Mac application substitution from PC

[serpico]

As you all know I use AutoCAD and Max6, and I was wondering if I purchased a Powermac G5 system, what similar applications would I be looking at since these 2 apps don't work in OS X. Thanks in advance.

[monkeysee]

At InterBuild (a construction industry show here in the UK) VectorWorks, SketchUp and Cinema 4D were all on the same stand together. The literature the were handing out mentioned something about theme working together (software, not the companies!!!). I know that all the software mentioned is available on both platforms.

[serpico]

Thanks, I'll look into those apps. I need to make a decision whether to learn all new apps just for changing platforms. I think it's a big decision, it would mean more time for each project.

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

Thanks, I'll look into those apps. I need to make a decision whether to learn all new apps just for changing platforms. I think it's a big decision, it would mean more time for each project.

 

you don't really mention what you aree looking for. are you using autocad for drafting or modelling? if you are using it for modelling, you can probably drop it off of the list, and get something better suited for it.

 

if you are looking for a drafting, it think microstation still makes a mac version.

 

...as for the modeling/rendering/animation, i would use lightwave or cinema 4d. i don't have any experience in cinema, but a lot of people on this board love it.

 

if you were using autocad for modelling, and max just for rendering and animating, maybe pair formz with lightwave or cinema, but it is not necessary.

 

i would consider the decision thouroughly before making a change. it is expensive, and nearly everything you currently have invested will be useless. i suppose you can sell it, and try to recoupe some of the loss, but will i doubt it will be significant.

[quizzy]

I would like to know why you want to change platforms...

[serpico]

Travis: Thanks for the reply, I use AutoCAD for modelling and then max6 for rendering, and Photoshop for the final photos. My day job as a CAD Systems Manager, I end up using AutoCAD 2004 all day and have been using it since the DOS days. Of course, I would have to invest time into learning everything all over again if switching to a mac. I was curious to what were the solutions out there, since I'm new to the whole architectural visualization area. I wondered if it was worth it to invest into a dual G5 if it was going to make my job eaiser. But it looks like it won't.

 

Michiel: I wouldn't be switching, I use OS X, XP and Linux everyday. I enjoy using different platforms for different tasks. I learned which ones can make my life easier when I want to do certain things such as multimedia tasks like video editing and web design, or modelling and rendering. I've been using computers since 10 years old and just love to have a balanced knowledge about them. I'm not stuck on one OS.

 

So I wanted to ask all of you, your opinions about using a mac, but looks like it would cost me more than just buying the dual G5. There would be a significant amount of time invested learning new programs, and since I use AutoCAD daily, it doesn't make sense to take it out of the picture to help in this new path.

 

Thanks guys. I'll stick to investing into a good PC and keep learning max6.