I used google sketchup in tech ed in 8th grade last year -- we had to build a house!

Took many days, and many imported models and many minutes of lag on crappy windows 2003 comps -- but they turn out sweet

Too bad I don't have that file anymore -- I would post some screenies here.

ALSO: who knows what's so special about the $600 version of sketchup?

EDIT: forgot to say: nice work of art scoutdavid

Here's part of a system I designed recently:


That was the easy part

PS: The drawing isn't technically correct, but it gets the idea across.

No, there are various ways of viewing the file. Cell shading is simply the easiest to view. You can eliminate the ugly borders too. I left them in for clarity, since I don't feel like changing the materials so that the edges are contrasted.

EDIT: @Meishe, it is generally used for technical stuff. That pump is part of a larger heat exchange system. 3D max is generally for more artistic stuff.

Graphics aren't really Sketchup's strong suit. If you want to make a model look nicer, better software is required. I do a lot of CAD work, so I use SolidWorks. There are many other programs as well.

3Dmax is the best, but it's paid.

Yeah Skechup is used for architecture and Google Earth's 3D buildings mainly, but I like to use it to improve my 3D vision capabilities for maths/geometry at school.

Autodesk has a free trial for 3D Studio Max so you don't have to pay for it to try it.

I think thirty. I don't know though.

Im a 3D developer, too. I use Blender, btw (I wonder why no one mentioned Blender, or did I just overlook something?).
I started making a TI-84+ some weeks ago, but I stopped working on it for the moment,
since I have some trouble with an UV texture.

@ meishe
Just amazing!