On the Macintosh, I've used both Vectorworks and Sketch up. Many people I know draft w/o problems using Vectorworks. Sketch up is fantastic for visualizing massings. Both programs also have Windows versions.
Virtual PC will run just about any CAD program, I think, just not well. You've got to keep your expectations in check. I personally run AutoCad r.14 on a dual 1-Ghz Power Mac G4 for my business, and excepting some slow-downs with opening files (when the xrefs aren't where AutoCad thinks they should be), I like it fine -- as much as anyone likes AutoCad.
Let's be clear: the program runs fast enough, like being on an old PIII or so. I wouldn't want to model in 3D or render with VPC, though. But 2D drafting's OK. And another caveat: Virtual PC does not run with a G5, yet. Microsoft -- which now owns Virtual PC -- has said they will update VPC to run on a G5 in the next release, perhaps in July. When they do, I'll seriously think about jumping up to whatever Apple's latest big iron is.
When I set up my office I had to chose between getting a windows box, running AutoCad, and getting a Mac and doing weird things like running AutoCad in emulation. The decision for me turned on the question of my confidence in troubleshooting OS 9 (and later OS X) versus troubleshooting Windows. In the end, Mac systems have always struck me as being easier to administer.
I actually use Acad R14 on a PIII @ 800 Mhz and it runs just fine. I also have experience with Acad 2000 running under VPC on a PB 17-inch, where it's not exactly a "joy" to use. It can work in a pinch, but not for production work.
VectorWorks, ArchiCad, and High Design are all very nice applications for CAD work on the mac. It just depends on your focus and requirements. I actually like the interface of High Design the BEST of any CAD application I've seen. Very nice and elegant with a great implementation of sheets, but alas, it is also the simplest in terms of features and capabilities.
There's plenty of stuff both 2D and 3D, just that AutoCAD and Microstation aren't among them. I could care less about ACAD, but I still hold out hope against hope that Bentley will one day return to the fold again, Triforma and all.
I know plenty of peoplewho keep a license of ACAD ready for use on VPC. It's not great, but it gets them through when they're really forced to use it.
Comments
Originally posted by SwitchingSoon
Mostly for architectural design.
If they don't, does virtual PC support any good CAD programs (AutoCad, Microstation)?
There's a lot of information on this topic at www.architosh.com.
On the Macintosh, I've used both Vectorworks and Sketch up. Many people I know draft w/o problems using Vectorworks. Sketch up is fantastic for visualizing massings. Both programs also have Windows versions.
Virtual PC will run just about any CAD program, I think, just not well. You've got to keep your expectations in check. I personally run AutoCad r.14 on a dual 1-Ghz Power Mac G4 for my business, and excepting some slow-downs with opening files (when the xrefs aren't where AutoCad thinks they should be), I like it fine -- as much as anyone likes AutoCad.
Let's be clear: the program runs fast enough, like being on an old PIII or so. I wouldn't want to model in 3D or render with VPC, though. But 2D drafting's OK. And another caveat: Virtual PC does not run with a G5, yet. Microsoft -- which now owns Virtual PC -- has said they will update VPC to run on a G5 in the next release, perhaps in July. When they do, I'll seriously think about jumping up to whatever Apple's latest big iron is.
When I set up my office I had to chose between getting a windows box, running AutoCad, and getting a Mac and doing weird things like running AutoCad in emulation. The decision for me turned on the question of my confidence in troubleshooting OS 9 (and later OS X) versus troubleshooting Windows. In the end, Mac systems have always struck me as being easier to administer.
No regrets.
VectorWorks, ArchiCad, and High Design are all very nice applications for CAD work on the mac. It just depends on your focus and requirements. I actually like the interface of High Design the BEST of any CAD application I've seen. Very nice and elegant with a great implementation of sheets, but alas, it is also the simplest in terms of features and capabilities.
I know plenty of peoplewho keep a license of ACAD ready for use on VPC. It's not great, but it gets them through when they're really forced to use it.