Painfully FED UP of technology [Archive]

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Prevost

10-08-2003, 07:08 PM

All this year I've dreaming of having a way to take construction plans to the field for several projects at a time in a handheld instead of in my car's trunk. Finally I found 2 ways to achieve it:

1. Palm based ZipCAD
2. PPC based DWF Viewer

1. ZipCAD just import DXF files. I downloaded the demo and installed it. Worked fine...but NEVER got a trial file hotsync into the Palm Also the files where so big in DXF that hardly architects bored themselves in sending me more than a trial file.
Since I need to see the plans also at the office, I bought Autodesk QuickCAD ($50) that is supposed to be compatible with Autodesk AutoCAD files. Guess what: cannot open files soundly, loosing info. Downloaded Autodesk's VoloView (1 1/2 hours)...but is only for viewing and, as architects are unwilling to take the duty of sending me other than dwg files (easier) this one became another dead end.
And, the last kick in my ass: ZipCAD demo expired, and there is no way to reinstall it but by paying for it ($150) plus, obviously, a new Palm (I am NOT doing this in a 160x160 screen at all...$500 more (Tungsten T2 or T3)

2. DWF viewer needs:
To convince architects to take the duty of making a CD in this format, what is not as easy as saving them in Dwg...
And buying a PPC ($500) plus $30 for the program and hope I won't throw my money again.

At this point, I can't help remembering the posts in PPCT of PPC users that are also fed up of Activesync, alarm problems, and daily resets, knowing I wont AT ALL see that happening to me without shouting...

DAMN TECHNOLOGY !!!

What I'm about to shout right now.

PetiteFlower

10-08-2003, 07:21 PM

We love our PPCs here. Even when they misbehave and frustrate us, they are still better then Palm!

With the exception of a few trolls of course who like to pick on PPCs in a forum of PPC fans, most of us feel this way :)

Mark Kenepp

10-08-2003, 08:48 PM

I would have to agree,

There are times when I need to do something specific and there is no capable application avialable when you think that ther should be. This can get frustrating.

But I think you hit the nail on the head (excuse the construction pun :wink: )

It seems like your biggest problem is your Architects willingness to work with you to give you comaptible solutions. I go through that all the time. It is nice when you are trying to get information from people who want YOUR money, then you can just say "Sorry, I can't read that format, send it again." When you are working with people and you want THEIR money, that ofcourse, is not an option.

Good luck and please post any information you find. I would be very interested in how you ultimately solve this problem.

Steven Cedrone

10-08-2003, 08:53 PM

1. Palm based ZipCAD
2. PPC based DWF Viewer

Did you ever try PocketCad??? (http://www.pocketcad.com/products/pc_4.php)

Steve

Prevost

10-08-2003, 09:00 PM

That's a fact. They probably feel comfortable with the technology they use and do not care for what the technology can do for the people that is giving them a service.

If I stay Palm, I won't feel complete.
If I jump to PPC, I'll feel I don't know if I'm jumping with or without a parachute until I reach ground.

And, it is not the same thing when buying a new pda means giving away 1 month of your current income.

BTW, my desktop is refusing to launch...I've got to unplug it and plug back until it starts running.

Prevost

10-08-2003, 09:05 PM

1. Palm based ZipCAD
2. PPC based DWF Viewer

Did you ever try PocketCad??? (http://www.pocketcad.com/products/pc_4.php)

SteveActually DWF Viewer is a "lite" PocketCAD version that allows you to open and view DWF drawing files only. It's $29.95, so given I do not need to draw anything AutoCAD compatible, it makes sense.

The full PocketCAD is around $199...too expensive. The sad thing is I do not know if any of the programs PPC based is good since I own a Palm so I'll need to purchase one just to TRY...doesn't feel like a good deal.

I think you get the picture.

PetiteFlower

10-08-2003, 11:01 PM

Buy a PPC from a store with a 30 day return policy. Then if it doesn't work the way you want it to, you can return it :) Lessens the risk anyway, even if you do have to put the money out for it.

Prevost

10-09-2003, 05:12 AM

Buy a PPC from a store with a 30 day return policy. Then if it doesn't work the way you want it to, you can return it :) Lessens the risk anyway, even if you do have to put the money out for it.Thanx for the suggestion, but here is the Third World remember? No returns and no refunds here.

Bruno Figueiredo

10-09-2003, 12:26 PM

Well. I'm an architect and I use PocketCAD to take my plans to the construction site and I edit them on the spot. Very useful. I think you can go with DWF viewer with no problems. It's cheap and does what you want. You can control layers and measure but that's about it.

You can also try ProCAD wich is a free CAD (DWG and DXF Comaptible) program for Pocket PC:
http://www.aptop.com/

On the desktop you can buy Autocad LT to view and edit files, but that'll cost you. I recommend TurboCAD LE, it's a cad clone and its free.

Download it here: http://nct.digitalriver.com/fulfill/0002.16

Prevost

10-10-2003, 02:54 AM

Bruno Figueiredo

10-10-2003, 01:22 PM

I tried ProCAD and it's relatively easy to manipulate drawing files. The only drawback is that it only opens DXF Files.

For that you can try a DWG to DXF converter (freeware)
http://www.thedraftingshop.com

You can try also DWG to PDF converter (freeware):
www.qsinformatica.it

Then you can download acrobat reader for pocket pc from adobe (free) and view the files in PDF.

Prevost

10-10-2003, 08:04 PM

Man, you are on the money! I should ask you from the start...

Prevost

10-14-2003, 12:43 AM

Bruno, the dwg to pdf converter you pointed me to needs AutoCAD to run...so I won't be able to use it.

Anyway, I've been searching for this in the web. Soon I'll post a new thread as an update on this matter.