Existing users, 
 SketchUp - 4.0.1493D design/CAD tool |
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Feedback Summary:
| Version 4.0.149: | |||||
| Overall Rating: |   (4.3) |
Features: | (3.3) |
Support: | (4.3) |
| Ease of Use: | (5.0) |
Quality / Stability: | (4.7) |
Price: | (3.3) |
Key to Types of Feedback:
Reviews 
Troubleshooting 
Usage Tips 
Developer Notes 
Commentary 
Featured Reviews
Just try the demo - Version: 5.0, 10/14/2005 02:28AM PST
(1 of 1 users found this comment useful)
Nick Sloan
SketchUp is the antithesis of those 3D modellers which have a zillion tools and an interface like the cockpit of an airliner. SU has a deceptively simple interface and very few tools, which makes it quick to pick up and a delight to use—but far from limited: the more I try to do things which at first sight seemed impossible, the more amazing depths of power reveal themselves.
It is not Cinema 4D or VectorWorks: there are plenty of things it does not attempt (like sophisticated numerical curves or naturalistic rendering), but this just enables it to do much better and more directly what it excels at: incredibly speedy and direct conceptual modelling.
Coming from Illustrator, I was frustrated at first by having to take a different approach to drawing, but once mastered, the SU way knocks spots off any other 3D techniques I have tried. With excellent tutorials, an energetic forum and countless other resources, this is feeling like an extremely worthwhile investment.
It is not Cinema 4D or VectorWorks: there are plenty of things it does not attempt (like sophisticated numerical curves or naturalistic rendering), but this just enables it to do much better and more directly what it excels at: incredibly speedy and direct conceptual modelling.
Coming from Illustrator, I was frustrated at first by having to take a different approach to drawing, but once mastered, the SU way knocks spots off any other 3D techniques I have tried. With excellent tutorials, an energetic forum and countless other resources, this is feeling like an extremely worthwhile investment.
Intuitive and Powerful - Version: 5.0, 7/31/2005 03:43PM PST
jsndan@mac.com
I just started working with this app and am amazed by its power and ease of use. The online training videos are a huge help and had me up and running in no time.
Cons: You can do walk throughs but you can't really character animate with it but it is more a modeling program. The one file format it does not import is max , probably the most used format outside of Maya. And last , it's only flaw, an inability to creat your own light source. SU's got a built in light source that replicates the sun and it's not very movable really. Windows users can use secondary programs (there are addittional export modules for this ) to add light sources but no such thing on a Mac.
Note: If you want to add text you can pick up the downloadable Guest PC (60 dollars , which replicates a PC on a Mac, though you Intel users probably can boot in Windows already ) , borrow a Windows CD and install it within GPC and then download the free 3D text program Elefont to export to. A bit of a hassle but it works.