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Windows 7 on a Mac to run Rhino & Revit...

jamiekleine

Hey everyone that knows way more than me about computers!

I'm starting an Arch Summer program in a few months and need to set up my computer for Rhino. I have a 15" Macbook pro and was planning on running bootcamp to install Windows 7. I'm trying to figure out which version of Windows 7 is best to purchase for running Rhino & Revit in particular. Because I know nothing about PCs, does anyone have any suggestions for which type of Windows 7 to get? And if bootcamp is best for partitioning or maybe another Parallels software? Also, how much of the computer needs to be designated for Windows to run Rhino & Revit? It asks to set up a percentage of the partition for Mac vs Windows. Any comments/suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks! 

Jamie

 
Jun 7, 12 1:00 pm
i r giv up

bootcamp it.

parallels is trash.

i had a macbook pro throughout grad school. i booted into the mac side like once every 4 months.

Jun 7, 12 1:39 pm  · 
 · 
dionysus

ditto to above.  

i ended up putting about 50-50 for mac/win bootcamp.  Win 7 Pro is fine.

Jun 7, 12 2:04 pm  · 
 · 
Bench

Just so you know, there is a free "beta" version of Rhino 5 for Mac. They're going to officially release it in the future, but one of our Building science classes was in that and it worked superb. Other than some command shortcuts there was nothing different between the PC/Mac versions, and the Mac version is completely free with no strings attached.

Revit, not so much.

Jun 7, 12 10:18 pm  · 
 · 
teeb

Parallels is not trash, IMO.  As far as workflow, I use rhino+grasshopper/vray on Windows, and occasionally Ecotect + 3ds max.  The rest i get done on the mac side, including Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, Rhino5, and other general computing needs + all file storage on Mac.  For times i need to bridge the connection in workflow between Windows apps and Mac apps, i use Parallels.  For those who haven't used Parallels in its 7th version, don't judge based on it's past–it's gotten much faster, more power and resource efficient, and with full screen apps in Lion 10.7, and the forthcoming Mountain Lion 10.8, it fits right in beautifully.  Aside from the reduced speed, you get the all your Windows apps just 1 screen away.  Beautiful feature IMO.  But be warned: Parallels is not for your most intense of tasks, just a great tool to bridge the gaps in workflow.  Bootcamp is still the primary means of Windows on a Mac by all means.

and to answer your question about partition space:

 

I have Adobe Suite, AutoCAD 2013, Rhino4, 3ds MAX, Ecotect (and probably some other programs i'm forgetting) on Bootcamp partition at 64GB.  11.8 is still free after all these programs, but I'd do it slightly bigger if I was starting over, just for some more room for growth.

Jun 8, 12 12:30 am  · 
 · 
jamiekleine

Thanks for your input everyone! So helpful. 

BenC - free beta rhino 5 for Mac...That is so good to know, thank you!

Thimble - also great to know you can use parallels when necessary to switch back and forth but primarily use bootcamp. I didn't realize that.

Again, much appreciated! 

Jamie

Jun 8, 12 12:57 am  · 
 · 
ecnal

If you go down the Rhino 5/Osx path and are missing vray, cinema 4d is similar to 3ds max and works natively on the mac platform, vray is available for cinema 4d also.

Jun 8, 12 8:07 am  · 
 · 
OneLostArchitect

Im on the same boat... ive been debating getting parallels when really on I need from PC is to run Revit. 

Parallels 7 and Revit good? or should I just bootcamp it?

Jun 8, 12 8:08 am  · 
 · 
SiameseDream

I've been using Imac/ Boot camp running Rhino/ Auto-cad/ Adobe suite , and it has served me well in the past 5 years. But I think it's time to upgrade.

A bit of a decision to make whether to stick with the Imac or upgrade to Mac pro.

Another option is to buy a PC desktop which I dont really know much about in term of brands and technical specs.

The problem is , I just cant justify spending extra money for a Mac Pro.

I really really  love the virus free , super stable , and  more user friendly of the Adobe Suite on Mac. And from my own experience , Boot Camp is probably better than Windows-based machine from some brands.

Cant really decide, any advice guys ?


Thanks

Jun 9, 12 1:50 am  · 
 · 
i r giv up

learn.

Jun 11, 12 1:29 pm  · 
 · 
garethcooper9

SIAMESE DREAM, do yourself a favour mate, save some more money and go for the Mac Pro. You said it all in your last paragraph.

Jun 29, 12 10:26 am  · 
 · 
i r giv up

ffffffck macs

Jun 29, 12 10:58 am  · 
 · 

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