Google Sketchup
 

Soooo.....who here has used it? I've played with a bit and its pretty awesome. Definitely no where near the level that SolidWorks, Pro-E, Unigraphics, etc are at but its free and way simple to use. Has anyone tried Pro? I'm not sure what it really offers other than better video/graphic options.

Whats your thoughts TFP? Anyone think this could catch on in industry?

I gave it a try when it 1st released like 2 or 3years ago. It was an ok program then but I don't see a use for myself as I use 3dstudiomax.

If they implement 2d blueprint to 3d, then it would be awesome. Do they have that yet?

I've been using it for a couple years now. The newest version has Layout, so you can print a better quality hard copy than just doing a "Prnt Scrn." However, one thing they took away from the new free version was the ability to import AutoCAD drawings. There's an add-on for that now, but who knows if it'll be available in future versions? So far, I can't see a reason to buy the Pro version.

I think it is a very powerful software, considering the fact that all it does is show edges and faces. Make sure you're meticulous with using layers and freezing the ones you don't need visible, though, because it's an intense memory and processor hog. It'll slow a computer down faster than anything I've ever used.

Surf the net for already-completed components and ruby scripts - you'll like it even more. Start at Google's own 3-D Warehouse. Also, a recommendation for a rendering software - it's free and works very well with Sketchup - try Kerkythea.net

EDITED to add: The rendering software only renders 3-D objects, so keep that in mind. One of Sketchup's unique features is to have 2-D graphics that always face the viewer; whatever their POV, which gives them a 3-D appearance. Kerkythea will not render those objects. Having said that, Sketchup has some pretty good graphics, and doesn't necessarily need to be rendered beyond its own capabilities, unless you want to emphasize something like lighting.

I'd show some examples, but I cant attach images to this thread, for some reason.

I've used sketchup, mostly for fun, but also once to see how a custom-built dresser/closet would fit in a room.
I have no experience with professional 3D software, so I can't compare, but I think I remember reading somewhere that Source (the engine on which half life 2 runs) was going to allow for sketchup models in its SDK. If that's true, it's pretty cool.

The one thing that turned me completely off SketchUp is that if you ever intend to import their models into another modeling program (Maya, 3ds Max) everything is double-faced.