AutoCAD LT general advice

[wyattsride]

Hello,

 I need some advice from the experienced AutoCAD users. Here's my background.

 I work for Commercial Window Dealer in the Pittsburgh area. I've been doing basic 2D shop drawings with AutoCAD 2000 for 14 years. I've never had to upgrade, because the drawings that I do are very basic. No 3D modeling, just basic drawings. But, I'm running into updated AutoCAD drawings from Architects or downloaded details from window manufacturer's web sites that I cannot open. Obviously because of my 2000 version. Also, the company that I work for bought me a new computer with a Windows 7 OS. I can't install the AutoCAD 2000 program on the new computer.

 My questions are:

Since I do basic drawings, is AutoCAD LT good enough for my work?

What is the latest AutoCAD LT version can I still purchase?

How much of a learning curve will there be going for a very old version like 2000 to something much more current.

Thanks for any help and advice

Rick

[pendean]

Other than the more current user interface look, you will use pretty much the same commands as always.
Just realize LT has no Express/Bonus Tools and no LISP.

Download the free trial and use it to find out more.

[mconway]

AutoCAD LT should be perfect for your purposes if you are doing no 3D. Be aware, LT will also not run LiSP routines. 

The latest version is 2014. 2015 should be released soon. The new Ribbon Interface will be a culture shock. but it should be minimal once you get the idea. Depending on the commands that you typically use there are some serious improvements to the software since 2000. Some of the biggest are  Annotative Text, Sheet Sets, Major Hatch and Array Improvements, Dynamic Blocks, and Constraints. The overall improvements are too many to list here.

I suggest some upgrade training just to show you the new stuff so that you use the software to it's fullest potential. If your current reseller does not/cannot provide this.

I know a guy...

We can discuss any additional needs via email if you'd like. mconway@printostat.com

If your looking for a reseller in your area try Print-O-Stat, Software Solutions. www.software.printostat.com

[wyattsride]

Thank you both for your replies and advice. I'm not concerned with not being able to use any LiSP routines. I don't need to be that advanced. I will however, look into a free trial version to see what I'm getting myself into.

Rick