[ChrisVidecak]

Hello. I currently own a desktop with windows xp. I am interested in buying an Apple iBook G4. This comes with Mac OS X version 10.3 Panther. The issue is: I am going to be taking electrical engineering courses in college, and am wondering if there is any electrical/cad software available for Mac OS X version 10.3 Panther. I don't want to end up getting a notebook that doesn't have any of this type of software available.

So...is there this type of software available? Or would I be better off going with a Windows based OS?

Any input appreciated.
Thanks, Chris

[smeger]

Designworks. I haven't tried it for about two years, but I've done full jobs on it in the past. Schematic layout and PCB layout. They'll even print your boards for you.

[mindwaves]

From experience, most EE software will run on the school's server (as it is thousands of $$$) of which you can use Apple's X11 software to ssh into the school's machine and run it from your Mac. However, basic circuit simulaion software like PSpice, you will need a Windows machine to run or use VPC.

[ChrisVidecak]

Will VPC work on a stock Apple iBook G4? I have read that VPC requires 512Mb of RAM, and upgrade cards are not supported. The iBook G4 only has 256Mb.

iBook G4 Tech Specs

Thanks, Chris

[mindwaves]

Originally posted by ChrisVidecak:
Will VPC work on a stock Apple iBook G4? I have read that VPC requires 512Mb of RAM, and upgrade cards are not supported. The iBook G4 only has 256Mb.

iBook G4 Tech Specs

Thanks, Chris

It will not work well at all using 256MB of RAM. I would suggest upping it to at least 768MB of RAM (a 512MB upgrade that is for about $90). But first year EE students typically do not need any simulation software until their 3rd or higher years. Right now, your work will most likely going to their PC labs and doing your boolean algebra type stuff there where you really do not need your Mac since you can finish your work there. However, your later years will require you to finish your work at home.

[banninated68]

Originally posted by ChrisVidecak:
Will VPC work on a stock Apple iBook G4? I have read that VPC requires 512Mb of RAM, and upgrade cards are not supported. The iBook G4 only has 256Mb.

iBook G4 Tech Specs

Thanks, Chris

You're going to want 512 in that ibook anyway. 256 is lethargic in OSX, it runs like ****. Upping to 512 increase the performance of your laptop probably 180%.

[Sven G]

If you feel like installing DarwinPorts, you can download Electric, a GNU free software electrical CAD program (requires Apple's X11); don't know if it is widely used, however...

[Cadaver]

Originally posted by ChrisVidecak:
Hello. I currently own a desktop with windows xp. I am interested in buying an Apple iBook G4. This comes with Mac OS X version 10.3 Panther. The issue is: I am going to be taking electrical engineering courses in college, and am wondering if there is any electrical/cad software available for Mac OS X version 10.3 Panther. I don't want to end up getting a notebook that doesn't have any of this type of software available.

So...is there this type of software available? Or would I be better off going with a Windows based OS?

Any input appreciated.
Thanks, Chris

Check with the school, in case there is a software requirement that you must have, and see if it will run on a Mac. Do this before you buy anything.

[Sven G]

... BTW, in a free software advocacy spirit, I just found another open source electrical engineering program, KTechlab: looks very good (here is a review), but obviously is not yet available in binary form for OS X - very promising for the future, anyway...