TJ I'm surprised too that there is a fee. Most companies are really good at figuring out how to give the masses a little taste of something free and recovering from another angle. While I like my iPad, I would prefer the pc version.
@TJ: Security concerns will also be an issue with cloud-based applications and services, but the truth is the security protections are evolving and certainly not stopping the transition across all industries and applications to a Web-based delivery model. I think companies will start using the mobile design tool technology with IP that is less critical. I mean most companies employ outside suppliers and design partners, with which they are sharing CAD files and opening up IP. This is really just a different method for doing so.
That phrase, Beth, more than any other, would make me pause for ANY sort of cloud based solution.
The Black Hat security conference held each year has contests to see what it takes to break into "secure" systems. The results are such that I would not trust any vendor's assurances.
I was going to write "If it's connected to the internet, it's not secure". However, that implies the correllary, that "Anything not connected to the internet IS secure". We now know even that is not true. Well, at least Iran's nuclear program knows that; the Stuxnet virus designed to impair that project was apparently carried in on flash drives.
Stating security equal to that of corporate VPNs and firewalls just doesn't fly.
How many readers were affected by Linked-In's security breach? Affected can mean simply having to change your password.
Putting your data out there to make it easy to access has a risk. If it's out there for you, it's out there to be had by nefarious types.
The Stuxnet penetration of the Iranian nuclear program was brilliant; it's the stuff of Hollywood movies (Sneakers comes to mind), and yet it happened in real life.
Dozer, I'm surprised they're charging anything at all for the app. E-Drawings is a FREE download for your PC.
Solidworks keeps it inexpensive because they get your money when you purchase the 3D modeler that creates the files in the first place. Solidworks, AutoDesk Inventor, and the like are NOT inexpensive.
I agree Nadine. It doesn't even need to be all that much - just the ability to change some text / dimensions or even annotate the drawing so you can make the real changes back in the office. Sort of like a number of PDF viewers have out there where you can add notes and mark-ups.
It's not surprising that security is a concern among readers -- that often seems to be the case with new Internet-based technologies, whether they're for consumers or professionals. If past performance is an indicator, though, the security concerns will shrink or disappear, and the apps will gain momentum.
How can they make money sellling it that cheap? Are they selling the app that cheap so that a lot of people will buy it? and do you just buy the app or do you just buy a subscription? Because if you buy the app if you had a jailbroken ipad you could get the app free but if it is only $2 it would hardly be worth your time.
I haven't heard anything about being able to update artwork on ipads yet. I may be out of the loop because I don't have an ipad.
I use Creative Suite more often than anything. Apple and Adobe said their feud ended last year but I'm still waiting to see real resutls. Being able to show a CAD in a meeting on an ipad and make minor changes in real time would be impressive. Something lighter and more portable than a laptop for meetings would be nice but it has to be more than a picture frame.
I am very excited about the upcoming Microsoft Surface(Pro version) with its I5 processor and 128 gig of storage. This could very well be a viable way to use an MCAD program like Alibre - something no iPad could even begin to do.
And at just 2 lbs with built-in keyboard and stylus support, traveling with some super-lightweight firepower will finally be possible.
The problem with writing apps for Android is that not all apps will work on all devices. I know of several apps that look fine on a phone, but get wonky when used on a tablet, and vice versa. That's the main reason I dropped my Android tablet and went to an iPad. It was nice and I could do some stuff on it, but I couldn't run everything I wanted to. I haven't had that problem with the iPad.
As energy efficiency becomes more and more a concern for makers of electronics devices, researchers are coming up with new ways to harvest energy from sound vibration, footsteps, and even electromagnetic fields in the air.
The government wants to study your brain, and DARPA wants to use similar information to give robots true autonomy beyond any artificial intelligence developed to date. Sound like science fiction? It's not.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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