RobiNZ CAD Blog

New Zealand Windows XP Bliss Desktop Background

Kiwi version of the Microsoft default background. Full resolution (1024 x 768) version at the Microsoft NZ link below. New Zealand Windows XP Bliss Desktop Background Thanks to Jeroen Jordens in Oamaru for submitting this image - our own local version of the 'Bliss' desktop background that ships with Windows XP! Jeroen, a Technical Engineer with Morcomm Systems (a Microsoft reseller) in Oamaru, says the image was taken by an international tourist travelling around New Zealand. It was taken near Oamaru in the North Otago region of New Zealand and, although the tourist just had an interest in the beauty... Read more →

'Handtop' PCs Set to Hit Mobile Market

If PDA's are under attack from Smart phones will “Handtop PC's” threaten existing Notebooks and Tablets? If you can get away with working on a small format high-resolution screen when mobile why carry a large one around like you do with a Notebook? If you can have full size performance, memory and a “real" operating system why bother with cut down versions PDA’s offer? Invariably for serious work I’d be plugging into a desktop LCD or CRT so the small screen isnt a big deal(still prefer tubes for real work). The Handtop PC promise of reasonably high power, a small... Read more →

10 Electronic Technologies That Changed Construction

An industry survey has picked CAD as one of the "10 Electronic Technologies That Changed Construction". I wonder if in 10 years time BIM (or whatever they call it then) will have made it to that list. Its trying to combine & harness many of the technologies that did. Between the Lines: 10 Electronic Technologies That Changed Construction 10 Electronic Technologies That Changed Construction There is a nice article in the Engineering News-Record issue on June 12, 2004. It lists AutoCAD by Autodesk as number two in the list of the ten technologies to change the construction industry in the... Read more →

Computers Chase the Checkered Flag

Interesting New York Times article on the Information Technology used by Formula One Teams and the influence computer power now has in racing & design. (requires free registration) The New York Times > Technology > Circuits > Computers Chase the Checkered Flag Read more →

Burt Rutan: Aviation pioneer

Background on Burt Rutan and SpaceShipOne from the BBC. BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Burt Rutan: Aviation pioneer Scaled Composites Website Read more →

TypePad

TypePad makes it to the Cool Software Category simply because it enables me to create this site, easily. I've had no problems and rapid response to a few suggestions or queries I've sent to TypePad support. If you've thought about blogging and found it all too complicated the answer is simple, try TypePad . Read more →

Car Magazine - Online

Since the late 70's I have read every issue of Car Magazine. I think it's consistently the best Auto magazine in the world with writing, graphic design, and production standards that few others achieve. Its now online with a selection of news, current issue details, past articles, gallery, forum, and the infamous GBU - Good, Bad, Ugly. These are mini reviews and ratings of every car (sold in the UK) that pull no punches. The online version also allows you to see how a car fares against its competition. Some features require login (gallery & forum) but it’s worth the... Read more →

Auckland Traffic

If you live in Auckland you live with traffic. Transit are trying to help manage the limited road network while they build much needed improvements. They have provided this web site to inform of traffic conditions on the motorways. Its a good effort and from what I've seen its fairly accurate. We overlook the northern motorway from work so have that part covered. The traffic cams only update every minute but considering the speed things move often nothing much changes in a minute... Auckland Traffic by ATTOMS Transit New Zealand runs ‘ATTOMS’, the Auckland Transit Traffic Operations Management Service, managing... Read more →

Building Information Model ~ The Eureka Tower

Lachmi Khemlani of AECbytes has written a great article on use of BIM technology to build a massive project. I've go to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix so the areas shown in the photos are very familiar. I think I walked past the display apartment without realising the scale of the project! I missed the GP trip this year so havent seen Eureka Tower yet but will be having a look next March.The view of the track (less than 2km away) from the top floor should be good! If you are interested in BIM this article is worth reading.... Read more →

3d DWF sneak peek

Shaan has a sneak peek of 3d DWF's on his Blog. Shows some preview screenshots that give a taste of what is to come. "3D DWF - View, navigate and print 3D DWF files. You can also pan, zoom, Orbit, show and hide components, select wireframe and shaded views, navigate to standard views, navigate assembly structure, isolate components, and view component and mass properties" Read more →