CAD on MBP using BC or Parallels

Hello people,

I've been a PC user for a long time but I'm thinking about switching to a Mac. However, I have a couple concerns. I'm a mechanical engineering student, and I do use CAD softwares a lot. Even though I mainly use my desktop to do the CAD work, it will be nice to have a laptop that will run AutoCAD or UGS NX3 at reasonable speed.

These applications do not run on OS X. So, my questions are...

1) Has anyone tried using AutoCAD/UGS NX3/Solidworks on MBP either with BC or Parallels? If yes, please give me some comments on this.

2) If you have used both, which one is better?

3) Do these applications run fine at reasonable speed?

I'm thinking about buying C2D MBP 15.4'' with x1600 128 due to my budget. But I will be adding another 1G memory to it.

ps. does anyone know when Leopard will be released? I really need a laptop right now!!! but I don't want to buy one if Leopard will be released within next 1 or 2 months.




Thanks,,,

 

Parallels no!
Bootcamp yes!

(it's a graphics driver/api sorta thing. you don't get 3d support in a virtual machine.)

 

Ya , if you read the parallels vs. bootcamp you'll see why bootcamp is your only choice. I don't want to talk you out of a mac, but if you can spend for a MBP with 1 extra gig and apple care( you are getting apple care right? ) You could afford a Clevo 570u with 7800gtx or 7900gtx. Less battery life, not the same as apple, but far better for CAD. But, I haven't used cad..I can't quote just how much better

 

To expand on what Jimy said, the difference in performance (the difference you'll see anyways) is a function of the size and complexity of your models. If you're opening half a car in NX, then your computer will choke. Probably the Clevo would choke... my experience with CAD is all second hand, so if I'm too specific I'll probably be wrong. Ah, anyways, I'll bet you'll see a little over twice the performance from the Clevo than from the Apple. I'm fairly comfortable writing that.

If you're only doing simple models, then I doubt you'll notice a difference between the two.

About the other thing, nobody knows when Leopard is coming out. There's talk that there're issues, and that it has been delayed. I don't think it'll be out in the next couple months, but I'm certainly not an authority on the matter.

 

Thank you guys for all your comments. Got one more question.
If I decide to buy a PC at the end, which one would you guys recommend?
LG S1-M002A9 or Clevo 570u.

I'll be only working on simple models for CAD using a laptop. So, I think I will be OK with MBP.

Or also, when ordering a MBP, is glossy better? seems it's a free upgrade for display. what is the difference?

 

Just like photographs: Glossy is shiny, mirrorlike, reflective. It tends to make movies look better in light-controlled environments. Matte is dull. It tends to avoid glare more, and can be easier on some people's eyes.

It's up to you. The Clevo is a ginormous and heavy 17", and the LG is your standardish 15.4"... the Clevo has a much more powerful graphics card than the LG, but the LG ought to be enough for you.

 

If you're moving to the LG.. considering the MBP 15" 2.33ghz is within your realm. You can pick it up for 2349 on amazon. The extra vram in the LG "probably" won't impact your CAD much. I'm sorry I cant' be more specific. By getting the MBP at that point you'd gain glossy/matte screen choice, DVI output, Using OSX-windows at will, backlit keyboard, faster processor, larger HD drive, Longer battery life, Less weight,... Minus hd-dvd play, minus 256mb vram(or is that just hyper memory?). And yes.. the clevo is much heavier, but it's a 17". It's a great value, and built well. It just depends on if you feel like lugging a DTR

As for the differences, I think the Glossy screens on the MBP are made very well, and not super shiny. I personally prefer matte because I hate any sharp reflections at all. It wears on my brain. Some people say this is BS. What you should do is visit an Apple store if you can and compare side by side.