Windows on a Mac: Academy Class use iMacs to run 3ds Max 2009 at their training facilities

Academy Class, a national provider for digital media training, are currently using iMacs supplied by Jigsaw to train candidates on traditional PC applications such as 3ds Max via Boot Camp. Jigsaw spoke to Iain Macaskill, technical director for Academy Class, to get a frank opinion on Apple's Boot Camp and the advantages and pitfalls of using Apple hardware for PC applications.

• Iain, what made you invest in Apple solutions rather than traditional PC workstations?

We saw the opportunity to buy a slim, stylish and powerful computer with a built in high quality monitor that can run both Windows and OS X - it was a simple decision for us as we saw the advantage of delivering training to both Mac and PC users.

• Which applications do you currently run on the iMacs in a Windows  environment?

We run all of the Adobe applications, Quark Xpress and Autodesk applications including AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Maya and Combustion. These apps get tested to the extremes during training and they give superb performance.

• Are there any cross-platform applications that you've chosen to run on a certain operating system and, if so, is there a reason for the choices made?

Personally I have not found any business apps, but iTunes is a delight on OS X. Many of our trainers prefer the OS X environment as they simply feel more comfortable working within the OS X environment as they enjoy how it works and the ability to tweak and personalise the desktop.

• What are the main advantages that you benefit from by using Boot Camp?

We can run all of the Autodesk applications on iMacs and I don't have to worry about arranging rooms to meet users requirements as the Intel Mac's meet everyone's needs. We only have to administer and maintain half the number of machines which all have the same build. Admittedly we still have to maintain [applications] on both platforms but thanks to Mike Bombich's free tools this can all be managed remotely. Our trainers see a real advantage too as they can show new web designers how their websites will appear differently when viewed with the different browsers on different platforms.

• Have there been any drawbacks so far from running PC apps on the Mac systems?

The only draw back is that we've had to buy PC keyboards and mice as the Apple keyboards have a different layout and the mice have the lateral roller ball which causes havoc in 3ds Max and Maya. But that's it; installation and maintenance is simply a case of reading the onscreen instructions. Boot Camp supports 32bit Vista and 32bit XP SP2. As yet, we have not needed to work in 64bit Windows as there has been no demand for 64bit based training - typically, people learning how to use applications do not require that level of processing as they will not be working with billions of polygons merely hundreds.

• How would you rate system performance when running your PC apps, compared to when they are run on a workstation?

Each week I hear peoples' concerns about running the big apps like 3ds Max or Photoshop on a Mac using Windows - they feel that there will be performance issues as they have used emulators in the past to achieve the same result. By the end of the week, they all love the iMacs and some have gone straight out and bought one. These are Intel Macs so they use the same Intel Processor and RAM chips as the comparable PCs. The other advantage is that Apple engineers have worked to ensure that all the hardware works perfectly together and it's this high quality build which leads to the Macs excellent performance when running PC-only applications on Windows. Also the high quality screen, which reduces the need for Gammas correction, makes them look fantastic.

• Anything else to add?!

With the launch of the new Mac Pro Towers which have two Quad Core Intel Xeon "Harpertown" processors, Apple is providing machines that surpass the needs of the most processor-hungry users. Its time for everyone to wake up to the fact Apple are now making computers that deliver the performance tools that applications like 3ds Max are demanding and I'm looking forward to the first Quad Core iMac although the current 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo will give most Workstations a good run for their money. And lets face it, what would you prefer on your desk - a beige PC or a stunning iMac?


For more information on Academy Class and to book on one of their courses please click here.

For more information or if you have any questions about your 3D workflow, call us on 03332 409 309 or email 3D@jigsaw24.com