What to use for a new student

[njoel]

I pose a question that seems mundane but important to me. Although I do not use any cadd for my work. I have a grandson, who is showing strong interest, and has started on a highschool training cadd. He is a freshman in highschool, and has shown little inclination for ANYTHING! But the cad peaked his interest.

 

Now when I found this out I bought him a new standard computer, with a 17"monitor large enough to hold a simple starter cadd program. I told him if he was able to learn this cad and show some profeciency I would buy a new computer for the office, with a professional cad and bring him down [ he lives about 11 hours from me] for the summer and he can work for me.

 

SSSOooooo what to buy. In keeping costs at a minimum, [i'm not sure how long this will last][highschoolers, you know] But I was going to look for a p4 minimun 256/40g with a 19" monitor. Would this be a good starter unit?

 

And what would be a good starter Cadd with 3d etc. I really know nothing about this stuff, and if I get it I will strive to understand but time limitations,keep me from really learning it to profeciency. and some of us old guys are sooooo stubborn.

[Buttman]

I think you should check out at Hardware's forum. Very useful. If i were in your shoe, I'd buy Dell with minimum of 1GB RAM and P4 3.0GHz (with hyperhtreading). That's the MINIMUM. Generally, most professionals have "workstation" than a just a standard desktop and it's very pricey, y'know.

[Brian Cassil]

Keep your eyes out on www.hot-deals.org Some unbelievable deals pop up there regularly. If you have a little time just check it every day for a week or two and something is bound to pop up. Good luck to you and your grandson!

[William Alexander]

njoel,

 

I would suggest AutoCad or AutoCadLt. Most widely used for the most part ect.... yadaydayda. It's always good, when young to learn on tne real deal. Makes learning say- Architecture more about architecture than drafting.

 

Costly yes, maybe through his school or your proffessional status, you could aquire a >student

 

PS my grandfathers have had a rather profound effect on my interests & life

 

brgrds

WDA

[bruntj]

You did not mention what he would be drawing but if it is houses or buildings I would reccommend Revit. It is easy enough to learn and handles much of the management issue automatically. It would allow the the focus to be on the result, ont he 'architecture'.