Will advent of AutoCAD to Mac & iPad mark the new era in design and architecture

Autodesk introduces its flagship software AutoCAD to Mac, iPhone and iPad! What seen by many as a logical step might present a start of new trend for developers of architectural, design and other professional software.

This step presents even a big deal for Apple, as it gives it's tabled a much-needed validation of a productivity tool rather than a pure media consumption device.

While the Mac version of AutoCAD will get full version and support multi-touch gestures from trackpads and the Magic Mouse, and iTunes-style cover flow for browsing design files, the one for iPad will allow users to edit, review and share their design files.

Even though AutoCAD iPad app won't have the full functionality of its desktop counterpart -- it is free software and provide much greater portability and flexibility. The idea behind the AutoCAD iPad app, and a similar app for iPhone and iPod Touch, is that users can carry a lot of design files in a small package, which can be easily presented, reviewed or modified from the road without dragging around a Macbook or printing out a mound of pages.

These might facilitate the new wave of tablets and software designed to create small-scale tablet versions that make their desktop counterparts more useful.