[dissident]

I'm atending a class in CAD, and I was given a copy of the app we're going learn. It's called Solid Edge and isn't available for mac. Now I'm not buying a pc just for this class. I have a single 1GHz MDD PM, and I'm wondering if I should even try to use the app with virtual pc or if it is way to slow to handle CAD apps.

[djjava]

Originally posted by dissident:
I'm atending a class in CAD, and I was given a copy of the app we're going learn. It's called Solid Edge and isn't available for mac. Now I'm not buying a pc just for this class. I have a single 1GHz MDD PM, and I'm wondering if I should even try to use the app with virtual pc or if it is way to slow to handle CAD apps.

Well, this is a topic covered time and time again, and people give mixed reviews each time. It is generally accepted that to do 3D cad modeling is not a smart move when using VPC. Typically using it for 2D drawing is decent, depending of course on your system. RAM is crucial. Must have lost of RAM. Some will say atleast 512MB, others 1gig, and others "As much as you can."

I have Virtual PC 6.0.2 on my PB17 RevA. I've used AutoDesk Architectural Desktop for creating/viewing/editing 2D cad drawings, and it runs ok. It's not like the real thing, but if you are so set to use your Mac and you are not bound by strong deadlines, it is a suitable option.

Judging by the Solid Edge web site, it appears to be a 3D based cad program. You can always try out, and see if VPC chokes on you. I can't tell you from experience about using 3D cad modeling in VPC, but I'd imagine that no matter what your RAM, the limitations of VPC will always be a setback.

feel free to PM me if you want more info.

[blackbird_1.0]

there a couple of programs like macCad that are compatibe with autoCad and pc formats