Does PC have the best software?

[Cesar R]

I am on a G5 and continue my search for software and the more I research I come to the conclusion that the best software is made for PC.

 

I want to use Archicad as my building modeler becuase it has the self updating sections and makes life much easier when drawing buildings.

 

I need a renderering program, I like 3DS, but I have been looking at C4D as a substition on the Mac platform although I am completely happy with it yet because I don't know it.

 

now i am looking for a modeler, something like AUTODESK INVENTOR or Rhino to model mechanical items and produce 2D drawings from 3D models, sort of like archicad but for genereal modeling and documentation. (ie, inventor) for the mac platform.

 

Otherwise If it is true that only the best software is made for PC I am gonna be selling the G5 then. =(... but I like OSX

[Ernest Burden III]

Does PC have the best software?

 

Yes.

 

But you gave a list of possibilities that would require off-ing a wealthy relative to pay for. Perhaps it would be helpful to prioritise. There are actually people who model AND render in MAX. Not me, but some do. I am in the 'oh, let me buy THAT one, too' software catagory. I can't say it has gotten me much more than a a lot of cute icons to click.

 

Cinema is very good, having a nicer built-in renderer than the one in Max (opinion) and costs less. And isn't sold by evil Autodesk. It has a very good modeler (in which I've made nothing yet).

 

Rhino is a great program, it is very CAD-like. I like CAD-like.

 

Another great modeler is FormZ, but it chokes on what I consider medium-resolution models. Supposedly the new version, 4.5 has improved OpenGL. It would be nice...

 

Archicad is popular, but do you need all the BIM extras?

 

So before you ditch the Mac look at FormZ and Cinema as potential solutions. My semi-partner uses those on that. Even Photoshop has a Mac version (I know, so don't jump on me).

[Cesar R]

thanks ernest, ill look into form-z

[mbr]

I am a big fan for FormZ, but the rendering isn't the best.

 

Don't forget Maya and Lightwave for the Mac, too. Autodesk has been rumored to be thinking of a Mac version of Acad, but I wouldn't hold my breath (maybe, though, as Unix based workstations grow in popularity - of which OS X is based). So if that happens, Max may not be far behind (as Discreet owns Autodesk, or vice versa).

 

One advantage is that all of these softwares are cheaper than Max!

[Chris_A]

There is a lot of fantastic work being done on a wide variety of renderers regardless of platform. Stuff has been done with POVray that kicks the lights out of some done in Max. It's how you use what you've got, but comfort is a big factor.

 

Max has a user base with a density approaching that of a black hole. You might feel like you're doing the wrong thing because everyone else is swimming the other way. Welcome to Mac-land.

 

I concur, FormZ is a good general modeler and like many of the renderers mentioned (basically all but Max), cross-platform. If you're convinced that you need a Windows only modeling app such as Rhino you should consider picking up a slightly used PC (usually pretty cheap) for that purpose, keeping your G5 for rendering and general purpose use.

 

My 2cents...