Pocket CAD for PDA

Based on AutoCAD technology from Autodesk and Bentley (microstation), PocketCAD is able to read Autodesk DWG files as well as Microstation DGN. Since I own a Dell Axim x51v, I decided to download the demo version of PocketCAD 4.0 and review it.

PocketCAD PRO 4.0 is easy-to-use, feature rich CAD software. You don’t have to be a CAD pro to create new drawings, or edit existing drawings in the field. PocketCAD’s comprehensive feature set makes data creation, collection, viewing, drawing, and modification simple, easy and effective. – PocketCAD

My comp hangs during the installation of PocketCAD 4.0 on my PDA through synchronizations. Not a very good start but then the second time everything went accordingly.

Execute and saving files is a breeze provided that the DWG files is really small and simple. Files that are bigger than 5MB is a big no, its a PDA after all. My Dell Axim X51v comes with an Intel 2700g graphics processor and a 624 mHz central processor. Yes, my PDA has a graphic processor and ironically PocketCAD took ages to load and not to mention zooming into certain section of the drawing took at least 5 seconds to redraw. Below is a screen shot of the user interface. I still couldn’t figure out what those button are, won’t it be better if they replace those button with text.

PocketCAD Pro allows you view and edit AutoCAD drawings using your Pocket PC.

Browsing for dwg files using PocketCAD Pro.

PocketCAD Pro allows you to enter both relative and absolute coordinates and distances.

PocketCAD Pro allows you to view and edit object properties.

The other unique feature of PocketCAD is the ability to sketch on the CAD file, nothing much to shout about since Windows Mobile 5 has a default program called Notes with the similar function.

And I toy around with it for few hours… few minutes actually and conclusion is, at a price tag of USD199 – USD258, PocketCAD is not worth purchasing, another reason being that PocketCAD was last updated in year 2001. Since Windows XP Tablet PC is portable too, it is best that you invest that USD199 or more in a laptop for a Tablet feature.

As for my Dell X51v PDA, it is a big let down, I paid a few hundred bucks for the graphic processor (most PDA do not have graphic processor) and loading a simple AutoCAD file took me 10 seconds. It is time to get a new PDA. Attention Mr.Michael Dell, do you know that your Dell Axim X51V’s power adapter is prone to electrical shocks?

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