SolidWorks Real Reward (Smart Button)

SolidWorks USB Web Key Smart ButtonSolidWorks has a new Real Reward program.  This new marketing scheme is being kicked off by mailing out these USB Web Key smart buttons.  All you need to do is plug this device into your USB port and press the button.  It kinda reminds me of the easy button from the commercials of one of those office supply stores.  Of course, those easy buttons pretty much solve whatever problem with which you happen to find your self.  This smart button does one thing.  It takes you to the SolidWorks Real Reward program website.  Oh, and it has an LED that glows at you all day (assuming you leave it attached to your computer).  No matter how many times I press it, it always takes me back to the Real Reward program website.

Yup, it did it again.

The Real Reward program allows you to give the SolidWorks Marketing Department all of your friends and family email addresses so that they may email them with an offer for a 30-day free trial of SolidWorks, along with online support and training.  Matt Lombard’s recent post about the Walmart dollar bin comes to mind for some reason.

Once I plugged it in, I pushed it.  It went to the Real Reward program website.  Oh, dang, I just pushed it by accident and it opened up my web browser and did it again.  The documentation that was included with the smart button suggested that the button was programmed with two websites, but unfortunately, both actions with the button goes to the Real Reward program website.  It would’ve been cool if the second setting went to the main SolidWorks website or something so that I have an excuse to keep it plugged in for more than 5 minutes.  Marketing, huh?  Oh well.

Anyway, I then started looking for ways to reprogram this dang thing to make it actually useful.  No such luck so far.  I’ll report if I find a method.  In the meantime, it will light up my desk with its tiny LED reminding me to sell my friends and family’s email addresses for free to SolidWorks so they can promote a $6000 program to them.  I’m sure my Aunt Cathy (a nurse by trade) will appreciate the offer and snap up a copy as soon as she tries it out.

Oh, I didn’t mention the best part.  See, you don’t really sell the email addresses for free.  I was exaggerating.  Here’s the deal, if the people you refer actually buy SolidWorks, you start collecting prizes!   Seriously, check it out.  There’s some pretty cool stuff.  Maybe we can all send in each other’s email addresses so everyone gets credit for everyone else’s purchases so we can all get the free computer!  Oops, did I already find the MLM loop hole in this Marketing scheme?

Update (12/18/2009)

This program was cancelled by SolidWorks Corp as of December 2009.  I am not able to fulfill any further submission requests for the trial version of SolidWorks.  It is my understanding that SolidWorks still has other programs available.  Please contact a local VAR for details.  To find a local VAR or for information about current offers, please see the SolidWorks.com website.

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Author: fcsuper

As a drafter, mechanical designer and CAD engineer, I've been in the mechanical design field since 1991. For the first 8 years of my career, I was an AutoCAD professional. I utilized AutoLISP and many other AutoCAD customization features to streamline drafting activities for 6+ drafters and designers. I authored several custom functions, one of which was published in the March 1997 issue of Cadalyst Magazine. Since 1998, I've been used SolidWorks non-stop. I've worked to utilize the SolidWorks' user environment to simplify drafting and design activities for 20+ engineers. I've created this website to provide current information about SolidWorks from a variety of contributors. More recently, I am now employed by Dassault Systemes as SOLIDWORKS Sr. Product Definition Manager to improve drawing, annotation and MBD related areas.

152 thoughts on “SolidWorks Real Reward (Smart Button)”

  1. If you find anything else out about programming this thing, please please let me know. While it’s a corny little toy, it could actually prove to be quite useful.

  2. I want someone to refer me so I can get my free 30-day trial! I can’t find an alternative to this, and I need to use the program to prepare for a technical interview.

  5. Hey guys this seems to be a great way to learn soildworks was wondering if i could get a refer as well soildworks training is zero in my area so trying to see if this program is worth spending the cash on.
    thanks for anyones help on this.

    *****

    Done and done! Use in good health! 🙂 As far as resources, what area do you live?

    –fcsuper

  6. hey thanks i should have my 30 day trial in a few days depending on mail – i live in north Florida working on relocating to the north west soon – solidworks is a high end program around here it seems – not alot of training for it, mostly autocad or civil stuff – but the jobs that do need or use it are well worth trying to learn the program – so if its something i am willing to do then i will look at buying a full copy soon, next 4 months

    thanks for the help on this – its a big help to test a program before spending the cash to buy something.

  7. Can somebody please refer me??? I need to learn the program so that I can get this job. I can find the trial anywhere….hey I might even purchase it if I get the job!!! Thanks

  12. Funny thing about that. I talked to the guy at SolidWorks that put this marketing campaign together. He did try to find a smart button manufacturer that had programmable smart buttons.

    No news on finding a way to reprogram them, other than to say my efforts to find a method have been in vain.

  15. Hi fcsuper,

    Could you please submit me too? I’m a student looking to gain a little more experience in solidworks for a job interview. thanks,

  16. dear fcsuper, i’m also a student, and i would also like to use the trial version for my graduation project, so i won’t have to travel to uni every day to use the computers at the faculty.
    could you please submit me?
    it would be really great!

  17. Hello,

    I am currently looking to purchase Solidworks 2008 for a possible project and would like to evaluate functionality vs AutoCad 2009. Appreciate if you could add me for the trial version.

    Regards,

    Dennis

  18. Hi fcsuper,

    I am current with Autocad 2008 at work and I am interested in upgrading my 3d skills, I would like to take a course, but none are available in my area. Before making a purchase I would like to evaluate the program. Could you add me to the trial version list.

    Thanks,
    Lenny

  19. I’m looking for the 30 day free trial version of SolidWorks 2009. Does anyone know how I can obtain this?
    Thanks,

  20. Helo pple,

    I have been storming the internet to find a trial version for solid works for a job interview , but in vain.

    Shall appreciate anyone’s help in here.

    Thanks,

    sam

  21. I’m looking for the 30 day free trial version of Solidworks. I would appreciate be included on your list.

    Thanks,
    Patrick

  23. Who do I have to get with for the thirty day trial? I’d really appreciate it.

    Thanks, Kevin.

  25. I have been designing for several years now, mostly using various versions of AutoCAD.
    Having seen the SolidWorks mechanical CAD software in use on the Orange County Choppers TV programme, I am considering whether or not to switch to Solidworks an an alternative to AutoCAD as I am due to upgrade to AutoCAD 2009.
    I require more automation with my software and would appreciate being referred to the trial programme.
    As both programmes are expensive, I would like to run a trial version to see how it compares prior to parting with any money. Your help would be appreciated.

    Many thanks.

  26. Hello, I am an engineering student, currently wrapping up the end of my summer internship. I would appreciate if someone would refer me so I can use the 30-day trial. I have to do a final presenation and i would like to create some models. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  28. Could I get the trial version as well, still cant find a program I ready to buy but maybe this will be it

  29. How can I go about getting a trial copy of 2008, the last time I used solidworks was 2001+ and am thinking about upgrading if there are sufficient reasons to do so…

  30. I have an upcoming interview which requires a Solidworks test. I haven’t used the program in over a year, and didn’t use it much then. How can I get a free trial copy so I can study for my test?

  32. I didn’t realise It was only for North America and so being in Scotland means I can’t use it!

    Thanks for the referral and help anyways, John

  34. Pingback: SolidWorks Legion » SolidWorks online community efforts are on par

  37. I am after a trial of the latest solidworks to see whether it is worth buying for my company, is it possible to be put on the list for one of the free 30 day trials please? cheers

    ***

    MP,

    I would love to submit you for the trial. Unfortunately, the program is only for North America. You may wish to contact your local VAR to see if they are willing to set up a short term install at your site.

    Matt Lorono

  38. Hello, I am interested in the 30-day trial of Solidworks. I am doing some freelance ID work, and might be looking to get a copy of Rhino or Solidworks for professional work. Let me know about the free trial! Thanks! Seth

  39. Like a thousand other people here, I’m looking to get my hands on the 30 trial version to brush up on my skills. I would sincerely appreciate it if a kind soul out there would put me on the “guest list,” aka Real Reward Program. Thanks much!

  41. Hey guys this is another great web to catch up on with all fields of experience, I am a tech engineering student from Aus and was chassing Solidworks to finish up my assignments Please can someone refer me. Thanks a lot guys

    ****

    CAdelike,

    As mentioned above, this is a North American offer only. If I submit your name, you will not be able to download the demo. Sorry.

    Matt

  44. I would appreciate it if someone would refer me so I can get my free 30-day trial! I can’t find an alternative to this. I have extensive autocad experience but need to use the program to have some solidworks experience for job interviews in my area. thank you so much.

  46. We have been using Autocad at work for quiet some time now and we are now in need of 3D presentations for client puposes. I need to prepare a presentation for the boss. Can some one please refer me to the trial thanks.

  47. Pingback: SolidWorks Legion » SW Real Rewards Program Update

  48. I am a Manufacture Engineer and I need to update my solidworks experience for the job market. I was told by a friend ‘to leave a reply for FCSUPER, and he will get you the solid works trial.’

  49. can i have a trial version of solidworks…

    ****

    Mandip,

    Just to repeat the comment I’ve made before. The program is only for North America right now, so if I submit your email, you will not be able to obtain the trial version.

    Matt

  50. Hi fcsuper or Matt,
    I received my engineering degree a while back, and haven’t been able to land my first job. Pro E was what was taught at my university but all I see around job posts around my area (Texas) is Solidworks and autocad. I would really appreciate it if you could refer me. Thanks

  52. Someone is clocking up the rewards with all the referal requests. Seems like the useless smart button has some use after all 😉

  53. Wayne,
    Ironically, the button broke soon after I wrote this article. I tossed it out soon after that.

    I’m not getting all that many points. Of this list, only one order has been placed. Looking over the list will reveal why, of course.

    I’ve published an update about that in this article:
    http://www.fcsuper.com/swblog/?p=113

  54. Please could I be referred for the 30 day free trial. I need it for an interview.

    I’m not from US

    Thanks

  57. I am trained in SolidEdge and am looking for a new job. I would appreciate a referral for the 30 day free trial. Thanks.

  58. Could someone please refer me I have an interview set up and I need to get familiar with 2009.

    Thanks,
    John

  61. I am involved in FIRST robotics, and have used Solid works in school. Would like to get a trail copy to use at home to design this years robot. Does SolidWorks have an agreement with FIRST to provide software to teams?

    Thanks Joel

  62. Haven’t heard this before! Does anyone know where I can get a trial version of SolidWorks.

    Thanks,
    Ray

  63. If some would be so kind as to refer me I am looking to get a copy of the free 30day trial software.
    Thank you,
    Gavin

  64. I am interested in the trial version, could you please point me to where I can try out this software??
    Thanks!@!

  66. Can someone please refer me? I wanted to see how the trial version would work for my ME class

    Thanks

  68. hello, im a student in a school that uses solid works student edition, id be greatful to get this trial to help a little with getting to know it, if you could send to me, that would be a really big help, thx 🙂

  69. Can someone refer me to get the 30 day free solidworks trial? I would greatly appreciate it!!!

  70. Hi there,

    I’ve used Solidworks through Uni and loved it. I was wondering if anyone could publish a 30-day free trial to me for me to see any extra benefits with the up-to-date versions?

    cheers

    Gregory

  72. I just ran across a posting to get referred for a free 30 trail of Solidworks. If I could still get referred that would be great. My current CAD industry (Residential building) is gone and now I’m looking to drawing parts. Thanks.

  73. I just ran across a posting to get referred for a free 30 trail of Solidworks. If I could still get referred that would be great.

  75. I came across a posting to get referred for a 30 day trial of Solidworks. I’m a student looking to become familiar with different CAD packages. If I could get referred I would appreciate it. Thanks.

  78. Hi.
    I’m a student and I would like to use SolidWorks to model my designs for a project. I want to test if the program is suitable before I buy a license for it. Pls refer me!
    Thanks.

  79. Please can I request a copy of the trial version – need to see what the capabilities are as I currently us Rhino!

  80. I would like to see what the new version is like since I only have access to solidworks 2001. I have just taught myself how to use that in down time at work and would like to know what the rest of the world is using. I would appreciate a referral as well

  81. Hi! I was hoping that someone could refer me so that I could get a free trial.
    Thanks 🙂

  82. Hi I’m a student also, could i be referred for the trial version onf Solidworkds too, please

    Thanks

  84. Hey, I’ve got an assessment due in 4 weeks and we have to use solidworks but I can’t seem to find a copy T_T.

    Then I found FCSUPER’s comment in a forum XD which lead me here.

    I would be very appreciative if I am able to participate in this 30days trial program 🙂

  85. Hello. This is just another request for submission into the 30-day demo/trial program. I considered solidworks long ago but opted for Pro/E. Now I am shopping again due to budget issues at work. I am interested in seeing how the product has changed over recent years. Thanks! Jeff W.

  86. Please refer me to get a free trial version of solidworks. I have an interview coming up, I need to brush up on solidworks. Thanks

  87. Please refer me for the 30 day trial. I am interested in getting solidworks for freelance work. Thanks

  88. What you can do with this button is grab a USB extension cord and route the button to your fellow CAD user’s cube. Randomly during the day just hit the button and let the fun begin. It’s very funny to listen to someone say “Why is SolidWorks opening a website on it’s own?”

  90. Hey, is it possible to refer me for the 30 day trial too. I am currently a product designer at university and heard so much about this software, would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks

  91. Hello, I work in the patent industry. We are looking for a good software to create our patent drawings. I am interested in a trial version of Solid Works. If possible, please refer me to the 30 day trial. Thanks

  93. My new boss has asked me to get a trial version so I can refresh myself on the program. I start i two weeks. Can you please refer me to the 30 day trial? I would realy like to go in there swinging! Thanks a lot.

  94. Hi

    I am interested in buying solidworks and would love to have a trial version. Please coudl you refer me.

    Thanks

  95. Hi

    I am also interested in buying Solidworks and would like to try the 30 day free trial.

    Thank you!

  96. I am looking for a good 3D program for simple idea representation from Solidworks, need to play around with this first so I can decide what to buy at a later date.

  97. Hello. I am interested in trying Solidworks and would like to try the 30 day free trial version. Thanks

  98. I’m applying for a product design job working with SolidWorks. I need to try it out and give my feedback to the company offering me the position. Is there a free trial version for the Macintosh? Please let me know soon. Thanks!!!!

  99. Hello,

    I am interested in getting SolidWorks for my 3D program to use at work. I have an outdated version of Mechanical Desktop now. I have heard good things about SW and would like to try it our before I dump $5K . Could you please refer me. Thank you so much in advance.

  102. Hello, I am an engineering student, currently wrapping up the end of my summer internship. I would appreciate if someone would refer me so I can use the 30-day trial. I would like to test the functionality before i purchase a copy for myself.

  103. I am looking at various CAD programs and would really love to get the trial of this one to try out too. Please refer me!

  104. Hi all, I took my smart button appart, and found a cypress CY7C63803-SXC. the datasheet looks promising for reprogramming options.

    note page 14/74, 9.3.2 In-System Programming
    Most designs that include an enCoRe II part will have a USB
    connector attached to the USB D+/D- pins on the device.
    These designs require the ability to program or re-program a
    part through these two pins alone. The programming protocol
    is not USB.
    enCoRe II devices enable this type of in-system programming
    by using the D+ and D- pins as the serial programming mode
    interface. This allows an external controller to cause the enCoRe II part to enter serial programming mode and then to
    use the test queue to issue Flash access functions in the
    SROM…..

  105. I have seen it used and I am keen to have a go with SolidWorks myself and would appreciate the trial version.
    Thanks

  106. Howdy Folks.
    I’m evaluating 3D Software packages 9We’ve had a few demo’s so far), but I really wan’t to test drive Solidworks since it’s our current first chioce. Does anyone know where I might find a trial version? Peace to all, keep on drawing…

  107. Hello. I am a student that is going into mechanical engineering and would like to test out the programs I will be using in school about a year from now. I was wondering if anyone would be so kind as to refer me for the trial version.

  109. Matt or whom it may concern, I would definitely like to receive a 30-day trial if at all possible. My CAD engineer is currently comparing various packages to make a recommendation to our director and would like to try SolidWorks as well.

    Thanks!!

    Paul Riser

  110. Please inculde me to receive a SolidWorks trial, I’m new to the CAD world and want to try Solidworks with the TSLOTS addon and see if it’s worth the investment for me.

    Thanks!

  111. I would appreciate access to the SolidWorks trial version. I will be working on an engineering degree in 2010.

    Thank you,

    -Anthony

  112. Hi,
    I need a trial version of Solidworks to install on my laptop and take the CSWP exam.
    Could you please let me know how I can find a trial version of that.

    Regards
    Alex

  113. Hi,
    I am a recent grad from an industrial design program and I wasn’t fortunate enough to access SolidWorks at school. I would love access to a free trial so I can better my skill set and hopefully better my chances of finding a job. Much appreciated.

    Sarah

  114. Hi,

    I’m an Engineering student and would love to be able to get my hands on SolidWorks for a design project I have. I read at Eng-Tips Forum you know how to get it. Would really appreciated if you could point me in the right direction. Thank you.

    Joel

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  117. You mean the Easy Button from Staples, the office supply store ads. It would be interesting to see if this particular usb device enumerates as an additional keyboard device an “types” in the keystrokes for the function key for bringing up internet explorer and “types” in a url. An clever and expensive marketing idea for sure.

  118. Hello, can you please send me solidworks 2008 30 day trial? Need it for a school project I am working on.

  119. John, as noted above, the program has been cancelled. However, student versions are available directly from SoildWorks. Check out their website for details.

  121. hi

    im working at one of xstrata alloys devision and we are busy with a project to install new pitch tanks….can you pleeeeese add me aswell…

  122. I think this is one of the most vital info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is perfect, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

  123. As noted above, the program has been cancelled. However, student versions are available directly from SoildWorks. Check out their website for details.

  124. Please someone help with a solidworks earlier version. My computer cant handle the new 2011. Does anyone know where I can get a trial version of SolidWorks.

  125. a trial version would be handy if anyone can supply.
    i have a 64 bit of solidworks computer & not sure if thats a problem. Presently use Autocad but expect to have some free time so want to get into the better Solidworks.

  126. Im looking for a free trail version of solidworks. Getting a new job that uses solidworks and I havent used it in a while. Would like to improve my skills. Thanks

  127. If you are looking for a demo copy of SolidWorks, you may be able to get it from one of your local SolidWorks value-added resellers. Check the SolidWorks.com website for details.

  128. I’m having trouble finding any type of free trial for solidworks. If someone can provide a link for download, it would be much appreciated.

  130. I’m looking for the 30 day free trial version of Solidworks. I would appreciate be included on your list.

    Thanks,
    Sajan

  131. i would like to be considered for the trial please as learning as many aspects as possible, cheers

  132. The 2008 demo mentioned in this article is no longer available. If you are looking for a demo copy of SolidWorks, you may be able to get it from one of your local SolidWorks value-added resellers. Check the SolidWorks.com website for details.

  134. Hi, Iam a student involved in a reneable energy project and I reckon Solid Works is the best suitable program for this. I have tried it before and it’s great. Could anybody please refer me so that I can get down to business 🙂
    Cheers

  136. I work with Inventor but I am looking for a new job. Most jobs around here use Solidworks. I was wondering if someone would refer me so that I could get a look at how it translates to Inventor. Thanks

  137. I work with Inventor but I am looking for a new job. Most jobs around here use Solidworks. Will someone refer me so that I can try Solidworks?

  138. The Value-added Reseller might be a fairly good place to start. Some VARs have ways to assist potential uses. There also may be some information available on the SolidWorks website (www.solidworks.com) itself for current programs.

  139. I have been looking to get some kind of free trial from solidworks, to no avail… I feel that i have scoured the internet from end to end.. Do they just not feel that giving a short free trial is worth new customers??Can anybody help me??

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  141. Hi, i’m looking for a new job and I want to refresh my knowledge of Solidworks, it has been 5 years that I’ve been working with it. Please someone help me!!!

    Thanks Erika

  142. I am interested in the 30 day free trial of solidsworks if it is still available, things are slow and would love to pick up the basic concepts, Thanks

  143. Hee Guy’s, I’m looking for a free trial version of Solidworks. Want to import illustrator paths into Solidworks. Can anyone get me a working version? Great thanks!Lukas

  144. I am looking at getting some practice on solid works, I have been using Inventor for the past two years and wanted to know what are the pros and cons of solid works to inventor. I have heard that there is a 30 day trial but at present I have been unable to find anything, “please could you point me in the right direction”?

    Many Thanks in advance, Mark.

  146. Hi, I would really appreciate if i could get a trial version.
    I work with cross-platform projects between Maya,Sketchup, and recently planning a project with a client that uses Solidworks. we need to test out the cross-platform compatibilities.

    Many Thanks in advance.
    Han

  147. Just a reminder to anyone coming across this blog post. The program for a trial version of SolidWorks ended several years ago. Further inquries, please see the SolidWorks website or contact your local VARs.

  149. I want someone to refer me so I can get my free 30-day trial! I can’t find an alternative to this, and I need to use the program to prepare a piece of work for a job interview.

  151. Interested in a critical job opportunity, just looking to refresh skills in Solidworks, please let me know if there is a trial version available.

    Thanks

  152. You might be to talk to your local VAR to see if they have program to help engineers. Beyond that, courses at your local JC might be a good route.

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