Poll: Which best reflects your opinion of CAT tools?

Mario Freitas wrote:

Just like Teresa, I was "forced" to use Trados for a while, and hated it. I figured I translated a lot less with the CAT than without it. But that was Trados, which is too complex and too polluted, with too many useless functions and buttons, bugs and crashes, etc. After that experience, I spent years positioning myself against the CATs because of the bad impression caused by Trados.

Until a few years ago when I had a great oppotunity that required a CAT. With the help of my good friend Trovão, I adopted the MemoQ. Now that is a practical CAT. No useless extras, no pollution, easy to use, etc. I've been using it for two years now, and I developed an excellent TB/TM, importing my former translations as well. It has become an essential tool for me.

Now, let's make it clear that Google Translator and on-line platforms like WordBee, SmartEngine, GTM and the like are NOT CAT tools. They are only for the agency's advantage and they stink badly.

So, you cannot consider you don't like CAT tools if you only know Trados and on-line platforms. If that's the case, you hate wine because you only tried the sweet whites. Once you try a good red & dry, you may change your opinion.

Michael Harris wrote:

Hi Mario,

I use loads of different CAT tools and the only one that I dislike (obviuosly personal opinion) is MemoQ.
I do not know if you have used the newer versions of Trados, but they are a lot quicker and more user friendly (and significantly less complicated) than MemoQ - Where MemoQ does have its benefits for those that have used it for a while, I do not think it is fair to run down a system like you have done seeing that you are a moderator as this may influence the opinion of younger inexperienced users.