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« October 2004 | Main | December 2004 »
I will be participating in a special General Design Industry Session at 3:30PM to 5PM titled "General Design Industry Session: Inside the Sausage Factory".
If you really want to see what goes on behind the scenes and some glimpses of the future, be sure to attend this session today (Tuesday Nov. 30 2004) in rooms 113 and 114.
Cheers,
-Shaan
Monday was primarily for ADN members and ATC so it was not the official first customer AU day. Today will be the first of many big days, and if the registration is any indicator it will be huge. I am very grateful the keynotes are no longer at 9AM and instead moved to 1PM it works well for those walking a long distance from another hotel or those that stayed out a little too late.
So far in two days I have been in bed before midnight but that may change tonight with the AUGI Beer Bust and then the Studio 54 EDEN night. I will be in the AutoCAD/Viz booth tonight during the beer bust so drop on by and say howdy. I have seen so many people in the past two days in fact I just ran into CAD indiustry writer Ralph Grabowski about 10 minutes ago and he was headed out for a tour of the Las Vegas Waterworks. He has been battling the flu but seems to be feeling better today.
Cheers,
Shaan
I arrived in Las Vegas yesterday and met a bunch of AU attendees. The weather is really cold here right now in the 40s and with a heavy wind. With 4200+ attendees this will be a great event.
I was registered in the New York New York due to the MGM Grand being full but I got a 31st floor room overlooking the Las Vegas strip for the same price. It means I have a longer walk to the AU conference but one heck of a view. Many meet at the Zuri lounge in the evenings to gather before going out on the town. There were a few last night in the lounge, but more will be there tonight as most arrive at AU today.
I have now started posting photos to my AU 2004 photo gallery.
http://autodesk.blogs.com/photos/autodesk_university_2004_/
I am headed back to the AU conference now. I hope to see you there.
Cheers,
Shaan
The Autodesk discussion groups are getting a great boost with a promotion on the main page of http://www.autodesk.com.
If you have questions on Autodesk products, give the Autodesk discussion groups a try as there are some of the most knowledgable users of Autodesk products out there assisting fellow users.
MGM Grand Website: http://www.mgmgrand.com/
I hope to meet you at AU and I will be arriving Sunday around 12PM.
Cheers,
-Shaan
We moved the Autodesk Inventor blog to a new URL and then launched the new Lynn Allen blog.
It is truly exciting to see a pet project grow and grow and also the amount of people reading the blogs and providing feedback. The Between the Lines blog is blowing past 200,000 and has apparently spurred many others into the blogging world. I have to give credit to the many that have been crucial to all of this happening like Bill Johnston and Eric Wright.
Autodesk Blogs as of Today
I gave Robin a tour of the San Rafael Civic Center offices and had a good visit with him. I then ran him to the ferry terminal to catch a ferry ride to San Francisco. What was funny is that I remarked when the ferry docked and was unloading "Hey Robin, look at those people running for dear life". What I did not realize immediately was that they were all running to get to their cars and escape the parking lot gridlock of several hundred cars leaving. It took me about 35 minutes to get out of the parking lot only to sit in rush hour traffic.
Above are two photos of Robin. One is in front of the Autodesk sign at the head quarters and the other at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal.
Robins Blog: RobiNZ
Cheers,
-Shaan
Lee Ambrosius has posted links on his blog to the mini AutoCAD VBA training he wrote.
Beyond the UI blog posting Mini Guide for Intro to VBA for AutoCAD
"A new version has been created that is a total of 17 Chapters and 169 pages. Typically people want to see a copy of it before buying it which is understandable. So What I have decided to do instead was publish a Mini Guide which contains certain sections of the full version. "
Come test drive the next version of AutoCAD and you may win a Canon Powershot SD10 4 megapixel digital camera!
It's easy... Just drop into Room 104 (Lab) on Monday between 7:00-9:00PM or Wednesday between 7:00-9:00PM and try out some of the new AutoCAD features. For each module you complete (task plus feedback form), you earn one entry for the drawing. The more tasks you complete, the more entries in the drawing you earn. If you participate in one of the other AutoCAD Design & Usability group's customer feedback sessions, you'll also be eligible to win the camera. The winner will be notified on Friday.
One of my favorite New Zealanders is in the Bay Area and headed for Autodesk University. I believe he even plans on stopping by my office. Hopefully he calls or visits tomorrow as I will be out of the office Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday and then to Autodesk University on Sunday. Of course if he shows up, he will get the special behind the scenes San Rafael Civic Center Autodesk tour where AutoCAD is developed. If he does not show up, I will surely see him at AU next week. He will have company as there are others coming to AU from down under as well as from all parts of the world.
This will be the largest AU ever and I am definitely looking forward to it.
Robin's blog is RobiNZ blog
Auckland To San Francisco
San Francisco Day 2: Biked the Bridge
San Francisco Day 3
For those attending Autodesk University, there will be a rendering contest sponsored by Avatech Solutions.
After January 15, 2005, Autodesk will no longer sell upgrades or cross grades from any AutoCAD 2000i-based products or Autodesk Inventor Series 6. Additionally, Autodesk will no longer provide technical support, apart from existing maintenance patches that are downloadable from www.autodesk.com.
What retirements really mean:
New Online System Variable Reference post Beyond the UI blog
"Just like the previous online resource that I just mentioned, the System Variable resource has been around for many years in the form of a PDF file only. This format works great for printing, but requires additional software though. This is what has driven me to redo some sections of my website. So I am happy to announce that the new System Variable map is on the HyperPics website."
Link to the online AutoCAD System Variable Map:
http://www.hyperpics.com/system_variables
Thank you Lee for all of your hard work and taking the Command Map project off of my plate after I started the R12 and up map back in 1999. You have done an awesome job and I am sure many out there will find it a great resource.
BTW: Lee is looking for jobs and is one of the most knowledgable AutoCAD cusotmers I know. you can reach him at: lee_ambrosius@hyperpics.com
Lee Ambrosius has now launched his web based Command Map for AutoCAD commands from release 12 to release 2005. Now you can view the command list history online as well as download a PDF of the command list.
New Online Command Reference post Beyond the UI blog
"After many years in the making and some research recently; I am pleased to announce the new online Command Reference section of the HyperPics website."
Link to the online AutoCAD Command Map:
http://www.hyperpics.com/commands
In one week from today, I will be in Las Vegas attending the number one CAD event Autodesk University (http://www.autodesk.com/au).
I will be posting pictures from AU again this year and I hope to see you there. Look me up as I will be all over the event and you can call me on my cell phone at (415)328-6747 to find out where I am at. I have always gathered informal groups to chat and also head out on the town for fun like roller coasters and dinner in what has been called in the past a CAD Geek Fest. The discussions are relaxed and allow you to get to know others and learn new things.
The event is on tap to be the largest ever held. In fact the event is so large this year that the attendees hotel rooms for the MGM Grand are now full and then they started filling the New York New York and now that is full and they are filling the Excalibur. Thousands of Autodesk product customers will be descending on Las Vegas to learn the latest tips tricks and future for Autodesk products.
If you are unable to attend, watch this blog for posts and photos from the event.
Cheers,
Shaan
Lee has updated his great repository of AutoCAD tips and tricks. There is a ton of great tips and tricks that can help any AutoCAD user. He even has some Quick Guide documentation on commands and system variables available there for download. Lee is one of my most respected AutoCAD users and he knows more about the inner workings of AutoCAD than most outside of Autodesk. He is a great wealth of info and assistance and well worth a website bookmark to visit frequently to see what tips and tricks or info he has posted lately.
Lee's blog post on the changes: http://hyperpics.blogs.com/beyond_the_ui/2004/11/revamped_tips_a.html
The re-designed tips and tricks website: http://www.hyperpics.com/tipsandtricks
Another CAD blog is born. I recently visited with Beth while in Jacksonville Florida at the AUGI CADcamp.
"Beth Powell's Blog for Autodesk products used in the architectural realm - AutoCAD, Architectural Desktop, Building Systems, Revit, Viz. Also anything of personal interest...hey, it is MY Blog!"
Beth's CAD Blog
"I frequently visit the Autodesk blogs of Shaan Hurley http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/ and Chris Yanchar http://adt_blog.typepad.com/ . I've also noticed more and more blogs popping up in the CAD world.
Being the packrat that I am, I keep notes and links to everything that I think may be helpful when troubleshooting an AutoCAD problem or answering a question for a student or client. Hence my entry into the blog world."
Don’t get me wrong the past few years of holding AU in Vegas was fun and was reasonably priced for flights and a wide variety of entertainment but change is good. We used to hold AU in a different city each year and in fact we tried four regional AUs a few years back (Boston, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco) and that was real tiring for those of us that attended or taught at all four but it was not as large as a single location.
Well next AU 2005 is rumored to be held on the East Coast of the United States next time around. I would mention the location but will wait until it is formally announced. I am really excited about the location.
Cheers,
-Shaan
The below request is from a coworker who is working on his MBA. This is not a request for Autodesk research, but for his thesis. If you are interested, send Partha an email or call him direct.
Cheers,
-Shaan
My name is Partha Mitra. I work for Autodesk and I am doing my MBA from San Francisco State University. And as a part of my curriculum, I need to write a thesis project. I’ve chosen the project related to the “process that is being used for contract-drafting-and-design in the CADD industry”. To collect, the field data required for the project, I need to do a survey with persons who have been involved with this process (as client or vendor). I also need to do the survey with persons who have not done this yet but thinking of doing it or not doing it. This is for my academic purpose only. The data will not be used anywhere else other than my thesis report.
I would really appreciate if anybody would like to participate to the survey. I can organize the survey by face-to-face interview (San Francisco Bay area), email, or web based, which ever is most convenient for you. The survey should not take more that 15-20 minutes of your time.
Thank you,
Partha Mitra
partha.mitra@autodesk.com
(415) 507-8719
Look inside the crystal ball and glimpse the future of AutoCAD at Autodesk University 2004!
Now's your chance to join Eric Stover, the Product Manager for AutoCAD 2002/2004/2005 and hear about our future directions. We'll demonstrate new technology and discuss the direction of design. Be ready to participate in validating new AutoCAD features before the rest of the public gets a chance to see them. This session is for everyone interested in the future of Autodesk’s flagship CAD software.
Topics Covered:
Class details:
GD34-3: The Future of AutoCAD® Software, December 2nd 2004 Thursday 12/2 at 3pm.
There was a press release today "Autodesk's Flagship Product AutoCAD Receives Accolades From Around the World". This press release mentions the worldwide acceptance of AutoCAD 2005.
"CADalyst magazine featured AutoCAD 2005 among its "2004 All-Stars" (http://www.cadalyst.com/cadalyst/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=101698). The publication's editor highlighted the software's powerful file management tools based on the sheet set paradigm that is common among design firms, as well as support for setting and enforcing drawing standards."
I can speak for the AutoCAD and Viz teams in saying we listen to the users of the products. My team has been all over the world this year visiting customers, holding design validation focus groups, usability studies, online surveys, and other customer related research. The teams visited almost every continent. In fact the AutoCAD 2005 beta program had the participation of customers from over 44 countries. Our goal is to make sure we are listening to the customers that use our products every day when we design the next release and features.
One of the hard things to balance is the different ways and methods customers use our products and this can be different in each local region and discipline so the key is getting the feedback from many customers and detailing use cases for features being considered for the next release and then validating those features with customers.
"AutoCAD 2005 mimics the terminology and processes that have been used in design offices long before CAD existed," said Bill Fane, CADalyst contributing editor and a professor at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. "Autodesk has obviously been watching and listening to real-world users."
Thanks Bill.
This is exactly what we are doing by visiting, listening and learning from our customers.
There is a bunch of future design classes like the AutoCAD Futures class by Eric Stover and feature validation sessions at AU this year if you are attending and interested in helping us shape the future of AutoCAD.
We will continue to focus on customer problems and designing solutions to resolve them. Without the customers, we disappear and so listening and making sure we involve customers in all decisions for future products and features is critical to keep AutoCAD number one.
Cheers,
Shaan
Every year at AU (http://www.autodesk.com/au) there are many opportunities to be heard by the product teams. Here is an opportunity to schedule these events in advance so you will be sure not to miss out on them at AU. If you are interested in any of these events please email traci.van.patten@autodesk.com with your name and contact information as well as the event name and time.
Event Details:
Usability Study -Customization & Migration 5- 6:30 p.m 1 hour session
We are looking for CAD Managers primarily and general CAD users responsible/performing Customization; various levels of experience. AutoCAD Sneak Peek and Test Drive
7pm-9pm 1-1 h 15 min sessionsWe are looking for general CAD users with different levels of experience AutoCAD Futures Focus Group
6pm-9pm 2.5 -3 hours; group sessionWe are looking for AutoCAD customers who ALSO do a lot of work in 3D – creating, manipulating, and rendering models. The 3D work does not have to be in AutoCAD – but could be in other programs.
Usability Study Customization & Migration 5:00 pm-6:30pm 1 hour session
We are looking for general CAD users with different levels of experience AutoCAD LT Future Design Discussion and Validation:
5-7pm Group sessionWe are looking for AutoCAD LT Users
AutoCAD Futures Focus Group: 6-9pm 2.5 hours group session
We are looking for AutoCAD customers who ALSO do a lot of work in 3D – creating, manipulating, and rendering models. The 3D work does not have to be in AutoCAD – but could be in other programs. AutoCAD Sneak Peek and Test Drive
7-9pm 1-1h 15 min group sessionWe are looking for general CAD users with different levels of experience Vespa Design Workshop
5-9pm 1-1 hour 15minWe are looking for customers who create presentation work or who influence/manage the process of generating presentation work using AutoCAD and any related tools or applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, Piranesi, Penguin, Rhino, max, Viz, Canvas, Corel Draw, PowerPoint, InDesign, Squiggle, Form Z, or hand-drawn)
Vespa Design Workshop 5-9pm 1-1 hour 15min
We are looking for customers who create presentation work or who influence/manage the process of generating presentation work using AutoCAD and any related tools or applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, Piranesi, Penguin, Rhino, max, Viz, Canvas, Corel Draw, PowerPoint, InDesign, Squiggle, Form Z, or hand-drawn)
A coworker of mine emailed me a link from BlackBerryForums.com. At first I was skeptical, as so many said the BlackBerry does not support and could not be configured as a laptop modem. Thanks to the detailed research and documentation of those in the BlackBerryForums.com it actually worked. I was able to get a 115Kbps connection from my laptop to the Internet using my new and awesome BlackBerry 7100t phone through tMobile.
HOWTO: BlackBerry As Modem For Laptop
Yes I posted this blog entry using my BlackBerry as a modem. Shaan
I am such a geek ;-)
but I can now get a Internet connection anywhere I can get cell phone coverage which is worldwide and faster than my 30Kbps tMobile GPRS Aircard and wiuthout requiring another tMobile account or card.
Welcome to the blogging world Jimmy.
JTB World
Software engineering/architecture/development, CAD, AutoCAD, ADT, VB.NET, VBA, AutoLISP, Access, SQL Server and more
Jimmy is a power AutoCAD user that appears to never sleep. His new blog will no doubt become a great resource for many.
Shaan
I had a great day at CADcamp except for not having a Internet connection. There were over 250 in attendance and I heard numbers beyond 300 as well. The classes were great and full. I attended the classes taught by Lynn Allen, Matt Murphy, Richard Binning, Dawna Kinsel, and Mark Couture. It was really nice to hear the crowd clapping and the oohs and aahs as they saw new features in AutoCAD 2005 they were not aware of even though most raised their hands that they were on AutoCAD 2005. I also made a presentation tonight right before the great Lynn Allen. And to wrap up the CADcamp was a Robin Williams impersonator/comedian.
Congratulations to the Top DAUG finalist who won after many in the CADcamp took a test on AutoCAD knowledge.
AUGI CADcamp 2004 Champion Steven Rabits
Runner up: James Carr
AUGI also mentioned there may be 6 more AUGI CADcamps scattered around the US.
I called the event a Mini-AU compressed to one day and posted a few photos to my Daily Grind photo gallery.
I fly back to San Rafael tomorrow afternoon.
Cheers,
-Shaan
I am fighting with jet lag today as my wake up time was 3AM PDT but 6AM here in Florida.
I will be at AUGI CADcamp today attending the following classes as well as being in the exhibit hall and then tonight giving a presentation on the main stage right before Lynn Allen.
Courses Session 1 - 9:00 am - 10:20 am
Courses Session 3 - 1:00 pm - 2:20 pm
Courses Session 4 - 2:40 pm - 4:00 pm
Courses Session 5 - 4:20 pm - 5:40 pm
I made it after the long flight today. I had a nice dinner with a few people tonight at Jacksonville Beach. Tomorrow is CADcamp and then Wednesday I fly back home. I am not sure I will be able to post updates or photos from CADcamp as the initial reports are that there is no working Internet connections in the location CADcamp is being held. My only hope this time in Florida is that I do not get any speeding tickets ;-).
One sad note. If I had known, I could have seen Metallica playing tonight at the Jacksonville Arena.
Cheers,
-Shaan
I am flying to Jacksonville Florida tomorrow for the AUGI CADcamp Tuesday. I have a presentation Tuesday right before my good friend and coworker Lynn Allen.
I am fairly booked but might be able to squeeze in a dinner tomorrow night or breakfast on Wednesday before my flight back. If anyone is interested email me.
Cheers,
-Shaan
Next week I will be in Jacksonville Florida for the AUGI CADcamp and then I will be at the premiere CAD event of the year Autodesk University which is only a month away.
I hope to see you there at one of the events. I love meeting customers and discussing their use of the products and issues.
I will be blogging and posting images from these events.
Cheers,
Shaan
Those located in the United States can now when purchasing AutoCAD LT 2005 download the product after purchase.
Difference Between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Link
Routine design tasks—like setting up plots or manually creating tables—can be tedious and time-consuming. AutoCAD LT® 2005 software changes that with new and enhanced features for efficient 2D drafting, easy sharing, and simplified plotting.
Get more done in fewer steps with tools like table objects and layer filters and groups.
Share data more conveniently with eTransmit and other intuitive collaboration features.
Plot your drawings to paper or DWF easier and faster with a new simplified user interface.
Free 60-day phone and web installation support for upgrades purchased online.
Recommended System Requirements:
Intel® Pentium® III or later, with 800 MHz or faster processor, or compatible
Microsoft® Windows® XP (Professional, Home Edition, or Tablet PC Edition), or Windows® 2000 Professional
256 MB RAM
300 MB free disk space for installation
1024x768 VGA with true color (minimum)
Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.0
CD-ROM drive
Mouse, trackball, or compatible pointing device
Cheers,
-Shaan
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