I've just built my system which is quite simple and am test driving Mach3 and about to press the purchase button but before I do (and with future upgrades in my mind) would it be better to go for Mach4 with a parallel port plugin?

Thanks

Why not test drive Mach4 and see for yourself which you'd prefer?

Well it all depends(;-)

IF Mach3 does everything you need then it is a good choice. BUT be aware it is what it is and will NEVER be bebugged,updated,fixed,changed PERIOD. UNDERSTAND that.

Mach4 LPT plugin according to AR who wrote it is what it is as well. It has a limited subset of features that it will do and may NEVER be updated beyond what it is today.

UNDERSTAND that.

NOW the choice is yours (;-)

(;-) TP

I think it's a very tough decision.

(I have licensed versions of Mach3, Mach4 and Art's parallel port plugin but, at this moment in time, I am still using Mach3 with the parallel port and WinXP).

Tweakie.

In that case is there anything that M3 can do that M4 can't? and....
will I understand the answer ;-)   

Tweakie, are you still on M3 because of the hassle and downtime upgrading.

Thanks guys...

Why not test drive Mach4 and see for yourself which you'd prefer?

Fair point, well made!

OH there are many things that mach3 can do that Mach4 does not do yet.  TO me Mach4 is still very much beta and has a long way to go yet. But that is just my opinion.

(;-) TP

In that case is there anything that M3 can do that M4 can't? and....
will I understand the answer ;-)   

Tweakie, are you still on M3 because of the hassle and downtime upgrading.

Thanks guys...

My machine control PC has Mach3 and Mach4 installed side by side. I use Mach4 for learning/experimental and Mach3 for actually making stuff. The day will come when Mach4 takes over completely but it will not be today.

Tweakie.

Bearing in mind that I am a noob at this and only really wanting to do 2d (or 2.5d if I knew what it was) to start do you think M4 is the better long term solution for me?

I loaded it last night and prefer the graphics as they are a lot clearer to me but didn't get chance to fire it up and configure it.

One more thing DeseignCad seems to do the CAD and CAM (two products) why don't I read much about it on the forum? It's priced about right for me and seems to offer everything I might need?

Great website BTW Tweakie....

Once again, thanks.....

Just a very general observation…
From forum activity it appears that new users are going with Mach4 and (at this moment in time) established users are staying with Mach3.

So I think the decision is yours and I also think it is a tough decision to make but remember that both Mach3 and Mach4 are there for you to ‘try before you buy’.
My CAD/CAM software cost me upwards of $2000 so the license fee for Mach3 + Mach4 is perhaps small change – why not do as I did and buy both. 

Tweakie.