Originally Posted by
QuiltnNan
i've had EQ5 for years and have not found a need to upgrade. with any of the versions, there will be a learning curve... just take all the lessons in the book... you'll get there
This is me as well. I am not a designer by any stretch of the imagination. I use it to draft various blocks; get a general idea if colors play nicely together; get fabric requirements. I did not go through the lessons per se but I did look at the book and do use it for reference.
With the costs involved, if you are not planning to do extensive designing and/or want to have access to fabric libraries, I would definitely consider v5.
Can't speak about other similar programs.