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(continued...) Specific users can be assigned borrowing rights and the total number of licenses that can be borrowed at any one time can be specified.
Each time the borrowed license is run, a notification of expiration is displayed and once a borrowed license has expired, the user can re-borrow by reconnecting to the license server.
The user can also check the license back in to the server without waiting for it to expire if required.
Support for mobile working is also evident in compatibility with the Microsoft Windows XP for Tablet PC operating system, including the ability to specify landscape or portrait orientation with menus and tooltips popping up correctly as well as left or right handedness.
So how does LT compare? It does not offer the advanced network license management features, providing only a tool to help deploy the product in a network environment.
Similarly AutoCAD's faster file open and save operations, drawing caching for faster switching between tabs and capability to use multiple processors are not included.
As in previous releases LT does not support customisation through Visual LISP, VBA, ActiveX, or ObjectARX nor the creation and rendering of 3D models although true 3D is not likely to be the reason for selecting AutoCAD, particularly with the advent of the Inventor series.
Mechanical specific capabilities in AutoCAD Mechanical 2004 allow entities to be grouped into part and assembly structures that are accessible in a browser similar to history trees found in 3D modellers.
This allows component instances to be created and tracked in a BOM.
Component intelligence enables a 2D hide feature to automatically break and recreate lines for geometry which is partially or completely hidden in drawing views.
Power Pack functionality is fully integrated and provides more than 700,000 standard 2D parts, features, holes, and structural steel shapes.
It can also create machinery components such as shafts, springs, belts, and chains and includes engineering calculation and 2D FEA tools.
3D may have become the flagship market but there remains a substantial 2D user base and enhancements in the 2004 releases will provide reassurance that product development continues.
Multisheet DWF, security and licensing features provide practical solutions for remote and mobile working while the Mechanical version offers many of the drawing layout benefits enjoyed by 3D users.
Few of the new features will radically change the process of day to day design documentation, but for dedicated AutoCAD users the upgrade will bring a variety of subtle benefits.