CAD software - cheap and simple.

[Uriah Heep]

I am looking for a reasonably priced CAD package that will allow me to do simple plans.  By simple I mean of hobby woodworking projects mainly.  Furniture, kids toys etc.  My computer has 1024MB of RAM and a 200GB hard drive.  I might also like to run it on a notebook with 256MB and 30GB respectively.  I have never used CAD before so the simpler the better.  Using it will always be a hobby and never for business use.  Any ideas?

[Ralph]

Have a look at http://www.eland.org.uk/pages/Misc/cadnotes.html for some ideas. You can also get CAD software from the likes of PC World for around �30 (IIRC).

CAD software is rarely, if ever simple. I would recommend finding a cheap or free program that has a large and active user population on forums or newsgroups. They are usually very friendly and helpful people on there who will help you out.

If you end up using 2D CAD, then either PC will run it. If you were to use 3D CAD (which might be like trying to run before you can walk!) then a good machine would be required. The notebook would run it, but very slowly.

[Lita11]

http://projecttemplates.net/