Yes I am a confirmed Corel user since version 1 someone like me with sparse graphical ability can produce okay output with the aid of the numerous gadgets in CorelDRAW.
CorelDRAW has never been a light package, weight wise this is two kilos, and from that the realise that you still get manuals. The only exception is if you buy the upgrade you do not get a clip art manual. The other explanation of not light are the six other packages included with CorelDRAW, there are also 10,000 clipart images, 1,000 photos and objects and just for good measure 1,000 fonts.
CorelDRAW is an illustration and layout package, it can also handle motion graphics and digital imaging. In this short piece I can only cover some of the new features.
The Smart Drawing tool makes drawing circles, triangles and squares a breeze, precise accuracy, no more guesswork. If you should want an oval or rectangle dont worry they are still possible. It also makes sense of quick sketches.
Dynamic Guides allows you to easily and quickly draw or modify objects or to clone an object easily. The Snap To feature has been enhanced making this easier to use.
CorelDRAW has always been great with text and the Align and Distribute feature making your efforts look more professional. Text Layouts are improved and the rendering of items is improved. The new Touch Up brush is simple and works well.
The interface between CorelDRAW, Corel PhotoPaint and Corel R.A.V.E is now almost invisible and work can easily be transferred. It is now also possible to export to WordPerfect and Microsoft Word thus making output in both word processors sharper.
Corel have always bundled more and I expect most users like me never use more than a tiny percentage of the capabilities of the package. There are over 100 import and export filters so Corel can probably read or write it.
I use it on a Pentium 4 machine with 512MB of RAM so I expect it to be responsive and it is. The stated minimum specs are Windows 2000 or Windows XP. Pentium II 200MHz with 256MB RAM and 250MB hard disc space. You need a CD-ROM and mouse but it supports graphics tablets and having used an earlier version with one would heartily recommend it. Lastly you need a monitor with at least 1024x768 resolution. I doubt there are many Pentium II 200MHz machines with the memory or hard disc space required and most of all, remember Windows 2000 or XP only.
The price from Corel is £359 or £179 upgrade both plus VAT. DABS have it for £328.
Link : http://www.corel.co.uk/pre_order.asp
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