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.
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