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AutoCAD on a Netbook

I installed AutoCAD on my new LG X110 netbook. This is a computer with just 1GB RAM and an undersized 1024x600-resolution screen, but a healthy 160GB hard drive and 1.6GHz dual-core CPU assisted by a 4GB high-speed ReadyBoost memory card.

First problem: AutoCAD's installation dialog boxes are too tall for the 600-pixel high screen. I could not reach the Next buttons at the bottom, even after minimizing the taskbar.

Solution: Attach a second monitor with a higher resolution to see the entire dialog box.

I did a minimal install, since I just wanted to see if AutoCAD would run. No materials libarires, no Express Tools, no VBA. I did install Design Review, since that might be useful on the meant-to-be-globe-trotting X110.

Second problem: I started AutoCAD, but then a dialog box appeared, insisting that it required 1024x768 resolution to run.

Solution: I clicked OK, and found the message was merely a warning. AutoCAD continued to load.

After AutoCAD starts for the first time, it runs the 3dconfig command to determine the graphics board's capability. I was eager to see the results for the netbook's graphics. Here is an edited version of the performance log report:

Machine Configuration
---------------------
Processor Speed : 1.6 GHz
RAM : 1013 MB

3D Device
---------
Chip set : Intel(R) 945 Express Chipset Family (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM 1.0)
Memory : 250 MB

Available application drivers and effect support:
-------------------------------------------------
Direct3D driver: Not Certified
Effect support:
   Enhanced 3D Performance: Available
   Gooch shader: Available
   Per-pixel lighting: Not available
   Full-shadow display: Available
   Texture compression: Available
   Enhanced 2D Performance: Available

The graphics board grabs 250MB of RAM for itself.

Next step was to check the performance for myself. I opened "Blocks and Tables," a 2D floor plan drawing. Real time zooms and pans were satisfactory.

Next, an acid test: the "3D House" sample, one that operates slowly even on my other, more powerful computers. It contains solid models and shaded perspective views. As expected, it ran pretty slowly with the Walk function.

In summary, the netbook runs AutoCAD just fine, as long as you stick to 2D drawings and simpler 3D ones.

Posted at 01:21 PM in LG X110 | Permalink

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Comments

Hey Ralph,

I'm not sure the CPU on your LG is dual core. LG's site identifies it as the N270. Intel's page below shows it got one core only.

http://ark.intel.com/cpu.aspx?groupId=36331

Still, running AutoCAD on it is pretty cool. What release did you install?

Posted by: Norm C | January 22, 2009 at 09:45 AM

Ralph, do you have a copy of an older version, like AutoCAD R14 or 2000? I'd really like to know how well older software would run, since that machine might have been considered a powerhouse in 2000.

I know a lot of people who still use Office 97 on really low-budget computers because it runs really fast.

Posted by: Ken Elliott | January 26, 2009 at 05:02 PM

Hi Ralph, Netbooks & Atom-CPU are a real step forward: KISS - keep it simple & small & very portable. My Wind U100 (or LG) runs Acad07, 3dStudio, Archicad 11 and SketchUp Pro without any problems. Atom is not a Celeron-type CPU and seems to have a FPU. I had to replace my ThinkPad & didn't want to buy Vista - so I took the Wind for testing & kept it. I have an external monitor both at home and office. The size of the Netbook is ideal for sitting in trains & airplanes. The two 6-cells give enough power for even the longest flights. - A very happy Netbook user. best regards, Thomas

Posted by: Thomas Enzmann | February 11, 2009 at 05:47 AM

how about an utility to scroll a bigger virtual desktop?

like this ie
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Other-Desktop-Enhancements/SDesk.shtml

Posted by: curious | February 19, 2009 at 11:10 AM

I just installed Autocad 2004 Land development desktop full install on this acer aspire one im using right now (240$ on tiger direct) and it went without issue, no warnings about screen size or anything, I will be using this on the jobsite with 2d civil drawings so i think it will work fine along with the available 12v adapter

Posted by: john | April 30, 2009 at 09:53 PM

You can use WinMove, a utility for Netbooks to solve this very problem. The utility scrolls windows (from any software) up and down so you can access hidden parts of windows. It is free from:

http://www.saxonsoftware.com/WinMove

Posted by: PhilipC | August 21, 2009 at 12:17 AM

Hello :) nice post,
i'm a new asus eee 1000 ha user and i'm running autocad 2007 smoothly, its beautiful. Great for using it in my classes and work. Also i'm running visual studio 2008 and rise of nations (MS pc game).
I'm loving my netbook! It's more like a complete notebook

Posted by: Armando | October 01, 2009 at 08:18 PM

I'm a designer who uses autocad all the time on top of other applications not necessarily multi tasking. I also have to use adobe illustrator and Photoshop for presentations. Can I load autocad 2008, Photoshop 7 or newer and illustrator cs on a netbook with 1 gb ram and 60 gb harddrive with windows 7? Will be purchasing something soon. So challenged technicaly with these specs. Thanks for any help!

Posted by: Melissa | December 26, 2009 at 05:22 PM