thinkpad for fc 2007

[dry run]

I wonder if Featurecam 2007 would run ok on an Ibm Thinkpad T43, or T60? I'm also looking at a Dell Precision M70 for about the same price. Any opinions.....

[wildwestpat]

I would not trust any lap top with running a machine. The problem comes in the use of the power saving features some of which are not user adjustable via the OS. You also need to consider the impact of other programs that might be running in background mode or can self activate. Virus checkers and internet connections are potential problems that can cause problems with applications that need to run in real time and are intolerant of delays.

Suggest you buy a cheap mini desktop machine and run it as a stand alone. With multiple machines I use KVM box to switch the display to the machine as needed.

There are long lists of the lap-top functions that need to be inhibited and you would need to search on the support sites for help or form somebody running the exact combination you are proposing (Computer - software - CNC machine requirements).

Regards - Pat

[RotarySMP]

FeatureCAM is a CAM toolpath generating software, not a controller software. It doesn't need to run in real time.

Just download the free trial version of FeatureCAM 2011 and try it. I would be surprised if it didn't run fine on a modern laptop. Why don't you ask your FeatureCAM dealer which laptop they recommend?

[wildwestpat]

Hi

Thanks for the correction Mark. I had been taken in by their sales hype about reducing machine down time into assuming that it did more than generate code. I was not interested being committed to another CAD CAM system. In general the learning curve is very steep and the faster the computer and the more memory available the better. The graphics capability in terms of screen size and resolution are important. Hunched over a laptop using the inbuilt track pad is not good for the spine or RSI in the fingers - been there and had the operations - so my advice is go desk top or at least use a mouse / graphics pad and big screen.

Regards - Pat

PS Why is there no minimum specified requirement for running the software prominently displayed on the Feature CAM web site? Ask the software support team and get their comments on lap tops and you could also ask about the compatibility with controller software / systems. If you have a machine download the software and try it.