Looking for a NETBOOK to run Mastercam and AutoCad

[rcpilot82]

I am wondering if and what types of netbooks are being used to run Mastercam or AutoCad. The primary use would be drawing and programming when I am not near my main computer. I understand they usually only have 2gb max on board ram but that can be expanded by adding a flash memory card and dedicating it to ram use.

So what's out there that works?

[mcphill]

NOT a good fit... You should go for a lower end dual or quad core processor notebook. Netbooks just don't have the power to run higher end software efficiently.

[CNCRim]

Netbook will do just fine, more RAM the better, but notebook is prefer.

[rcpilot82]

i really don't want a notebook, I have the ability to delegate about 4 extra gb of ram by using a card. I mostly do 2d drawing, nothing too fancy. any suggestions on brands/models?

[mcphill]

Originally Posted by rcpilot82 i really don't want a notebook, I have the ability to delegate about 4 extra gb of ram by using a card. I mostly do 2d drawing, nothing too fancy. any suggestions on brands/models?

One that you can return for a full refund if it runs too slow...

There is a new dual core Atom chip coming out, don't know any specific computer models, but this one should run faster for higher load programs: http://www.techreport.com/discussions.x/18937

[ger21]

If you're only doing 2D drawings, an older version of AutoCAD, like 2002, will run much faster than the newer versions.

[rcpilot82]

Originally Posted by ger21 If you're only doing 2D drawings, an older version of AutoCAD, like 2002, will run much faster than the newer versions.

I still need to run mastercam so that i car shoot toolpaths and make g-code. running mastercam is more of a priority than autocad.

I did see the new processors coming out and they are already for sale in some models.

The best netbook i found so far is an alienware mx11 i think. except it's a whopping $1100.

[foxsquirrel]

Do you plan on wearing a magnifying glass headband while using the netbook? How large is the screen on those things?

[rcpilot82]

They are either 10" or 11" they really aren't that hard to see. that being said I'm only 27so my eyes may be better than others.

[foxsquirrel]

That is small! Another thing, I have a very hard time drawing with the touch pad and would be lost with out a rodent.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by rcpilot82 They are either 10" or 11" they really aren't that hard to see. that being said I'm only 27so my eyes may be better than others.

My wife has a 10" Netbook, and I don't even like running Firefox on it. Maybe because I'm 46, but it's way too small for me.

[foxsquirrel]

Originally Posted by ger21 My wife has a 10" Netbook, and I don't even like running Firefox on it. Maybe because I'm 46, but it's way too small for me.

Its hard enough to run it on a 17" monitor, before getting the 22" monitor I ran split with tools on the right and workspace on the left monitor and that was good. With the 22" its all back on one monitor to cut down on rodent travel/ whiplash. The big rectangle monitors have been a wonderful imporvement, sure beats the old CRT's!!!!