, just my thoughts...

Op Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:01:10 +0200 schreef Jacques Casier 

<noreply-121859@element14.com>:

Hello,

 

To make a long story short, my company will disapear in two or three 

years. I've been designing all sort of electronic devices for about 30 

years, using OrCAD, Protel, and Altium (the later for almost 10 years).

Of course I will continue to practice my job, probably as self employed, 

in the field of high-end audio amplifiers and such, a field that has 

been a hobby since school.

 

My problem is that I like tubes (or valves if you prefer). When it comes 

to size this technology is exactly the contrary of the nowadays trends. 

No valves in SMD, no Sir !

 

Of course I could continue to use my Altium license, but to keep it up 

to date costs a lot of money, and if it's acceptable for a company 

making profit from it, it will be unacceptable for a very small one like 

my future one.

 

I feel that there should be something between the small van (standard 

Eagle - 100x160 mm) and the 200 Tons Mine Hauler (pro - 4000x4000 mm - 

Christ! who makes such huge boards ?).

Maybe a simple sturdy pick-up, allowing 6 layers and something like 

200x200 mm routing area ? Or even better: turn the simple van into a 

great pick-up and allow the standard version to work on a 200x200mm area.

 

I'd rather work with Eagle, but other packages are on the market, lower 

priced (or even free) allowing 1000x1000 or even more.

 

Best regards,

 

Jacques

 

Hi,

I don't think a change in licensing choices will be very likely, but just 

in case, I'd like to support your request.

I also design (HiFi / High end) audio gear, mainly based on tubes. And 

yes, that means I need size and only use moderate complexity. I did this 

when I bought Eagle pro (> 10 years ago) and still like the way it works. 

I don't use or have a license for the autorouter.

Understandably, Eagle development concentrates on modern technology, and 

that's fine. I don't want the product to change, like it fine as it is, 

but like you, would welcome a more flexible pricing scheme. Because most 

of the added features aren't really neccesary for me, a flexible pricing 

scheme would allow me to convince myself to keep using and updating Eagle, 

instead of looking for something else.

I don't even need 6 layers, 4 would be enough, and if the price is right I 

could even accept 2 layer and change some design decisions. But a larger 

board area would be very welcome. Something like 4 Eurocards (200mm x 

320mm) sounds about right.

/DREAM_MODE_OFF

Richard