I did some fairly complex designs with Protel's DOS based software back
in the late 1980's.  These were 4, 6, and 8 layer B size VME boards with a
a mix of through-hole and surface mount parts.  This software was quite
capable and would be more than adequate for the majority of designs.
Seems like it was around $1500 at the time just for the PCB/autorouter
component, but soon after their first Windows versions became available,
you could buy the whole DOS bundle (schematic/PCB/router) for about
$350.  It was much better than anything else in its price range at the time
(or even now, for that matter).  I don't know whether it can still be
purchased, but even now I'd still take it over anything else in the under $1K
price range.

> protel used to have a dos version with autorouter & schematic.
> it was a lot cheaper than protel99.
> personally i think protel 98 is better value (only used the demo)A LOT CHEAPER
 TOO!
> i know someone who has protel99 , few bugs requuires patches.
> can't verify though as i've never used it!!
> TFYT
> glen

---
                                        Peace,
                                        William Kitchen
                                        bill@iglobal.net

The future is ours to create.