Gravostyle vs Other Programs

[RhettaE]

We currently use GravoStyle5 for all our engraving, a rotary and 2 lasers(Laser2001 & LS series).

 

Recently the owners went to an engravers convention where they attended a training on EngraveLab9. They are not computer people so I am not sure they really asked the questions they should have asked before getting all excited about this program. Initial research does not answer the important questions that I would have for EngraveLab. Prior to this they were looking into a full upgrade and using Adobe Illustrator.

 

1. The trainer told them that EngraveLab can open any of the GravoStyle5 and GravoStyle98 files that are currently on our computers. Is this true?

 

2. They were told the program is "just like Photoshop" but my initial look at the free download does not reflect this information. Does it really work like Photoshop?

 

3. I will have to train the other 2 engravers to use the program. I know there is always a learning curve but how bad will it be if I am teaching 2 people who have limited computer knowledge? Example: They didn't know they could cut and paste text from one window to the other.

 

Basically, is the upgrade worth it or should they continue with the goal of Adobe Illustrator?