CAD on Mac via Boot Camp

Some people are beta testing Apple's "bootcamp" software that lets new Intel-based Macs run Windows XP and application. A reviewer for New York Times claims just about all the software he tried worked and ran faster than on PCs -- although I'm willing to bet he didn't try any CAD software, especially MCAD software that requires specific graphics boards and drivers.

Microsoft Watch asks, "Show of Hands: Who Wants Windows XP on Their Macs?" Mabye they'll post results in a while (haven't seen any yet).

How about you: Do you see purpose in running Windows-based CAD on Intel-based Macs? I suppose it would allow Mac users (like Martyn Day) to perhaps run CAD software without needing a stand-by PC.

Update

Over on Gizmodo, GadgetGav writes:

This could be it... I need a laptop at work and I've been spec'ing Dell's new M65 and M90 which run the CoreDuo chip. The MacBook Pro comes out very close in price, actually cheaper if you buy a web cam and a docking station for the Dell (and a dock is the only way to get DVI out of it). But, my main application is SolidWorks and it was a hard sell when it was a hack to get XP running. Now that it's official, I think I can go the MacBook route and be happy! Dell's CoreDuo boxes aren't even shipping until the end of the month anyway, so this is better all around.
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Comments

[JimL]

I expcect like a lot of people, I would by a Mac (if the applications I need ran on it) because 1) the Mac is trendy, 2) pretty UI, and 3) Is not a "Bill-Machine (a little anti-Microsoft in us all isn't there?)

That said, I am in a markey for an AutoCAD LT machine - somewhat less graphics board ridgid. Dual boot is one answer.

When I can run AutCAD LT seemingly in an OSX window, with perhaps WinXP installed and running "in-the-background" - I'll be sold. When you consider, that to run LT on a Mac, you need to purchase two O/S's.... It makes about a $900CDN difference between an Dell M65 and a MacBook Pro - about enough to buy AutoCAD LT

Sorry Mac.... Not yet :(

[Jen G]

I grew up as a Mac user. My family's first computer was an Apple, back in 1985. I only switched to a PC out of necessity in 1999. I recently bought one of the new Intel-based Macs and I love it! I had to keep my PC for the few programs that won't run on the Mac, but If I could run AutoCAD on my Mac, I would.

[Bill]

Running Windows on Apple hardware addresses the need to run some software on a Mac. But what we really want is to run the programs on OS X. OS X (and to an extent Windows) is the reason I bought a Mac.

[John Burrill]

If I'm hearing this right, Apple's commissioned Intel to build chips for their new machines(I'm sure Motorola's unhappy about that) Now Apples beta-testing software to let users run Windows XP and XP apps on a this machine....PC Processor, PC OS...where's the Mac in this?
I mean, honestly, how convenient is it going to be for people in love with running PhotoShop and Quark to shut down their machines, reboot them in XP mode and fire up Inventor? They're still two irreconcilable worlds. Until I see an OS X logo on the side of a Solidworks box, I'm not even thinking about Mac....and how do these people work with just one mouse button?
Slam me if I've got it wrong.
John

The only benfit I see to running a Dell M65 or M90 over a regular Dell laptop is the Quadro video card.

Does the Intel Mac use a CAD level video card or a regular gaming card (like the regular less expensive Dell laptops)?

[Henrik Vallgren]

John: if you hold down some key, that will make a mouse click to act as a right click. That said, the single button mouse drove me nuts! For now, my Mac Mini is used with a 24" Dell screen and a Microsoft mouse.

The new "mighty" mouse has two buttons.

[mac pc]

how does CAD runs in mac?????????

[tasch gaul]

hi i am a student and have a mac book pro witch i am running winxp through bootcamp. i have been running autodesk inventor 10 and autocad 2006 these run really well but for some reason the licence wont hold up and breaks... although i cant seem to find any info on anyone running inventor and having the same issues.. all other software runs fine and no other licences are breaking

[Jagger]

I would suggest Parallel Desktop. I am running AutoCad through parallels within a window on my intel based macbook pro. Sure parallel desktop isn't free, but it's worth the few bucks. They recently added a feature called "coherence" that allows osx and xp to look like they are both running natively. It works for me!

[Greg Smith]

On CCNtv(http://www.cadcamnet.tv) I did a test of running Autocad on a MacBook - the low-end Macbook at that, and it ran great under both Parallels Desktop and Netware Fusion - I'm personally not into the one operating system at a time thing so I didn't try BootCamp. Needless to say - but I will anyway - the $79 VM software and a copy of Windows XP is sure a boat load cheaper to run a few pieces of windows only software than buying a 2nd machine, but then again maybe the biggest point is being missed here. If we the users want SolidWorks, AutoCAD and any of the other packages on the Mac as a native application - then maybe it's time to stop being told what we will be given and demand that we want the applications to run on the best hardware and OS for the job. Hell, AutoCAD thru Release 12/12.5 was a Macintosh program - so maybe it is time that you tell AutoDesk that you want it back on the Mac. Other companies are porting - UGS, RHINO, etc. Tell AutoDesk to get on the bus and get it right. At least that is IMHO.