I just thought I'd let anyone interested know that Alibre are selling there alibre standard package for £150 untill 31st dec (rrp £990)

i found alibre to be really good for designing accurate mechanical components easily and quickly

whilst trying to learn how to use it i only felt like throwing my computer out the window a handfull of times which is pretty good going

not so good for curvy/wavy surfaces though

i think its similar in the way it works to solidworks