Hi folks.  I'm still using S3 and just have the basic Studio version.   There's lots of bells and whistles that I dont have but the question is do I need them.  i can record vocals, guitars and bass.  I have Session drummer3 and all is working fine.
The higher end Sonars are quite expensive and beyond my budget.   Did anyone out go from the basic setup that I have to a higher version and did you really see any great benefits.   Im not an engineer and dont plan on being one.  Im a songwriter and want to put most of my time and energy into writing better songs and pitching them to publishers.   Just wondering if there like minded folks out there and what did you upgrade to?  
Thanks guys. 

Agentcalm
Hi folks.  I'm still using S3 and just have the basic Studio version.   There's lots of bells and whistles that I dont have but the question is do I need them.  i can record vocals, guitars and bass.  I have Session drummer3 and all is working fine.
The higher end Sonars are quite expensive and beyond my budget.   Did anyone out go from the basic setup that I have to a higher version and did you really see any great benefits.   Im not an engineer and dont plan on being one.  Im a songwriter and want to put most of my time and energy into writing better songs and pitching them to publishers.   Just wondering if there like minded folks out there and what did you upgrade to?  
Thanks guys. 

Hi Agentcalm. I know the feeling.
I upgraded to a new computer around one and a half years ago. I am so glad that I did. I upgraded my software and hardware at the same time. Up until then I was using a Intel 6600 quad core processor, MS Vista (32 bit), Sonar X1 Producer. I'd had the computer for around 9 years so it was getting a little long in the tooth. It had a EMU 1212 sound card (not a bad card). I spent so much time getting around the system shortcomings. I wanted to install more RAM so had to go 64 bit. One of my main plugins was Atmosphere (which was 32 bit) so it meant upgrading to Omnisphere 2 etc etc etc. I compose and record my own songs also. I sing, use acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, percussion, various instrument software.
I also am on a very limited budget but I am so glad that I did the upgrade to a new computer (I have a very patient, wonderful wife). I also took advantage of the special offer for Lifetime updates. Sonar Platinum is a world better than X1 Producer and Win 10 64 bit is so much, much better than Vista. I think what helped me a lot was getting most computer things up to date with current versions. Part of my problem before was trying to get out of date software to work with current software.
So we may not have the same gear but there are general principals if you can manage to apply them, e.g. current software helps a lot. My computer is a flyer and no longer gives me problems in running out of steam. I spent so much time trying to be a Techy and get around the Tech limitations of my system when I just wanted to make music.
Hope this helps,
JCB.

A well stocked toolbox is not about using ALL the tools everyday but having them available when you need them.
 
If budget is a factor you can build beautiful bird houses or castles in the backyard for your kids (tree house?) or a book case with a saw, hammer and maybe a drill motor.
 
I'm not sure anyone can tell you what your needs are even if they found going from S3 to Platinum a boon for them.
 
If you are making music that you and others enjoy on S3, why switch? If your computer is failing you that's another story all together.
 

Agentcalm
Hi folks.  I'm still using S3 and just have the basic Studio version... 

I assume by S3 you mean Sonar X3 - Studio?  That was a great, solid version, but Sonar is really a different animal now in terms of stability and features....
 
If Sonar 2017 intrigues you, best thing to do is download the demo and give it a spin.  If you find that you need more serious time with it - say to do a complete project - you can lease Sonar for a month (or two or three)...
 
That's really the only way to know for sure if the new Sonar is a good fit for you (and your PC)....

Excellent point JonD.

Hi guys. Thanks for the replies. Yes indeed I meant X3 studio. The laptop is alright so no real issues there. No this is more a question about upgrading the Sonar. I think either the demo version or leasing it for a while are great suggestions. I'll have a look on the store to see what are the new versions. I might just have to mail cakewalk to ask what the differences are between my old X3 and something newer.

Agentcalm
Hi guys. Thanks for the replies. Yes indeed I meant X3 studio. The laptop is alright so no real issues there. No this is more a question about upgrading the Sonar. I think either the demo version or leasing it for a while are great suggestions. I'll have a look on the store to see what are the new versions. I might just have to mail cakewalk to ask what the differences are between my old X3 and something newer.

This is a feature comparison for all of the current Sonar versions.  You can probably compare what you have with this.
http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/Versions
 
Some folks have found that the $49 Sonar Home Studio is good enough for basic use.  It gets them up to date, and uses the core Sonar engine.  The cool thing is that any plugins you already have should continue to work in Home Studio.
 
My take is that the higher up you go in versions, the bigger the plugin toolbox bundle becomes.
 
Starting May 1st, if you want your investment to count as a discount towards a future upgrade, you will need to start out with Sonar Home Studio, Artist, or Professional.  I do not believe there is an upgrade path for Home Studio.  [Edit: there is an upgrade path, the details are listed in a new post below]
 
Definitely check out the demo.

Fantastic tips Abacab. Thank you so much.

I have Cakewalk's Music Creator. You can get it right now for $19. Great program. Does a lot of what Sonar does in the same way Sonar does it. Just a much lighter version.
 
Check the feature set out:
http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/Music-Creator/Features
 
Did I say you can get it for $19? $19! That's a sweet deal for what this program can do and the stuff you get with it.

Grem
I have Cakewalk's Music Creator. You can get it right now for $19. Great program. Does a lot of what Sonar does in the same way Sonar does it. Just a much lighter version.
 
Check the feature set out:
http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/Music-Creator/Features
 
Did I say you can get it for $19? $19! That's a sweet deal for what this program can do and the stuff you get with it.

I'm surprised they are still selling MC.  It appears to be a cut down version of X3.  The OP already has X3, and is looking to upgrade.
http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/3593995
 
Home Studio should be more up to date with the current version of Sonar.