SolidWorks
 

The perceived slowness of a laptop/notebook computer is based on the graphics driver. My laptop has no problem whatsoever running SolidWorks..... without slowing down.

I called my SolidWorks distributor and asked about running it on a MAC. He is getting back to me. I'll post his answer when I get a response.

I have heard, however, that SolidWorks 2009 is being coded such that it will work on a MAC (only a rumor at this point!).

--Eric

I knew nothing and I had never used any other program and within days I could design parts and have them cut. No I can design parts, send them to Eric ( Hwy Nova ) and he can fix my design and make it so much better, and we have some of our parts on the way from the machine shop now.

Before I could not read and now I can, Hooked on Phonics worked for me.

That program is really nice and friendly, Just finance it, I got it through a leasing company and it is worth the payment every month without doubt. I bought a bunch of new equipment a few months ago and that was the program I got. I have it at work and on my lap top. It is faster on my lap top, but a smaller screen.

Rodger

Power Macs have the ability to run PC and Mac stuff. Not exactly sure what Ty is running for hardware - is a 'powerbook' considered one of the Power Mac line of machines ?

We have Power Macs here in Engineering and they can run both Windows and Mac OS files - even at the same time. We have a couple setup with dual bootup capability with dual screens - literally mousing into the left screen and it's Windows with Word, Excel etc. - move over into the right screen and it's all the Mac desktop and OS programs.

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Here is my Hardware info:
Hardware Overview:

Machine Name: PowerBook G4 15"
Machine Model: PowerBook5,4
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.1)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1.5 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.8.6f0

Is this helpful?

Ty

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Here is one form of solidworks that is in the "SCHOOL" program for $89.

http://www.academicsuperstore.com/ma...?PartNo=849761

It doesn't mention MAC's specifically, but I think I found another one that did say this computer would run it.

If you learn otherwise, let me know.

I was also searching some of the different sites that advertise schools that teach this program. I figure I'll use them if our local Junior College doesn't.

The license duration on the school programs I found was 24 months. However, when I talked to Solidworks two years for that money is a lot cheaper than the $4000, they wanted for the Office version. (Holy Crap!!)

The site above has a lot of different design programs here are some of the others.

http://www.academicsuperstore.com/ma...gory_id=244464

Basically, if I could learn to use the program reasonably well, do some designing, rendering etc. I'd be a happy camper.:D
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Thanks to Everyone that has taken the time to write so far, I really appreciate it.

Please feel free to add some more comments or info as you see fit.

Best Regards,

Ty

the "Mac Pro" has the ability to run multi- OS through emulation. It has a current CPU is Intel. "Power Mac" refers to older G3/G4/G5 chipsets that were created by Motorola "PowerPC". That has since spun off of Motorola and is its own company, producing chips for Sony Playstation and Nintendo.

There are several unix based engineering programs that are adaptable to Mac OSX (ten). Beacause of this they are used in mathamatical based environments.

PC = Win-Tel based system Windows/Intel
Mac= Mac OSX (ten) regardless of the CPU

Ty is running a PowerPC (PPC) G4 @1.5Ghz, there will be no way Solidworks is going to run on his set up. I have a similar based laptop set up. I would run it in a heartbeat if I could.

Let me know if you find a good Mac AutoCAD program.

-Jason

P.S. I should point out with lots of $$/Time it is possible to install PC cards on Power Mac towers. However this point is moot since we are discussing laptops.

Thanks Jason for the feedback - sounds like you nailed it. I'll check with my IT guys at work tomorrow and see what they are running on their Mac workstations that let them run PC stuff. Thx !

I moonlight after my 9-5 job and have Unigraphics NX and it cost $11k and it costs $2,700 a year in licensing.

I mostly design stuff after work for a company that does Tier 1 stuff for the automotive industry.

If anyone here wants stuff designed, my rates are resonable. Any little bit helps in getting my car done

Thanks again guys for the continued input. I am watching daily to stay up with what transpires.

Maybe it's time to get an upgrade?:D

Looking at my Now Due Property Tax Bills, Maybe Not. ;)

Thanks again,

Ty

Checked with our IT Mac support guys. They said "it's time to upgrade" .... don't they always say that ??!! (especially when it's not their money...)

They did provide a couple solutions:

On a G4 you can run VirtualPC (which is $soft - software company that purchased Connectix) - and install a copy of Windows. They don't sell it direct anymore - but here is a link to purchase it (this is version 5 - you might be able to find version 6):

http://www.amazon.com/Virtual-5-0-Ma.../dp/B00005TZTX

Jason, they are running an emulator card in their towers. That allows them to run Win/Mac apps at the same time. You got it correct sir !

They were also concerned about your graphics cards ability to keep up with the intense graphic environment of Solidworks - even in emulation. Again they recommended upgrading and suggested: a 17" MacbookPro, 2GB RAM, and Parallels and WinXPsp2 to run it.

Hope that helps !

Jim