running CAD on MBP (penryn)

[(mac)tuel]

Hello everyone!

I'm new to these forums, but not to Apple. I used to own a PowerBook G4 a few years ago. I am currently taking architecture classes and this summer I'm enrolled in graphics. I'm in need of a laptop powerful enough to run CAD, but reliable enough to just work every time. So I am seriously considering the new 15" 2.5 GHz MBP. I know it's powerful enough with 4 gb of ram, but will AutoCAD run (if I install XP using Boot Camp) or is there a suitable Mac CAD program that is not too expensive?

 

[aaronw1986]

Hello everyone!

I'm new to these forums, but not to Apple. I used to own a PowerBook G4 a few years ago. I am currently taking architecture classes and this summer I'm enrolled in graphics. I'm in need of a laptop powerful enough to run CAD, but reliable enough to just work every time. So I am seriously considering the new 15" 2.5 GHz MBP. I know it's powerful enough with 4 gb of ram, but will AutoCAD run (if I install XP using Boot Camp) or is there a suitable Mac CAD program that is not too expensive?

It should run great in boot camp. Not sure if there is a mac substitute.

 

[kotbehemot]

Consider using ArchiCAD. It is completely different to AutoCAD, but may be worth considering. And runs on my MB Pro perfectly.

 

[tersono]

AutoCAD will run just fine on that machine under boot camp - you'll have no problems at all.

As the other poster mentioned, Archicad is an excellent Mac-native alternative, but that won't be a lot of use to you if your course is AutoCAD-specific.