I installed AutoCAD on my new LG X110 netbook. This is a computer with just 1GB RAM and an undersized 1024x600-resolution screen, but a healthy 160GB hard drive and 1.6GHz dual-core CPU assisted by a 4GB high-speed ReadyBoost memory card.
First problem: AutoCAD's installation dialog boxes are too tall for the 600-pixel high screen. I could not reach the Next buttons at the bottom, even after minimizing the taskbar.
Solution: Attach a second monitor with a higher resolution to see the entire dialog box.
I did a minimal install, since I just wanted to see if AutoCAD would run. No materials libarires, no Express Tools, no VBA. I did install Design Review, since that might be useful on the meant-to-be-globe-trotting X110.
Second problem: I started AutoCAD, but then a dialog box appeared, insisting that it required 1024x768 resolution to run.
Solution: I clicked OK, and found the message was merely a warning. AutoCAD continued to load.
After AutoCAD starts for the first time, it runs the 3dconfig command to determine the graphics board's capability. I was eager to see the results for the netbook's graphics. Here is an edited version of the performance log report:
Machine Configuration
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Processor Speed : 1.6 GHz
RAM : 1013 MB
3D Device
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Chip set : Intel(R) 945 Express Chipset Family (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM 1.0)
Memory : 250 MB
Available application drivers and effect support:
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Direct3D driver: Not Certified
Effect support:
Enhanced 3D Performance: Available
Gooch shader: Available
Per-pixel lighting: Not available
Full-shadow display: Available
Texture compression: Available
Enhanced 2D Performance: Available
The graphics board grabs 250MB of RAM for itself.
Next step was to check the performance for myself. I opened "Blocks and Tables," a 2D floor plan drawing. Real time zooms and pans were satisfactory.
Next, an acid test: the "3D House" sample, one that operates slowly even on my other, more powerful computers. It contains solid models and shaded perspective views. As expected, it ran pretty slowly with the Walk function.
In summary, the netbook runs AutoCAD just fine, as long as you stick to 2D drawings and simpler 3D ones.
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