Autodesk updates AutoCAD WS!

OK, just a quick blog today as I am preparing for my AU Virtual Product Clinic today.

If you want to attend my product clinic, please check my previous post for details!

So, down to AutoCAD WS business. I am a big fan of AutoCAD WS and it even works well over a USB modem plugged in to my laptop, so full credit for mobility goes to Autodesk! Anyone who wants to buy me an iPad for Christmas to test it further, please let me know! LOL.

Here is the official Autodesk press release link here or you can copy and paste the full link below:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Autodesk-Updates-AutoCAD-WS-bw-2919859329.html?x=0&.v=1

The main updates to AutoCAD WS are as follows: -

Offline support:

Most requested from existing AutoCAD WS users, designs can now be viewed and edited from mobile devices, without the need for Internet connectivity.

Direct file uploads from an iPad:

Users can now open an email attachment and upload it to their AutoCAD WS account directly from their device.

Simplified gesture interface:

Editing, drawing and markup has been enhanced to be more intuitive and similar to AutoCAD.

As usual, the new version can be downloaded from the AppStore or can be downloaded from www.autocadws.com.

Enjoy WS'ing!

SB

Extra AutoCAD Learning Tools! FREE!

Autodesk are now offering EXTRA learning tools with both AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT2011! It's nice to see that these extras come free when you purchase either AutoCAD product from the Autodesk eStore. The offer runs from November 22nd 2010 to Jan 3rd 2011.

(Apologies for being a day late - away on business!) :-)

Both sets of learning tools come on an AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT branded USB drive and both USB drives will be loaded with the ebook, AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011: No Experience Required by Donnie Gladfelter, a Tips and Tricks booklet and a thank-you letter with links to additional resources.

Depending on which AutoCAD product you buy, you will also get the following on the appropriate USB drive: -

AutoCAD Buyers:

AutoCAD buyers on the eStore will receive an AutoCAD branded USB drive loaded with:

• The eBook, AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011: No Experience Required
• Lynn Allen’s Tips and Tricks for Using AutoCAD 2011
• A thank-you note that includes links to helpful online resources
• Plus 2GB of Memory on the drive

AutoCAD LT Buyers:

AutoCAD LT buyers on the eStore will receive an AutoCAD LT branded USB drive will include:

• The eBook, AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011: No Experience Required (same book as the AutoCAD version gets)
• Kate Morrical’s Tips and Tricks for Using AutoCAD LT 2011
• A thank-you note that includes links to helpful online resources
• Plus 2GB of Memory on the drive

This is a great idea from Autodesk to increase the learning assistance you get with AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, plus you get Donnie Gladfelter's great book and if you are new to AutoCAD, it lives up to expectations, no experience required, as per the title.

You also benefit from tips and tricks from the lovely AutoCAD experts, Lynn Allen (AutoCAD) and Kate Morrical (AutoCAD LT). What these ladies don't know about AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT really isn't worth knowing because they pretty much know everything! Again, great AutoCAD info that all helps your AutoCAD knowledge base!

All in all, a great idea from those AutoCAD bods at Autodesk, especially for new users!

Happy CADD'ing!

SB

AutoCAD for Mac Goes LIVE!

It's official! You can now purchase AutoCAD for Mac!

(There is also a 30 day trial version available).

Check out the promo video from Autodesk here! Loads of nice screen shots of AutoCAD for Mac on a big iMac screen for you to look at! :-)

To download the 30 day trial version, all you need to do is pop over to the official AutoCAD for Mac page at www.autodesk.com/autocadformac and click on the Product Trial button. As usual, input your details and download your 30 day trial. Easy!

If you don't think AutoCAD for Mac is for you, read the 10 reasons why you should go for AutoCAD for Mac first! The link is here.

If you are a student, there are 2 download options; a 3 year licence for FREE, or if you pay $395 you can have a perpetual educational licence of AutoCAD for Mac. How cool is that? That would make me go and buy a MacBook and become a student again!

Students, hop on over to www.autodesk.com/pr-mac4students and get you educational licence now!

Don't forget to have a look at AutoCAD WS as well that runs on the iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone! The link is here. (www.autocadws.com)

You might also want to have a read of Shaan Hurley's blog, Between The Lines, to get his take on all this excitement as well!

This is, quite literally, a historical landmark for Autodesk. This is the first Mac version of AutoCAD for a long, long time and it is not just a conversion to Mac either. It is a whole new version of AutoCAD. Trust me, I have had a play on it and it is superb! Slick, fast and reliable.

I think Bill Gates need to take a quick look behind him once in a while. Bet he didn't see this one coming!

Happy AutoCAD for Mac'ing!

SB

CAD Gorilla - AutoCAD 2011 Essentials released!

I am very pleased to say that CAD Gorilla have released their AutoCAD 2011 Essentials video learning title!

Check out the trailer here....

CAD Gorilla are a focused company who specialise in providing high-quality video learning material for Autodesk users. They also provide video learning titles for Inventor and Revit. They are a great bunch of guys who make learning CAD products fun! Check out their CAD Gorilla trailer with the chimpanzee on the typewriter and you'll see what I mean! LOL :-)

I am honoured to say that I was asked by CAD Gorilla to author their AutoCAD 2011 Essentials course and working with these guys is great. They have enthusiasm for their products but, most importantly, they have a sense of humour. They realise that CAD isn't sometimes the most exciting topic in the world, right? So, CAD Gorilla put their take on it and, hey presto, you have an exciting learning product that is current and packaged in a way that it makes you want to buy it and get learning. I mean, I wrote the AutoCAD 2011 Essentials title and I would go out and buy it, yeah?

CAD Gorilla are worth watching! Check out their other Autodesk titles at www.cadgorilla.com.

Happy CADD'ing!

SB