Inventor 2013 or 2014?

[OWilliamson]

I have used both Inventor 2013 and 2014, and I can say that for your basic needs there isn't a whole lot different between the two. I wouldn't say that there is a learning curve in upgrading to 2014, and if there is one you will be over it within a few hours.

One thing that I know 2014 has that I'm not sure 2013 has is Autodesk 360. This is something that I haven't messed with, but I have heard that it is really useful.

Going with 2014 will also let you open up any Inventor CAD model that is out there this year. If you come across a 2014 model, but you are running 2013 you could be out of luck, and I would hate for that to happen to you.

So in short I would say definitely go with 2014. You will (most likely) love it, and it is still acts just like 2013.