CAD Software for Mechanical design.

Since I have started drawing in windows98 in windows program called "Paint" I started thinking to become passionate about CAD.  

That was at an age of 18, I got an opportunity to touch a computer. Nevertheless my 2 year old son is not allowing me to use my Mac or iPad. Perhaps he ask me all the time, Kanchanno? (I will show you)!!

So since then technology has been improved so far, and CAD programs allow people to operate with ease.

AutoCAD
From 2001 I started using CAD Program Autocad. I must say Autocad is same since then, but updated with a lot of unwanted features which I never got to use them. If I need to, I need to google to find where the menus are. There is no use of new tools might be because the Autocad basics is very strong since when they built. Basics are so perfect so that there are no other improvements can be done. I still believe no new generation 3d CAD programs can beat Autocad for its actual purpose. So we should think why Autocad still dominating the design needs?

I believe its because, 

1. The print quality.
2. Ease of manipulating drawings in 2d.
3. Faster processing even for bigger 2d models.
4. Ease of review. 
5. Simple tools. 
6. Keyboard shortcuts.

Unigraphics

I started my 3d design carrier with UG 7. (Now version Unigraphics Nx 10). I still love this CAD program for SPM design and for assembly. I started realizing the power parametric design from UG only. Unfortunately I am not using it because the so called new generation designers likes Solidworks due to the ease of user interface.

The most lovely functions in UG are as I found.

1. What ever things you drawn in your screen area, that is useful for all operations. The most amazing feature that I consider. For eg. If we have a point that is used in modeling, assembly, drawing, manufacturing, animation, routing and a                       lot more. If we see an edge line that can be used in all features. Extrude, sweep what ever is. I never saw this function in other CAD programs.
2. Ease of assembly.
3. Works well with multi thread processors.
4. Limited resources is required for graphics.
5. Vector quality in rendering. ( I also agree that realistic renderings are not up to mark)
6. Manufacturing modules (CAM)

I should say UG (Unigraphics) is a program for professionals.

SolidEdge.
3d Program from SIEMENS. (Sorry I will update this later, I am tired now, there are more to come, Soldworks, Inventor and Catia)!!

Inventor.
I will update my experience with inventor soon.

SolidWorks.
Ease of user interface and minimal and optimum tools with expected performance. I should say the most easiest CAD 3d program a beginner can learn. This program is best used for Product design. But not too much surface modeling is possible.