@pixero said:

Have you considered a eGPU?
I have a laptop with egpu and its great to use for gpu rendering.

+1 I also use an eGpu so there is gpu power when I need it and when mobile it runs the embedded chip.

Using a gtx1080 in a Sonnet Breakaway box. Plus side is: you can upgrade the gpu so maybe buy a less powerful gpu now and upgrade later when you have won the lottery.

Make sure you get the Sonnet that has enough power to fit your needs.
https://www.sonnettech.com/product/egfx-breakaway-box.html

Thanks.

As far as I know sketchup work best in Nvidia cards.
New MacBook Pro STOP using Nvidia cards. I’ve been a Mac user for years and i am really disappointed about this.
My next upgrade will be window platform moving forward to the future of computing!
WHY? First I cannot use high end VR in Mac, Secondly real-time rendering Lumion windows only no Mac,
Also I am an Enscape and Vray user. So for me I will move platform to use Nvidia cards.
Cheers

We Are The Adobe.
Drop your corporate structure and prepare to surrender your offices. We will add your programs and income to our own. Your firm will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile.

@Liam
Just for show that any image can be reloaded in Magica for explore infinite worlds of forms and colors!

So above with an image created by DesignSpark 2 posts previous! 😄

Looks like fun! Maybe it can be made into a interactive game with Simcity, where developer players come in and try to bulldoze your paradise!

Yes, they do permit resale and the seller you pointed out have sold their license for a little more than I was hoping to pay. I've got 2 licenses already and for the little use I would have for a third means I have limited budget so hoping to get lucky here.

@l i am said:

Cool, does it convert in and out of Make?

SKP files don't differ between SU Pro and SU Make versions. However, the licencing terms do. Be sure not to contravene.

Dibac CAD (non beta) seems like it will be 495 Euro, so if someone's going to be purchasing that they might as well purchase SketchUp Pro as well ($695)...

@atelierpaar said:

thanks to you all for your advice-
one more thing -
SU 2019 should be out soon. Is there ana chance that SU 2019 is going to be multithreaded ?

I don't think so. From all comments i've seen regarding this subject, they're trying to ignore multithreading as long as they can... maybe until 64-128 cores are mainstream, or 256? Here is a post from a few months ago https://forums.sketchup.com/t/su-layout-multi-core-rfi/63518/20

Although it doesn't support screenshots and it's not an online app, I use Fredo6's "Time Clock". It incorporates being able to set idle time and breaks it down to month, day, and hours spent on a model. It exports to cvs,and other formats. It also breaks down how much time was spent using a specific tool. Line, erase, orbit etc.

It would be cool if they would have Sketchup scene support.

Thanks for the heads up

Sold

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer: Yes. (But models created in SU 2018 can't be opened in older SU version.
They can however be saved as older SU versions.)

This may not be too important to you, but make sure the m.2 drive is PCIE not SATA, much higher read / write capabilities. Make sure to keep data storage off of the primary drive (the 500GB 970 EVO), only use it for the OS and programs/ apps installation. A secondary drive would be better for data storage.

Depending on whether or not you're going to be on a network with other computers, you may want to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro (it might be a good idea to check the capabilities / compatibility of the OS you're choosing).

I know everything is about budget, but take a look at the 8700K and how much more it costs for that extra 500MHz base clock.

See if you can get better than the standard thermal compound, like GELID, on the CPU & GPU, it makes a difference.

@klpauba said:

I'm very happy with my "Dell Ultra HD 4k Monitor P2715Q 27-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor" ... under $400. But, then again, my eyes are old so it might not meet your specifications!

So the 4k doesn't mean that icons and menus for plugins are too small? Do you use plugins like Thru-Paint?

My criteria are mostly for lesser eye strain. I have 1080p 27"in now and while it's pretty good, I can see blurring and artifacts in some text and fine lines, and a fine grid of dots. Looking for something better in a monitor that may be with me for years to come.

Thanks for the info! With every day comes something new to learn 😄

That's very helpful info @Kaas - thanks 👍

The 1050 would be a deal breaker for me. It depends on what you want to run and its better than nothing but more sooner than later I'm afraid the need for more power will rise again. Also, it has not enough power to do even low end vr which would be a nice option.

Edit; a nice list of eGPU enclosures can be found at https://egpu.io/external-gpu-buyers-guide-2018/

Hi Guys,

I posted about Afloat some time ago. At the time I found it to be an extremely useful utility, especially when working on a single monitor as it 'floated' apps that you need on top.

Afloat page.jpg

Recent Mac OS upgrades made Afloat installation impossible but with High Sierra its possible again.

I discovered great step by step instructions by Damian, here, https://www.maketecheasier.com/mac-keeping-your-application-window-always-on-top/

If you install Afloat don't forget to re-enable System Integrity Protection.

Mike

Guys,

@boofredlay said:

Looks nice. I wonder what kind of fatigue it will cause the user, less or more than normal. I currently use a Mad Catz R.A.T. 7 and a SpaceNavigator for my day to day cad. I tried the 3DConnection CadMouse but it was ultimately not very comfortable.

Eric, I imagine there will be less fatigue as the Lexip acts as a mouse and navigator. In my case,
@solo said:

Looks like a great tool, but I cannot imagine myself ever using it as it seems to require a lot of wrist movement, I'd hate doing that for 10 hours.
I will be free to hold a cig while I work. 😉

@solo said:

Looks like a great tool, but I cannot imagine myself ever using it as it seems to require a lot of wrist movement, I'd hate doing that for 10 hours.

Pete, spending 10 hours a day is too much. Joking aside, I hope to be trying out a proto/demo version shortly. I will then know how good it is.

@liam887 said:

If I hadn't already spent hundreds of pounds on the things sitting on my desk right now then I would probably give it a go. Looks like a good option for freeing up space on the USB ports. If I upgrade my PC this year from full tower to Mini ITX then it could be a good solution

Liam, I know the feeling of having too many bits and pieces not used. We should sell off or give away what we don't use.

Mike