I downloaded the demo for PT 10. I admit I really like it. Not looking to replace Sonar X1, but considering a 2nd DAW to compliment it. But I read where you have to pay $40 to submit a support ticket? Did I read that correctly? I really hope not.

yep

that applies to m-audio stuff too.   that's one reason I dumped my m-audio card that stopped working correctly instead of getting it repaired.  wasn't worth it.
 
NOTE:  there are several "levels" of service available.  I think actually there's a level lower than the $40 one, but they're all based on how much time you and the customer support personell spend together.  IIRC, it was $40 for the first 1/2 hour, but I could be wrong about that.  go to avid or m-audio's website and check out the support information for the facts.

You do get a code for one free call with every avid product you buy.  I have never had to use one though. Lucky, I guess.

Never had to use support either. 

Notice though that I once contacted Avid/M-Audio because I needed to re-install PT and had left my dvd at home. I received my reply w/in a few hours and a custom link to access my software on their server. That's before they had demos and downloads available.

To me, that is also customer support - and that's usually all the support I need (knock on wood). They never charged me for that.

Thanks, y'all! I appreciate the replies. I'm also checking out the demo of Samplitude. Nice program, as well. Don't know why it isn't talked about more than it is. Not sure if I'll buy either, but fortunately 30 days is plenty of time to decide. But the paid support issue may be the deciding factor for PT. Thanks again!!

Samplitude goes deep. It did back when I tried it. :)

So it all comes down to the reasons why you are looking for a secondary app. I use PT for compatibility reasons (Samplitude wouldn't help). Otherwise, there's nothing I couldn't do my main app and a decent sample editor.
In all honesty, I've used Cakewalk products, Pro Tools, Logic, Studio One, Harrison MixBus, and I've never ran into an issue that would have required tech support. Or then the occasional known bug - or a new one - but tech support can't really do anything about those - except confirm the bug.

duplicate

If I were going to use a second DAW it would not be pro tools. I like quality tools that will empower me to have features not already in use and I think Sonar pretty much eclipses pro tools in so many ways it makes it a waste of my time of course I don't own a studio so I am not trying to match up with others systems and only need to consider this for my own usage. I might be interested in adding a mac and access to TDM plugins if I had unlimited amounts of cash but that is not the case at this time. The more toys the better but when budget is an issue as it is with my situation the Cakewalk toy box is the best bang for the buck. Now down the road when I can step into a mac and use another daw with access to other plugins and instruments I will do that but for now I'm stuck in PC land and happy as can be. I really can't say what in such a scenario I would do if a windfall of $$$ fell in my lap. I probably would go with Logic or DP or Cubase before I went with Pro tools. I would probably lean towards Cubase because of the ability to use it on my PC as well.

I would love to try Cubase, but they require you to have their dongle just to try out the demo. If it were ilok I'd try it, but not anxious to pay $30 for a dongle just to test it. But I really would like to give it a try. The only reason I'm considering something new is for creative purposes. I'm kind of in a creative rut lately and perhaps a different workflow will inspire something new. Kind of like trying to write a song on an instrument you're not that good at (piano for me) often creates something interesting - sometimes by accident.

Not exactly the same, but you can demo Cubase Essential w/o a dongle. 

Of course, the features are limited (number of tracks, included instruments/fx, no 3rd party instruments/fx, etc.) But if you really want to check it out, it might give you a feel of what Cubase is like.