Protel DXP

[Carl Schattke]

There's some nice features with the new DXP version and there should be a service pack out soon to upgrade some of the router features. The interface is different than the 99SE version but overall I like the changes.
DXP has to run on XP or Win 2K, since they take advantage of all the shading and hidden menues and so forth. Protel leads the way in user GUI IMHO. They need to get the autorouter doing the right things for high speed design.

[peranders]

Protel leads the way in user GUI IMHO.
... even better now 2007 but much can be done, I'll believe. I constantly wonder how a pcb cad program would like if it would be used as much as for example Photoshop?

[Carl Schattke]

Many of us PCB Designers use our software many more hours a week than the typical Photoshop users and we are deeply affected by the productivity of the tool.
The better we can make it work the more money we make and the happier our customers are.
The features and capabilities of the CAD system exceed that of the typical graphics editing tool, but both require experts well versed in the tool to get the most out of it in the least amount of time.

One of the things about supporting a smaller user base is that the software vendor can be more responsive to requests for changes in the software. I have asked Protel/Altium for many changes that have been added to the tool after explaining to the software architects what is needed by us users in the field.

The design update menu, edit net colors, slide traces and many other features are a direct result of this interaction with the right people. Software vendors love to hear from users how to improve the product because it makes them more competitive in the marketplace.

[peranders]

To the defense of Protel I think the new version 6 looks better than most software I have tested. Too many look like they did 10 or 20 years ago.