Capability: TurboCAD Professional, version 14 includes an improved part tree function that suppresses an operation and delays an update while the user runs a quick what-if scenario. Portions of the part tree can also be hidden for re-rendering. Also included in this update is the capability to put all the information about an object into one palette for quick access to object properties. This capability is now integrated into the part tree. Compound profiles can now be generated, stored, and edited in a block section. CAD files can be readily shared.

Hardware: PC running Windows 2000 or XP.

Developer: International Microcomputers Software Inc., 75 Rowland Way, Suite 340, Novato, CA 94945; (415) 878-4000; fax (415) 897-2544; www.imsisoft.com.

Cost: $1,295.

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Batch Printing

Capability: Slick! ViewPlus version 2 is useful for printing and viewing of AutoCAD files and other raster file formats. It allows for batch printing of all supported formats to both local and networked printers and for batch printing of portable document format files. New features include AutoCAD front-end interface to open drawings in your AutoCAD software and to insert drawings as blocks or as external references.

Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, NT, or Vista.

Developer: CAD Systems Unlimited Inc., 4936 Plaza Escuela, Santa Clara, CA 95054-1400; (408) 969-0185; fax (408) 988-3677; www.Slickwin.com.

Cost: $99; volume pricing available.

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Capability: Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design premium and standard editions and Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web premium and standard editions allow for Web, page layout, and interactive design. The premium edition includes features for print, Web, interactive, and mobile design. The standard edition focuses mainly on professional design and print production capabilities. The Web version includes tools for Web and interactive design, including the capability to import Photoshop and Illustrator files directly. Users can also create consistent experiences across all browsers, operating systems, and a range of mobile and handheld devices.

Hardware: PC running Windows XP or Vista.

Developers: Adobe Systems Inc., 345 Park Ave., San Jose, CA 95110-2704; (408) 536-6000; fax (408) 537-6000; www.adobe.com.

Cost: Creative Suite 3 Design premium edition, $1,799; standard edition, $1,199; Creative Suite 3 Web premium edition, $1,599; Web standard edition, $999.

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Your Design Here

Capability: Alibre 3D Publisher for Google SketchUp is an add-on for the developer's Alibre Design product line. A 3-D model from any CAD system can be exported in an industry standard format to Google SketchUp, edited, and uploaded to Google 3-D Warehouse—an online repository for 3-D models—or placed on Google Earth. An automotive manufacturer, for example, could use the service to publish
detailed mechanical models of its automotive components within a factory or dealership that appears on Google Earth.

Hardware: PC running an Alibre Design product.

Developer: Alibre Inc., 1701 N. Green- ville Ave., Suite 702, Richardson, TX 65081; (972) 671-8492; fax (972) 671-8493; www.alibre.com.

Cost: Free.

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How's It Running?

Capability: Those with systems running SolidWorks 2007 can check system performance using SPECapc for SolidWorks 2007. The software—created in cooperation with developer SolidWorks Corp.—represents typical user operations to evaluate system performance. Benchmark tests have been updated to reflect new features in SolidWorks 2007 and to ensure that results are consistent over multiple test runs. Development was led by the Graphics Performance Characterization Group, which is part of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corp., a nonprofit firm that establishes standard benchmarks that can be applied to the newest generation of computers.

Hardware: PC running SolidWorks 2007.

Developer: Standard Performance Evaluation Corp., 6585 Merchant Place, Suite 100, Warrenton, VA 20187; (540) 349-7878; fax (540) 349-5992; www.spec.org.

Cost: Free to download at developer's Web site.

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