aliu@girtab.usc.edu (Terminal Entry) (10/31/89)
What would be the cheapest way to run AutoCAD (version 10) on an Amiga 2000 in conjunction with a digitizing tablet (the tablet usually used with AutoCAD specific systems. I would be interested and specs, prices and other peripherals that I might need (new monitor and video card ?). I would really appreciate a reply to this post. aliu@girtab.usc.edu
Classic_-_Concepts@cup.portal.com (11/01/89)
> running AutoCAD ... in conjunction with a digitizing tablet ...
If you are looking at any looong hours using AutoCAD on the Amiga or on
any system, I STRONGLY recommend a mouse as the input device. For occasional
use, any digitizer is fine (the pressure sensitive stylus is the most com-
fortable and most like the pens/pencils we're all used to), but for heavy
use NOTHING beats the speed of a mouse. I discovered this from experience
(having done close to 3000 hours with AutoCAD). The reason is this, with
practise, you can move the mouse across the screen with only about an inch
or two of desk space and wrist movement. With a tablet you must reach to
the full width of the tablet, usually 10 to 16". This translates into very
real muscle strain and tension in your upper arm and shoulders (I'm not
exaggerating this). The mouse can be lifted and reset to continue movement
to the far corners. You can't do this with a tablet.
The second advantage of the mouse is that you don't have to take your
eyes of the screen to use it. This, like touch typing, is faster. With a
tablet and menu overlay, you have to continually glance back and forth
between tablet and screen. Very tiring over the long haul.
My preferred mouse is Logitech because it is very sensitive to movement
and rips. I have not seen a Logitech mouse interfaced with an Amiga, however
I don't know whether software tweaks could be used to speed the Amiga mouse.
As to your questions on doing this inexpensively, I assume you are
planning to use the Bridgecard. I should warn you that AutoCAD on an XT
compatible is painful, especially on zooms and any 3D or shading functions.
A math coprocessor is a definite asset and AT-compatible is definitely more
productive. I wish Autodesk would port AutoCAD to the Amiga and take advan-
tage of the graphics coprocessors. Well, if they don't, hopefully the Amiga
developers will improve their CAD products to compete with the big players.
While AutoCAD has its limitations, the open architecture with ability to
write and include menu commands, LISP routines, etc. is great.