Cadalyst - January 2008 - (Page 21)

cadlabsreview cation, the system demands are low enough that you can easily install the application on a laptop for trips to a construction site. DataCAD LT was developed by architects and software engineers for architecture and includes tools — such as automated walls, doors, and windows, associative dimensioning, OpenDWG-based DXF/DWG translators — that make design and drafting easier. You’ll find the dialog boxes to be both coherent and useful. For architects, DataCAD LT enables drafting, editing, and the preparation of precision construction documents, taking them all the way through 3D models and photorealistic rendering. Tools for controlling lighting and shadows and applying texture maps let you create 24-bit color images that show off your design. This facility is particularly valuable when working over design changes with a client. The new features for this release are quite extensive, encompassing literally hundreds of enhancements. For contractors, DataCAD LT has features such as a built-in framing utility that automates 3D framing for floors, walls, and roofs. After a design is approved, users can output a BOM that includes a complete list of board feet. Using the separately available EasyEst (www.cscsoftware.com), you can create a comprehensive estimate that includes overhead and profit. The system requirements for DataCAD LT 11 and 12 are a system based on an Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon microprocessor running Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, or Vista. Memory requirements are at least 512 MB for use with Windows 2000 or XP and 1 GB or more for use with Vista. Although DataCAD LT 11 required 200 MB of free hard disk space, the recommendation for DataCAD LT v12 is 500 MB of free disk space for a complete installation. A CD-ROM drive is required for software installation, and you’ll need a monitor and display adapter capable of at least 16-bit color at SVGA or better resolutions; that is, 800 x 600 or better. Finally, you’ll need a Microsoft-compatible mouse, with the three-button versions recommended. I evaluated DataCAD LT v12 under Windows XP Pro on a system with 2 GB of RAM and found it to be both speedy and responsive. DataCAD LT 12 is priced at a moderate $295 for the package — a bargain price for a program this capable. A visit to the DATACAD Web site will provide additional information about the company and its products, which include a number of add-ons for DataCAD LT as well as books and training aids that are available for purchase. At the Web site, you can download a demo version of DataCAD LT v12, a 70.1 MB download. The demo version of DataCAD LT v12 has certain restrictions, including a 45-day limit on the use of the demo, and printing output — although fully functional — has a DataCAD LT v12 watermark printed in the center of the page. In addition, file sizes are limited to 5 MB. CADVANCE LiTe is marketed worldwide and is used by architects, engineers, designers, and facility managers. CADVANCE LiTe v13, CADVANCE with AETools LiTe FIT 714.956.3171 www.cadvance.com Price: $595, CADVANCE LiTe v13 only; $795 with AETools LiTe Cadalyst evaluated two applications from FIT: CADVANCE LiTe v13, which was in late beta release, and the same application with the addition of AETools LiTe. Both the standalone application and the combination with the architectural add-in fell within the price-range guidelines. CADVANCE is noted as the first successful Windows-based CAD application on the market, originally released in 1982 before AutoCAD. With its clean, uncluttered interface, whether using the standalone applica- tion or in combination with the AETools LiTe extension, it’s a combination of capable tools in an easy to use and understand configuration. The application is marketed worldwide and is used by architects, engineers, designers, and facility managers. This release has several new features and changes, including enlarged drawing and symbol sizes, support for importing AutoCAD R2007 files, additional features associated with the mouse right-button operation, TrueType font operations, and free-hand line drawing. Other small but useful updates include the new ability to run a selected application within CADVANCE by simply adding one line in the CADVANCE.INI file. You could, for example, add your favorite text editor to the menu Utility/Applications menu of CADVANCE LiTe for ready access when needed. The minimum system requirements for CADVANCE LiTe v13 are an Intel Pentium-compatible PC with at least 64 MB of RAM, although at least 128 MB is recommended. Supported versions of Microsoft Windows are Windows, 98, 2000, XP, and Vista. You’ll need at least 100 MB of free hard disk space for installation and a graphics board and monitor supported by Microsoft Windows — recommended are displays of SVGA (800 x 600) or better resolution. You’ll also need a mouse or other digitizer that is supported by Microsoft Windows; a printer or plotter supported by Microsoft Windows is optional. On my test system with Windows XP and 2 GB www.cadalyst.com | cadalyst | January 2008 21 http://www.cscsoftware.com http://www.cadvance.com http://www.cadalyst.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Cadalyst - January 2008

Cadalyst - January 2008 Contents Editor's Window Cad Central Chasing the Dolphins CAD that Won’t Break the Bank AliasStudio 2008 — Design and Visualization Software VectorWorks 2008 — CAD/BIM Authoring Software Dell Precision M4300 — Mobile Workstation What’s in Store for 2008? Low- or No-Cost CAD Goliath Reinvented Doin’ the DEED Cad Cartoon Issue Indexes The Return of Hot Tip Harry

Cadalyst - January 2008

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