Richard T. explains to MacDailyNews how he uses a PowerBook G4/800 in a Windows/AutoCAD-dominated architecture firm:
“I am a Senior Project Architect with a well-known A/E firm. The CAD implemented throughout our organization is primarily AutoCad, running on Dell Workstations. There is also limited use of applications such as FormZ and Viz. All servers are Windows-based, including those for Outlook Exchange.”
“When I joined this firm about a year ago, I arrived with my own personal TiBook in tote. The firm’s IT department responded with a purchase-order outlining their current specification for a new Dell Laptop. I declined, and instead embarked upon an effort to make my TiBook work in this environ. This was met with some resistance by the IT department, who cited “security concerns.” However, they did call it “pretty.” It was also made clear that they would not provide any technical support outside of their Dell universe. So I was on my own.”
Configuration Details:
• Ti Powerbook G4
• 800 mhz
• 1gb ram
• VPC 6
• Windows 2000
• AutoCAD 2000
• Outlook 2000
“At the time, OS X was still a bit raw, and I was not well acquainted with the cross-platform features such as SMB, NetInfo, etc. However, within a relatively short period of time, I was able to login to any of the Windows file servers and print to any of the network printers. It should be noted that all of this was done prior to the improvments of 10.2 (and later). Someone else in a similar position today would find the whole thing significantly easier.”
“The next issue was dealing with Outlook. My initial efforts focused on Microsoft’s free version of ‘Outlook Mac for OS 9.’ However, it soon became clear why it was free. In addition to stabilty issues, connection reliability, and periodic disaster, I learned that this version of Outlook simply lacks support for many of the features implemented by our firm (group folders, calendars, etc). I have since been running Outlook for Windows in Virtual PC (VPC). While this may scare some in the Mac community, I can honestly say that it works GREAT. I have put the shortcut (alias) to Outlook right in my dock (VPC 6 feature) and maximized Outlook in a 800×600 VPC window. As it is always running, I just click on the dock and it appears like any other OSX app. Yes, it lacks the Aqua appearance, but so did the OS 9 version. It is also worth noting that I am able to HotSync to my Palm without trouble.”
“The final issue, and perhaps the one of most interest to readers is AutoCAD. YES, I am able to productively use AutoCAD via VPC. Please note that this declaration is of recent origin, and is based upon my particular setup and my particular needs with AutoCAD. A while back, I had tried to do this with VPC 5 on an iBook… no way. But today, with VPC 6, OSX 10.2.4 and my TiBook G4 800, things have greatly improved. It is certainly less responsive that what can be expected from the latest Dell box, and if you do CAD all day long, this is still not the solution. However, if the recent trend in performance gains continues, it could be, very soon. While I have not personally tested it, one could assume that doing this on the latest dual chip desktop may be enough already. And if the rumors of an all new IBM chip 3-4 times faster than present prove true this summer… game set match. Even if new-owner Microsoft does NOTHING to improve the present version of VPC (other than retain compatibility with the latest OS version).”
– Richard T.