NextComputing Targets CAD Users With Portable Workstation 

NextComputing has released a new portable workstation that delivers enough performance to run demanding CAD applications for engineers not satisfied with the options currently offered in laptops.

The Radius LE, configured for engineers and designers running compute-intensive 3-D CAD applications, offers workstation-class performance in a compact, all-in-one chassis suitable for everyday office use, yet with the ability to be easily transported when engineers need to work remotely.

The Radius LE workstation takes up no more desktop real-estate than a notebook computer, yet offers professional-class features, including a Quad-Core Intel Core i7 2.80 GHz processor, ATI FirePro graphics capabilities with up to 2 Gbyte GDDR5 memory, an integrated 17 inch high resolution display (1920x1200) and 8 Gbyte of DDR3 high-speed memory. There is also 1TB of total internal storage and extensive I/O, including USB 3.0 and 2.0, eSATA, Gigabit Ethernet and integrated audio.

NexComputing opted for AMD's ATI FirePro workstation graphics cards for a couple of reasons. The cards offer a number of advantages for CAD users, including certifications from major software vendors such as Autodesk, Dassault Systemes and Siemens PLM software, ensuring the drivers are tuned to get the most performanc e possible from the graphics engine. In addition, ATI EyeFinity technology offers expansive multi-display desktop configurations, with the ability to power three high-resolution displays from a single graphics card. The Radius LE supports EyeFinity with up to two of NextComputing's, lightweight clip-on displays that can be mounted to the front and back of the unit for easy transport.

The Radius LE solution with ATI FirePro graphics is available now from NextComputing. Systems start at $3,450.