John, is Vector still supplied with ShopBot? I thought that it was a limited special offer only?
My views on which CAD is best: Same as when you were in school, before you had your first car (auto?) and the guys were all discussing which car is best. Well, you should remember that Dad's (or Mom's) car was best because it was there! My suggestion for first time CAD learners is to find a friend with CAD who will give you a free copy and some hours. His/her CAD will be the best! Remember also that you will often be trying to learn CAD in the evening, so you need the type of friend that you can call at these hours.
If you really can not find someone to teach you, then get a regular brand-name product with good manuals, helpfiles, tutor programmes, etc.
