OK Joe the best you can do with an AGP based system is an nVidia GF7800GS. You might have to buy used as they are no longer made.
Just make sure you system can use the card. It needs a full size case, a 400w power supply and a spare power connector (the white ones with a 4 pin connection).
Pretty soon you will need to get a new PC 
Good luck.
@dave r said:
Import the dwg file into SketchUp and put the lines on the face.
+1. This is what I do. Easy enough.
Been wishing for this for so long. It is nice to do so in Acad (pretty much anything that uses layers). It is such a simple thing you have to wonder why it was never implemented to start with.
Sorry Dan, I have 2013 installed just haven't had a chance to really use it much. I am disappointed in it and really haven't seen much in upgrades since 7 for me to get excited about it as much. There were a few new items in 8 that were cool but not earth shattering.
I agree with much of what Jason has said. I did in fact get Bonzai3D v3 recently and I might move to it more with it's advanced tool set. I will say that it (Bonzai) is no where as easy to use as SU but nothing really has been.
I don't use SU Layout so no real incentive for me to buy it once the 2013 demo is gone.
@unknownuser said:
well, yeah.. they could do that.. but 3-4 years down the line, su7 might not even work with the current operating systems etc..
it's not really like they've changed the policy.. this is trimble's first release and we are seeing their policy for the first time.
how it pans out with pre-trimble users is somewhat irrelevant from their point of view (i imagine)
I agree Jeff, just pointing the obvious out 
@unknownuser said:
..there are people that use suFree in a commercial environment because google let them.. but, now that it's not allowed, they'll buy the software.. (or quit using it)
Or keep using the Google one and just keep rolling. Nothing to stop them from using say suFree 7 is there? They will get that nag screen on start up from time to time
Yeah, I see no big deal here myself. TinkerCAD had pretty much decided to go in another direction way before the buy out so it looks like a good deal for both parties.
AutoDesk has really charged ahead on new mobile and web technology. What prices they are charging seem fair for what you get. Most so far have been free or next to free.
@solo said:
Well in fairness Fox was the dick-wads that cancelled Firefly...bastards! Syfy just never had the backers to invest in another BSG, too bad, I blame Caprica for poisoning the brand.
I agree, I tried to watch Caprica but 15 minutes was all I could do
What about install DraftSight for OSX? It is an AutoCAD LT clone and it has an OSX version. You could at least open the DWG and see what the text is.
Not sure if this is the look you are after but the SuperHatch in AutoCAD might be able to do what you want. This took about 5 minutes once I found what texture I wanted to use.
Using this with filled walls and true color hatches would/could produce favorable results.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
I wonder if AD plans to bundle this with AutoCAD Mac like they do with AutoCAD on the PC? That is that you get Inventor Fusion with your copy of AutoCAD.
@d12dozr said:
The advantage that Rhino (or similar tools) has over SU in this case is resolution is set when you export, and you can adjust it automatically. In SU, you have to preplan the resolution, and its not easy to edit if you need to.
Its also worth noting that only the model line segments need to be smaller than the printer resolution on curves - on flat surfaces the segments can be as long as you need them to be and the model won't look faceted.
Good info, thanks. I have a friend looking into this (3D printing) and I will pass along.
I like it too. I wish I had a reason for it but I don't Such a clean interface and very usable. I guess I could make a use for it. SU does pretty much what I need (arch wise).
@unknownuser said:
If something go wrong...
I ever think something like SketchUp ability + Moi curvy nurbs is ideal. Join force?
I bet they would gain a good amount from something like Kickstarter.com
basically, Moi is already that. I mean, it's not exactly sketchup like but at the same time, it does have a similar feel.[/quote]
@d12dozr said:
@unknownuser said:
...Still not a real curve...
3D printers all have a print resolution. You just need to make sure your line segments in SU are smaller than that resolution. For example, Shapeways White, Strong & Flexible material has a print resolution of 0.2 mm, so you just make sure all your line segments are smaller than .02 mm and you're good.
Also, when you export to STL (which is what format most 3D printers use), the model is converted into a mesh, meaning true curves are lost anyway. This is true even if you model in Rhino or any software that uses real curves.
This I was not sure about, I did mention that I had not tried 3D printing myself. Good information for sure, thanks 
@unknownuser said:
@unknownuser said:
Really, that fixes it? Never would have guessed.
Still not a real curve, no matter how many times you roll your eyes.you have to use another software if 100% true curves are required.
simple as that.
Yes, I mentioned that already.
Really, that fixes it? Never would have guessed. 
Still not a real curve, no matter how many times you roll your eyes.
@jgb said:
@unknownuser said:
@alan fraser said:
That works great except that SU still won't do a real curve no matter what format the file ends up in. Not sure how this will effect the end result as I have not tried a 3D printer yet. Thanks for the link though, seems to be a slick little plug-in
Up the segment count on arcs, curves and circles, say around 120 or more. Way higher if high resolution is needed.
@alan fraser said:
That works great except that SU still won't do a real curve no matter what format the file ends up in. Not sure how this will effect the end result as I have not tried a 3D printer yet. Thanks for the link though, seems to be a slick little plug-in 
Not on it's own but this is where I would use AutoDesk's 123D. It is a perfect fit for this.
@jgb said:
So, does SU create .STL formatted files?
And did you see the price of the ABS filament? $21.50 / lb YIPES!!
Time to cannibalize my weed whacker.
Yeah I share that problem My 1st color inkjet cost almost that much. It would be really good for custom Lego parts, you know, for the kids
@marian said:
@unknownuser said:
Don't be surprised to see more affordable 3D printing soon.
Not big parts but 6"x6"x6" parts.Damn...I want one. Too bad I need the money for boring stuff like living.
