So Where's TFP v17

[tjwatts]

Based on previous release cycles, we should have seen or be seeing the next version of TFP real soon now.

I'd like to buy an upto date copy but I'm not inclined to shell out just before a release unless there's a guarantee of a free upgrade.

Is there any thing IMSI would like to tell us?

[Allan Chesney]

Sorry but as of a week or so ago there was no news at all on a new version.  As you probably know, the program is developed by Cadsoft for IMSI Design, based on the parent program Envisioneer, which had a new version (V8) released on July 1st I think it was.

No doubt the next version of TFP is being prepared but since Envisioneer V8's release there has been a patch issued for Envisioneer to fix a few bugs, so I suspect that the preparation of TFP 17 has been delayed until those things were sorted out. That is just a guess on my part - nothing official, so it is still a guessing game when  it will arrive.

Allan

[tjwatts]

Thank you Allan

Whilst not wanting to get into the "Duke Nukem Forever" scenario, IMSI's marketing dept could do a bit better I feel.

If they did not want to commit to a release date (other than "in the next month or three") they could do well IMHO to make a guarantee that from date X all purchasers would be entitled to a free upgrade to v17.

I hope one of them reads this!

Cheers,

Tim

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Tim,

I think they are probably as much in the dark as we are.  IMSI Design's major product is TurboCAD - they are the developers so have full knowledge and control of the product, potential release dates etc.

On the other hand, TFP is just supplied to them by CadSoft and they are totally dependant on Cadsoft for when the any new release will be available - they just have to wait. As I mentioned before, when I contacted the TFP Product Manager a week or so ago, they had heard nothing from Cadsoft about a new release, although they were obviously aware that Envisioneer had been updated, so a new version would be coming along eventually. My specualtion is that this will only happen when the existing bugs in Envisioneer are sorted out.

What version are you currently using?

Allan

[tjwatts]

Hi Allan,

That does make sense - I had not fully understood the relationship between CadSoft and IMSI before.

I assumed IMSI were driving it even if not doing the programming.

As to version - I'm not right now. Last version I bough was 3-4 years ago and had problems with roofs (esp dormers) and many other annoyances.

I'm ready to buy, but not if I miss a new version by 2 weeks!

Cheers

Tim

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Tim,

I know they usually give a generaous discount to any who have the previous version but, with the present uncertainty about the time of the next release I cannot offer any further comment.

Can you wait for a bit longer or do you have something urgent you need to work on?
If you were to download to trail version it would buy you a couple more weeks. At least that way you could have a play with it and maybe make a start on whatever projects you have in mind. It is the full program, not just a cut down version, so anything you do using it will be fully useable, printable and exportable without any limitations. It will also be openeable in the next version when it comes along so you would not lose anything.

15 day trial: http://activate.imsisoft.com/gennedfreetrial.aspx?productpage=TFP_Pro_16

Allan

[freezz]

Is there any differences between TFP and the Cadsoft Envisioneer Express or Cadsoft Personal Architect, as they are all based on the Cadsoft products?

I've been through the product details for Personal Arch and seems very similar but cant really ascertain whats not in compared to TFP.  There is also no info on version compared to the current version releases for Envisioneer so can't tell if its a current product or still awaiting an upgrade the same as TFP is from Envisioneer.

As for Express, there's basically no info on the web site http://envisioneerexpress.com/ I will have to waste time downloading and trialling the app just to see.  Only thing is that it says "new version 7 just released" and yet Envisioneer is now in v8?  And this is from the same company?

Was perhaps considering buying Personal Arch as its only $49.95 rather than waiting for whenever, and paying probably twice that for an upgrade to my TFP v16.

[Allan Chesney]

In the 3D area all these programs are very similar the only differences being the cheaper ones (Personal Architect and TFP Deluxe) have a few features missing that you will find in TFP Pro and the Envisioneer top end products (not Express). Limitations in the cheaper products are thing like less landscaping  functions (esp plants) and things like door and window schedules. The Personal Architect website mentions thousands of plants in one place and 200 in another, and also mentions that it does Working Drawings but when you look at the Compare screen (http://www.personalarch.com/compare.php) you will notice that they are only in the Professional version at $895.

Based on past comments from users of TFP Deluxe, there are quite a number of limitations compared with TFP Pro and as the price is the same as Personal Architect, I imagine it would have essentially the same limitations. If you go to this page http://www.envisioneerexpress.com/compare-all.php you will find a comparision of Envisioneer Express (essentially a viewer) with both TFP versions and similar HGTV products. You will notice the TFP Pro is the most complete. Personal Architect is not listed but, from what I can tell, it is the same as TFP Deluxe, being the same price too.

If you did decide to get Personal Architect because of the price and uncertainty of the next release of TFP, then you may be better gettting TFP Deluxe, as you could at least upgrade for a reduced price to the Pro version if you found too many limitations but wuith Personal Architect that may not be desirable as the next higher version is $850 more.  Files produced are interchangeable between any of these products.

From my experience I would recommend TFP Pro version as it the most complete in 3D functionality and 2D also (with the exception of Working Drawings).

Allan

[freezz]

Many thanks Allan.

How on earth did you locate that comparison page  .  From the Envisioneer Home page (coming from Envisioneer) there's no link to anything else other than Contact, Partners and Personal Arch.  That chart makes a big difference in understanding the diff products.

Thanks again.

[Allan Chesney]

Purely by accident I think. The Compare (all) link is Envisioneer Express website not Cadsoft website.
There are a few compares around for the different/same products but all are well hidden! 

Allan

[JBme]

Hi Allan,

Based on your discussion above, it's probably not worth waiting for v17, as it is uncertain.

I've just finished my 15 day trial of TFP Pro (today), and now want to buy it, but I'm confused about the differences between the regular version (http://imsidesign.com/Products/TurboFLOORPLAN/tabid/395/Default.aspx) and the Australian version (http://www.mindscape.com.au/software/turbofloorplan-home-and-landscape-pro-v16-australiannew-zealand-edition.do which is linked from the IMSI site under international -> Australia).

Do you have any comments on what the differences are?
The cost is the same.
To be honest, I didn't realise there were different versions, so I'm not sure which edition I have the trial version of.

Thanks,
JB

[Allan Chesney]

Hi JB,

The program itself is the same, the only difference is the Catalogue. You will find the Australia version has some things that are Australianised, the plant catalogue being the main thing I think. I am probably not the best person to tell you tbe differences however as I have built up my personal catalogue over many years and have no idea now what came from where. In fact I seem to recall that the Metric catalogue supplied now with the US version is actually the Australian catalogue anyway. Someone else may be able to confirm that for us hopefully in which case, if you use metric, you use the Australian one anyway.

The is still no word yet on the release of V17 but it MAY be close as Envisioneer has just had a second update (bug fixes) and IMSI sent an email a couple of days ago offering a very reduced price on Deluxe. If you do.purchase Pro now you should qualify for a.substantial discount on V17 when it is released. Incidentally, if you do purchase now, you do not need to download the program again - just apply the unlock codes to your existing copy.

Allan

[JBme]

Hi Allan,

So how does it work to get a discount on v17 if I buy v16 now? i.e. does this only work if I buy the product key direct from the IMSI web site?

I was thinking about getting the hard copy disk sent as well in case my computer dies or need reloading, and with the disk it is $110 to just get the product key from IMSIdesign site. However, I note that Harvey Norman stores are selling the Australian version for $80 (or $85 if posted out, not collected instore).

I'm tempted to therefore go for the Australian edition and assumably I'll have to uninstall the trial version then install the Australian edition.
When v17 is released, then do IMSI just offer a reduction to anyone who has registered their product recently?

Thanks,
JB

[Allan Chesney]

Hi JB,

You will notice that I said "should", the comment being based on what has happened in the past. Usually V16 users would get an email advising of the new version's release and offering it at the reduced price.  Sometimes it is advertised to 'buy the current version and receive the new one free' but this would probably only happen within days of the release.

If I was you I would get the program from Harvey Norman as their price is almost down to what the usual discount price is anyway ($69) and this way you get the CD also. I suspect that doing it this way the product key would not match the Australian version but it would not hurt to try before uninstalling the demo. If you do uninstall the demo, keep a copy of the catalogue as there may be things in there that you want to add to the Aussie version.

A warning though - just make sure that HN have got V16 and that it is the Pro version not Deluxe. I have seen them selling V 14 so make sure first.

Allan