The x-cad.net Web site received its desired 100,000 registrations before the self-imposed deadline of 1 August. (We can't be sure that 100,000+ signed up. From comments left on this blog, some people spammed the x-cad site with multiple registrations.) About a week earlier, Alibre announced it was behind the mystery Web site, and that the software is named "Design Xpress." A couple of its features include:
* Create and edit assemblies with up to 25 parts; larger assemblies can be opened for viewing only.
* Create 2D drawings with standard orthographic views; drawings are fully associative.
The first 100,000 who signed up get a version of the software that included these two extra features:
* Advanced part modeling - shelling, 3D sketch, reference surfaces, and so on.
* 3D import/export of STEP, SAT (ACIS), and IGES; 3D export of STL; 2D import/export of DXF and DWG.
That's the good news. The bad news is that this free software isn't quite so free. It requires a full-time Internet connection so that Google ads can be displayed. When the connection goes missing, the software shuts down after saving your work. If you don't have the connection (such as dial-up users and those on the road), you either can't use the software, or have to pay Alibre US$49.
The limit on 25 parts is designed to encourage you to upgrade to Alibre's more expensive software. The first-100,000 bonus features are available to others at an extra cost. Also, the download ends 31 August.
I had thought Alibre would use the 100,000 customers as a resource for optional support and targetted upgrades.
As my Pappy always used to say...
"You get what you pay for".
Posted by: Outside User | Jul 28, 2005 at 10:32 AM
Seems shady. It would have been nice to be up front. Also, the internet connection is lame.
Posted by: jim | Jul 28, 2005 at 11:25 AM
I am in disbelief about the bad news with Alibre Express. This is really a set back and I told so many people about this offer. I don't know now that even though its supposedly free, that it is worth downloading. I'm ashamed of Alibre for hiding these facts about the software.
Posted by: Richard Williams | Jul 28, 2005 at 12:24 PM
Bad news about Alibre?
What bad news?
- the 25 part limitation is not a significant issue for most people. That's 25 parts in one assembly -- not 25 parts total. Most assemblies are way less than 25 parts.
- Being online isn't a significant limitation for most people either. I had to be online to post this message. I'm online all the time.
Beyond this, if these things are a problem, and you find the software to be useful otherwise, it's cheap enough to upgrade to remove the limitations.
Let's be realistic: It costs a fortune to develop advanced CAD software, such as Design Xpress. Alibre is giving away a lot with this offer, on the belief that you'll like their software enough to buy the full-blown version.
I don't know too many other vendors who have made as good an offer.
Posted by: Evan Yares | Jul 30, 2005 at 01:03 PM