This is very interesting, considering there's a demo of Sonar available to try before you buy! Those upgrade emails can be persuasive when the price gets too low to let it go. Those days are over for me.

How do I get the time scale view like I had on the old Cakewalk?  Not piano roll, not console and not event list.

 
Sounds suspiciously like Track View to me......

I have a feeling the OP is going to remain one of those "no sir I don't like it" posters with exactly 1 post to their name 

sharke
I have a feeling the OP is going to remain one of those "no sir I don't like it" posters with exactly 1 post to their name 

Drive by whinging.

AnthonyMangos
I just purchased Sonar Professional and to be honest, I don't like it.  I didn't like the download process, don't like the updates and having to be on the internet, hate the default view, and lack of paper manuals. 
 
I'm stuck with it, as I also bought a new computer and bought a new soundcard solely for this - a grand total for frustration.
 
I've contacted customer support via e-mail, but still have not heard - I can't deal with their hours (1 PM - 6 PM).  I've found time to type this but I won't be home from work until 7 PM.  Really?
 
I have used an ancient version of Cakewalk with an old computer before and I loved it.  Can I get Sonar to work like this?? 
 
I found the download process and command center confusing and not user-friendly.
 
How do I get the time scale view like I had on the old Cakewalk?  Not piano roll, not console and not event list.  Does session drummer have a decent manual.  I figured out how to program one measure but not how to save them. 
 
My goal last night was simply to download the Sonar without incident and get the timescale view (I think that is what they called it).  Mission not accomplished.  I think I downloaded the products, but no confirmation that it was properly activated. 
 
I'll install my Roland Quad-Capture tonight.  That has a very well-written, professional manual.       

For some people , life will always be difficult.
 
I find this to be outrageously funny. Sorry.

Why did you buy the upgrade? Did you like the color of the box?

Paper manuals get out of date so quickly they become a two edged sword. I have grown to like electronic manuals as they are more likley to be kept up to date (there is a documentation update with every Sonar update) and they are easier to search.

Agreed.

I went from Sonar 8 to Sonar Professional last month. Tried the demo first...
 
A bit of a learning curve but I'm getting stuck into it now (went from XP to W10 at the same time, I just threw caution to the wind)
 
The 'command center' and downloading malarkey was perfectly straightforward, not sure what the issue is there.

The learning curve from pre-X Sonar is big indeed. If you want a paper manual, Sonar Power is the best available http://www.garrigus.com/pwrbkinf.asp?BookID=3 I'm hope his new book will be out soon . The Cake TV,SWA, Youtube and Groove 3 videos can get you up and running lickety split (gross exaggeration). Don't just complain and leave. This is a helpful forum, implement some of the suggestions and check back with your progress and questions.
 
Rocky