New MBA with ArchiCAD and new AutoCAD for mac

[Toonbay]

Hi
I'm running AutoCAD for mac 2011 and ArchiCAD great on my iMac but would also like a MBA or MBP to work while away from home

Main question is do you think the 13 inch MBA will run these programs ok, had a look at the system requirements and appears they would but any comments would help before I take the plunge

 

[darngooddesign]

Is the screen res going to be enough for CAD work. You might be better served with the high res 15" Pro.

 

[Toonbay]

Is the screen res going to be enough for CAD work. You might be better served with the high res 15" Pro.

Thanks for quick reply, these are the things I need to know, I think a trip to the store and chat with staff may be in order + to check out the screen etc

 

[darngooddesign]

Drop your monitor's resolution to match the Air and see how cramped it feels.

 

[gwsat]

Thanks for quick reply, these are the things I need to know, I think a trip to the store and chat with staff may be in order + to check out the screen etc

I suggest you call the store before you make the trip. I just called the Apple Store in Penn Square Mall in OKC and the guy who answered told me (1) that they have not yet received the new MBAs, (2) they don't know when they will get them, and (3) they don't know anything about their details.

 

[Toonbay]

Well I've been reading all night and the specs are fine for both programs, leaning towards 13 inch with 256gb flash, will eventually upgrade the ram to 4gb if I go with this

 

[Capt Underpants]

Well I've been reading all night and the specs are fine for both programs, leaning towards 13 inch with 256gb flash, will eventually upgrade the ram to 4gb if I go with this

The RAM in macbook airs is soldered to the motherboard. If you want 4GB of RAM, you must custom order it from apple.

 

[Toonbay]

The RAM in macbook airs is soldered to the motherboard. If you want 4GB of RAM, you must custom order it from apple.

Ah ok cheers for that, good to know, ArchiCAD min is 2gb so should be ok

 

[PhoneI]

Ah ok cheers for that, good to know, ArchiCAD min is 2gb so should be ok

I would not do that. If you have to, wait a little while and save up for the extra RAM. Once you go 2 gb, there is no upgrade.

 

[Toonbay]

well my 13 inch 2Gb, 256 Gb turned up this morning, runs ArchiCAD 14 , AutoCAD 2011 for mac and office 2011 like a treat !!! very very happy with it and the screen is amazing!!