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    RickR
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New Computer

Boss: We can manage a new laptop! What kind do you want?

Me: Well it had better run all the ETC system programs. I'll ask for the current recommendation.

I need a true desktop replacement due to CAD, so the small and light stuff isn't important, but power and function are critical. My calls are both new installs and legacy service, in short I need everything. And yes cost is a factor...

So what is the current thinking?

(Perhaps this discussion should be a whole sub group. It is a never ending issue.)

  • Rick,

    ETC Field Service Engineers currently use the Dell Latitude E4300, E6400 and E6500 with

    a Dell Port Extender to accommodate serial port needs.  You can also use either Windows 7 Home or Pro 32-bit versions.  I've attached the Win 7 compatibility guide.http://community.etcconnect.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Discussions.Components.Files/51/4645.ETC_5F00_Windows_5F00_7_5F00_Compatibility_5F00_QuickGuide_5F00_revA_5B00_1_5D00_.pdf

    Hope this helps,

    Dan

  • in reply to dboggess

    I have personally tested these USB to RS-232 serial adapters out with Unison Legacy, Paradigm, I/O Gateway and various 3rd party products and they worked well.

    v  http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8580#

    v  http://www.easysync-ltd.com/search.php?phrase=ES-U-1001-A

     

  • I have been using a Dell E6500 for over a year now. I run Windows7 enterprise 32bit. 64 bit has some issues and is not recommended. The E6500 line has an optional Serial dock that includes a native Serial port, PS2 connector and parallel port. I have used it with most of the ETC product line and have had no problems.

     

  • in reply to Davefox

     I've selected a "workstation class" machine: Dell M4500 with Win7-32bit, quad core i7 processor and a 1GB video card, at a little over $2000.

    I thought many looking at this thread might find this comment interesting. I've seen that some software runs only single processes. I asked if Vectorworks benefits from quad or dual cores.

    The rendering engine in Vectorworks does yes, this will be especially apparent in later versions of Vectorworks however currently anything above 4 cores will not be utilized by Vectorworks.

    This speed improvement will be most obvious in renderings of complex 3d models. If you primarily draft only in 2D you may not notice a significant change between a dual core and a quad core CPU.

    -Jim
    Technical Support Specialist
    Nemetschek North America, Inc.

    Thanks to all who commented.

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