Minifinders: CAD to Computers
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CAD
August 2003 ).
formZ 4.0 ($1,495), from autodessys (www.formz.com): This completely reengineered version of the venerable solids and surface modeler and renderer was worth the wait. Architects will appreciate the new network-based renderer and the NURBS tools, although the latter still need work (SketchUp 3.0 ($495), from @Last Software (see "Editors' Choice 2003: Best 3-D–Drawing Software").
March 2004 ).
VectorWorks 10.5 ($895), from Nemetschek (www.nemetschek.net): This upgrade to the CAD software for engineers and architects isn't earth-shattering, but it does add some very useful capabilities. If you're using an older version, it's time to switch (Computers -- Desktop
iMac G4/1.25GHz, 17-inch ($1,799), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs").
iMac G4/1.25GHz, 20-inch ($2,199), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs").
eMac 1GHz ($1,299), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs").
June 2003 ).
Power Mac G4/dual-1.42GHz ($2,699), from Apple Computer (www.apple.com): This Power Mac G4 is not astonishingly faster than the dual-1.25GHz -- but for $700 more, you get nice extras that make it a good value (Power Mac G5/1.6GHz ($1,799), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs"). Power Mac G5/1.8GHz ($2,399), from Apple Computer (www.apple.com): Nearly silent and ultra sleek, this 1.8GHz giant is significantly faster than its G4 ancestors. With a standard DVD-burning SuperDrive and three PCI-X slots, this 64-bit star reaches new levels of coolness and is an excellent choice for Photoshoppers who need more power than their G4 can deliver (
Power Mac G5/dual-1.8GHz ($2,499), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs").
Power Mac G5/dual-2GHz ($2,999), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs").
Computers -- Laptop
PowerBook G4/1.25GHz, 15-inch ($2,599), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs").
PowerBook G4/1.33GHz, 17-inch ($2,999), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs").
iBook G4/800MHz, 12-inch ($1,099), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs").
iBook G4/1GHz, 14-inch ($1,499), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs").
iBook G4/933MHz, 14-inch ($1,299), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs").
PowerBook G4/1GHz, 12-inch ($1,799), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs").
PowerBook G4/1GHz, 15-inch ($1,999), from Apple Computer (see "The Latest Macs").
August 2003 ).
iBook G3/900MHz, 12-inch ($1,299), from Apple Computer (www.apple.com): Weighing just less than 5 pounds, this laptop is great if you want to use the Web, an e-mail program, a word processor, or even some of Apple's iLife apps, but be aware that the keyboard may cramp your style and the G3 processor might slow you down (June 2003 ).
PowerBook G4/1GHz, 17-inch ($3,299), from Apple Computer (www.apple.com): It pushes the limits of portability, but the 17-inch model has the best combination of features and performance of any PowerBook. It's an excellent workstation for video pros and designers (Computers -- Server
Xserve (second-generation) ($2,799), from Apple Computer (www.apple.com): The Xserve isn't yet perfect, but with the latest tweaks, including a faster CPU and improvements to the cooling and ventilation systems, it just got closer. It's still the easiest server to manage (Shop Tech Products at Amazon