AutoCAD LT 2017 Microsoft Surface Pro 4

[oehlerjk]

Can I run AutoCAD LT using a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 128GB i5 w/ 4GB RAM?

[pendean]

128Gig is very small for a harddrive if you have many more applications to install or plan on storing files on that device.

And 4Gig RAM is "good enough" but kind of sad in this year of 2016 if this is meant to be a full time use PC and not a toy or travel device.

[edomeier]

Installed LT 2017 on Surface 4.0. Am having issues with display. Currently non functional but am hoping IT can resolve. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[pendean]

AutoCAD is not designed for high-res monitors. AutoCAD through version 2017 only runs on displays set to 1920x1080 (also try 2560x1440 and up to 2560x1600 if you have that option) and at 100% text scaling (no more than 125% text scaling). It will not look good on 4k displays settings on modern PCs and laptops or your SurfacePro 😞

Read all about it here http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Odd-gra...

[JPomeroy]

Has anyone tried using LT 2018 on their Surface Pro 4?  Wondering if the new support for 4k displays has helped matters at all.  Considering buying a Surface, to use in the field, but want to make sure that this works!

[pendean]

LT2018 uses the exact same LT2017.1.1 Fall Update patch and fixes, and LT2017.1.1 works just fine on the MSP4 here.

But if you've never used a Surface Pro before you might want to go to a store and spend time with it: AutoCAD works best with a keyboard, MS4 works best with a touch option, so there is some effort for you to 'live the dream' using both together. The Pen option will help.

[Emmsleys]

For high resolution, monitors try the following:   Apply all updates to  AutoCAD LT 2017,2018 

Apply all updates to  AutoCAD LT 2017 (specifically Update 1.1), 2018 (An update is also avialable)  

If you are still experiencing issues try the suggestions made in this article.

 Odd text display within user interface elements in AutoCAD

[Emmsleys]

@ JPomeroy, 

If you are able to test AutoCAD LT 2017 or 2018 on a surface pro for a free trial period that would be ideal. I've seen other threads where user's have effectively used AutoCAD LT on a surface pro. Though every user's work requirements and projects are different. 

Try the suggestions made in this thread and post back with any updates. 

[JPomeroy]

Good points.  Thanks!  I had a Surface previously, and liked it generally, but I didn't get a sufficiently powerful model, so I passed it on fairly quickly.  This time, I ordered a more "top of the line" version, that should have the oompf to carry multiple programs.  

I don't mind the interface for what I need it for- reference in the field.  I won't be doing any real drawing on it, it will just supplement/replace paper copies of some things, including non-CAD items.

After I have used it for a bit, I will report back!

[JPomeroy]

I will- I should have the Surface either by the weekend, or beginning of next week, so should be rolling shortly!

Thanks!

[JPomeroy]

I finally got my Surface back from our IT department, with the full LT 2018 installed.  I will begin "playing" with it, and report back.

[Emmsleys]

Thanks for the update! 

Post back with any new issues or if everything runs smoothly. 

[oehlerjk]

So, I have been using both AutoCAD LT 2017 and Visio 2016 on my Surface Pro 4 w/ i5 processor. I mostly use it for as-builts and converting .dwg to ..vsd.

[JPomeroy]

So, I have been puttering around with LT 2018 on my Surface Pro, running windows 10, with 2.6GHz i7, with 8GB of RAM for about a week.

I have used the pen and a wireless mouse, and have found it very useful to refer to existing drawings in the field.  I have also found some of the "post it note" features intrinsic to the OS useful for noting things in the field to be adjusted later.  

I tried using it to create new drawings, and while not impossible, it is very tedious.  The small size of all objects and text in 4k resolution makes the (relatively) small screen (13.5") tough to use.  So, while on mobile trips working in a hotel, it is workable, but would NOT replace a desktop for primary use.

It has earned a home in my bag though, for trips to job sites.  One other note, it seems to eat battery life (running CAD LT2018) pretty quickly, and if you undock the screen and use it as a tablet (not recommended; AutoCAD without a keyboard is absolutely viewing only) you can expect about 30-40 minutes of use before the battery starts dipping.  I would imagine this will vary depending on your settings, of course, with the usual disclaimers, but with my WiFi on, Bluetooth on, and brightness up high enough to be useful outdoors, it didn't last long.  When still docked to the keyboard, the second (and I presume larger) battery really extends things.

Don't know about durability yet; knock on wood I haven't had to test that so far.  The only issue I have had, and I don't think it is hardware or software, so much as either settings/operator error, I can't get A360 Drive to sync to the machine.  I have had to email .dwg files to myself to use them on the go.

[edomeier]

I've been running LT on Surface on a job site a few days a week. Very fast, nimble hardware. And it's plugged into a monitor so the sizing issue is negligible. 

[JPomeroy]

Good call on the monitor- that makes a ton of sense.

As you note, it is quick, and nimble.  Those are great descriptors for it.  Very impressed, so far!