Rating: Summary: slow program and 3d bugs make it practically unusable Review: This is a very frustrating product - it is good in that it has a lot of features, however the major features seem to have bugs that make them almost unusable. Doors and walls disappear in the 3D view unless you "nudge" them around so that the program redraws, and even then it doesn't always do it correctly. I have spent more time on this program trying to get it to do what I want it to do, and it is extremely aggravating.I am using Windows XP with a 1.5Mhz Pentium IV processor and 512MB of RAM, so I don't think the speed problem is due to my computer, but just a problem inherent in the product. Viewing Punch's website support forum reveals frustrated users continually running against the limitations or outright flaws of the software. I don't know what other home design software to recommend, but not this one - there's just too many flaws for it to be worth the purchase price.
Rating: Summary: This stinks Review: This may be a powerful program, but unless you are an architect or has someone who can take the time to take you through every step then don't buy this. The instructions are simple enough, but they are simpler than the program is so they don't help all that much. After hours of reading the book and struggling to learn this program I just gave up. Graph paper and a drafting pencil are a better bet.
Rating: Summary: This stinks Review: This may be a powerful program, but unless you are an architect or has someone who can take the time to take you through every step then don't buy this. The instructions are simple enough, but they are simpler than the program is so they don't help all that much. After hours of reading the book and struggling to learn this program I just gave up. Graph paper and a drafting pencil are a better bet.
Rating: Summary: Still Needs Work Review: This program was very disapointing. It was good for basic home designs, but was very poor for more advanced design. I found the cabinet wizard program to be joke.
Rating: Summary: A Lot of Glitz, but no Beef Review: This program was well advertised and looked unbelievable on their website. I've used previous Punch Programs as well as Home Architect 3.0, 4.0 and the bizarre 5.0 which isn't really an upgrade. 4.0 has a great interface that is very intuitive, but it just didn't have enough stuff. I spent 2 full weekends trying to work with AS 18 and am thoroughly disgusted. It would be great if you just want to design a box. I gave up when I found dormer roofs and other roofs going through walls. Any use of varying pitch roofs causes all kinds of problems with the dormers. You also have no flexiblity with the fancy trapezoid or triangle windows in terms of changing any one dimension. If you really want to design creatively, don't get this thing. I suggest you go to the Chiefarchitect.com website and learn about why 5.0 is not really an upgrade. They also offer a real upgrade although it is somewhat expensive. I'm gonna try it because I'm tired of cheap low-wattage programs. I guess you get what you pay for.
Rating: Summary: not worth it. Review: This software is ok, but it's not worth the money. It does a terriable job with roofs (won't calc. rafter and jack sizes on a hip roof). Finding stuff is really hard. I can't find roof vents. Took me forever to get used to the user interface and I'm an advanced pc user. Can't find where you can add an overhand on a roof..... to much to list.
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