Originally Posted by: go3d I deal with architects and builders who usually send in 2D DWG Auto CAD files, my point is that if you need a good clone of AutoCAD that runs on the Mac then ARES should be looked at before slapping down $4000 for AC.
Well yes, that's a good point, but there are alternatives which are much better. I believe Bricsys is also coming to Mac.
Originally Posted by: go3d I always thought PowerCADD was just an overpriced MacDraft, perhaps I might take another look, thanks for the heads up... the good thing is that there are demos to download for us to try.
I own a seat of MacDraft. MacDraft is
nowhere near PowerCADD in terms of power, configuration and ease of use. MacDraft is actually quite difficult to use, especially when setting up paper sizes and layers. PowerCADD is very underrated imho.
Originally Posted by: go3d With a 2D version of ARES Commander about to be released for free as DraftSight Mac from Dassault, it's going to make all other 2D CAD look expensive, though.
I use the 13 Ribbonsoft QCad (also built in QT). It's interface is simple to use, is a lot easier to use than MacDraft (if you like for eg, Acad LT), but Qcad's file management is a dog, and QCad works more like a PC/Linux app than a Mac app. For eg, it won't let you search using Spotlight among other OSX OS niceties.
Don't get me wrong, I certainly will be downloading DraftSight once it's ready, but I do really like the whole interface and workflow thing of Mac OSX compared to Windows, and being built on QT, I'm not holding out on DraftSight.
Originally Posted by: go3d Rhino for Mac is still in beta (has been for years) and is not yet commercially available.
Yes it is true, Rhino is still in beta, however it is very easy to join the beta team, and Bob is very keen that Rhino, until it is released, is free for all to use. Rhino's existing DWG translators are excellent, and can handle complex 3D DWG AutoCAD files with ease.