Computer Graphics World

6 May 2009 Autodesk has released its 2010 AutoCAD family and AutoCAD LT 2010 for professional drafting and detailing. The latest release of AutoCAD introduces new capabilities to help users tackle challenging design problems, including free-form design tools, parametric drawing, and enhanced PDF support, a top request from Autodesk User Group International (AUGI) members. AutoCAD 2010 helps users document, communicate, explore, and customize design ideas. With new free-form design tools, users can more easily explore ideas in 3D to create almost any shape. New PDF import and underlay and enhanced publishing features can improve two-way communication with the extended design team. In addition, constraint-based parametric drawing tools enable users to defi ne persistent relationships between objects, accelerating design revision workfl ows. Furthermore, AutoCAD 2010 supports 3D printing, making it easy to produce physical 3D models and physical prototypes by connecting to on-demand 3D printing services or personal 3D printers. AutoCAD 2010 includes industry-specifi c applications built on the AutoCAD platform: AutoCAD Architecture 2010, Auto- CAD Civil 2010, AutoCAD Electrical 2010, AutoCAD Map 3D 2010, AutoCAD Mechanical 2010, AutoCAD MEP 2010, and AutoCAD P&ID 2010. The latest release of AutoCAD LT 2010, professional 2D draft- ing and detailing software, incorporates PDF input and output enhancements, additional 2D drafting commands for viewing and editing drawings, and 2D drafting tools from AutoCAD. The AutoCAD products are now available. Pricing starts at $3995 for AutoCAD 2010 and $1200 for AutoCAD LT 2010. Autodesk Design Review 2010 is also available as a free download. AutoCAD 2010 Takes Design to Another Level PRODUCT: CAD AMD Delivers ATI FirePro V7750 AMD has rolled out the ATI FirePro V7750 graphics accel- erator for the high-end market. The card is well suited for graphics professionals working in engineering, digital content creation, and scientifi c fi elds who need a 3D graph- ics accelerator that can quickly handle large models and shader-intensive applications. Based on a new-generation GPU with 320 unifi ed stream processing units, the ATI FirePro V7750's ultra-parallel architecture maximizes throughput by automatically direct- ing graphics horsepower where needed. Intelligent manage- ment of computational resources enables enhanced utiliza- tion of the GPU to enable real-time rendering of complex, large models and scenes while increasing interactivity when animating. In addition, the card accelerates ATI Stream applications, utilizing the GPU to offl oad to the CPU for specifi c compute- intensive workloads. The ATI FirePro V7750 also features multiple display port outputs and a dual-link enabled DVI output, which, together, generates a multi-monitor of more than 5000 pixels wide in a single-slot form factor. With 1 GB of frame buffer memory and a 30-bit display pipeline, the ATI FirePro V7750 enables rendering of more accurate color reproduction and visual quality of large and complex data sets. The ATI FirePro V7750 graphics accelerator is available now for $899. PRODUCT: GRAPHICS CARD Wacom Introduces Intuos4 Wacom rolled out the Intuos4, a professional pen tablet that delivers new features and performance to artists, photogra- phers, and designers seeking optimal control and improved productivity. This next-generation offering features new pen perfor- mance, capable of capturing the slightest nuance of pen pressure against the tablet surface as well as offering 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity. Also, the ergonomic design— available in four sizes—has been enhanced for more comfort and control. Intuos4 also offers workfl ow and productiv- ity tools, such as customizable shortcut and modifi er keys with accompanying OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays showing the setting of the keys. The Intuos4, available now, costs $229 for the small version, $369 for the medium, $499 for the large, and $789 for the extra large. PRODUCT: TABLETS Correction Incorrect pricing was given for 3ds Max 2010 in the April Spot- light section. The article states that 3ds Max Design 2010 is priced at $3495, while 3ds Max 2010 software for entertain- ment professionals is priced at $895. That is incorrect. 3ds Max Design 2010 and 3ds Max 2010 are both priced at $3495. The price to upgrade from the 2009 version to the 2010 version is $895. Also, both 3ds Max and 3ds Max Design are now available.

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