<rant on> I had to go back and use the Mentor tools recently (Top of the line Expedition / Veribest version). I have used the software before, but I wouldn't call myself an expert user. I personally think it sucked big time.
Editing and creating parts was a mess. About three different programs (managers) to make a simple part. They required a separate license for the Library Manager. They also have the philosophy that won't allow you to do anything wrong. I want the tool to help me, not prevent me from doing what I want. You have to start with an error free net list, you can't put down a trace, via, part, etc. if it violates any rule. I can't work this way. I need to be able to place stuff interactively violating rules and netlist connections at times until I get the best fit. I am smarter than the software. I want to tell the software what to do, not the other way around. They have these stupid "mode" buttons. You have to switch to "Placement mode" to move a part. You have to switch to "routing mode" to lay a trace. You have to switch to "graphics mode" to change silkscreen. Each mode change takes a mouse clic and there is a pause while all the menus change around. I was constantly changing modes. Very annoying. They couldn't figure out a better way to deal with the menus? Would I pay $40k a seat and $8k a year maintenance for this? Not a chance. It is surprising to me that so many people do. <rant off> I realize that I am not totally up to speed with the Mentor tools, so maybe after some significant seat time it would get a little easier. It does have the nice interactive routing feature, but even that had its issues. I am glad for the experience though, it makes appreciate Protel's a little more (performance v cost). o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o Cliff Gerhard, P.E. E-M Designs, Inc. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Reagan Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 11:44 AM To: 'Joe Sapienza'; 'Protel EDA Discussion List' Subject: RE: [PEDA] Message to Altium !!! History Lesson 101 I still get a kick out of Mentor. For years this was "the best" tool.....sold without an autorouter. Cadence pulls a quick one on the entire industry and stops Mentor from using Spectra. Writing autorouter code would take years of development, so Mentor shops for an autorouter from Veribest. Then it dawns on them, that Veribest is actually better software than their own product. So now I ask Mentor users, which is really better? Mentor or Mentor. Couple 2004 or 99SE with Electra, and you have the equivalent capability that Mentor has for pcb design. I can not honestly give my opinion about sim or FGPGA tools since I am less skilled in those areas. Mike Reagan EDSI Frederick ____________________________________________________________ You are subscribed to the PEDA discussion forum To Post messages: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe and Other Options: http://techservinc.com/mailman/listinfo/peda_techservinc.com Browse or Search previous postings: http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
