SolidWorks On A Mac - CAD for Mac Computers

[idanchez]

Hi Mac-ers,

I am a student engineer currently running a MacBook 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo.
Looking to upgrade to a MacBook Pro 17" when Snow Leopard is released.

I run Windows XP on my Mac so that I can use a CAD program called SolidWorks. Feel free to check it out on the interweb.
I would rather run SW just on my Mac OS to try and move away from Windows. Windows is well... rubbish.

I was wondering if anyone knows any news about SolidWorks for Mac?

As we approach the summer of 2009 we have heard news that Apple will be releasing there latest OS 10.6 Snow Leopard soon this year. I am hoping with this change the SolidWorks company will develop an application for the Apple based computers.

There are other CAD alternatives you could use on your Mac such as AutoCad but i would rather use SolidWork as it has a much more friendly user interface and performs better.
I do however use AutoCad as many industries still use it and therefore i have to understand what it does.

Please discuss what you know about this CAD package running on a Mac computer.

I would like to part in the development/testing of SolidWorks for Mac so if anyone has any contact with SolidWorks i would much appreciate it.

Cheers

 

[miles01110]

The only way to run it is through Parallels (or some emulation software) or Boot Camp. In fact, here are the system requirements. I have heard various rumors of an OS X version of AutoCAD, but again nothing I'd hold my breath on.

Like it or not, Windows software has a pretty firm grip on 3D modelling software, and it's probably going to stay that way for a while. Most industrial-type design and machine-control software suites are Windows-only.

 

[idanchez]

Cheers for the reply Miles, much apreciated.

I have used parrallels before to run SolidWorks 2005. This was fine but when i upgraded to SW 2009 it used up alot of RAM and processing power so i am having to resort to booting in windows mode.

Yes i agree that Windows has the industry when it comes to 3D modelling software but it would be great to incorprate the Mac into it as well.
To do this it would take time and money but i am sure we will see something in the future.