Archive review from 21 September 2003

Review of Zipcad
from 123-D Software Inc

2D drawing data on the move with Palm OS

Page 1 of 2

If you need to access or create 2D drawing data on the move how about on your Palm OS 3.1 or higher PDA? Developed by a firm of Boston architects, ZiPCAD sports a surprisingly comprehensive range of tools excluding dimensioning.

Despite having an architectural bias with capabilities such as the patent pending wall and gap feature, mobile access and editing of mechanical drawings is perfectly achievable.

The interface comprises four icons with pop up menus of commands each with customisable shortcuts for quick access.

Double tapping a toolbar button recalls the previously activated tool.

In addition, the standard palm menu button displays a menu bar of file, edit and setting drop downs.

General settings include units and coordinate system while other specifics include layers, colour including DXF number to synchronise with desktop CAD settings, four linetypes and snap behaviour.

These include endpoint, midpoint, perpendicular, intersection, curve quadrant, and snap angle and can be used in any combination.

The Snap Aperture setting specifies the maximum distance between the tap location and the snap point.

Commonly used drawing, editing, selection and view manipulation tools are all available and work remarkably well with the aid of prompts to step through the necessary inputs.

There is even on-line help available! Critical commands include corner trims and offsets to a tap point or by a specified distance.

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