Replies

1. 
   daverichards | Jan 04, 2009 04:07am | #1

   Congrats on the new computer.

   SU7 Pro is about $200 more than your $300 budget but if youwant to look at it anyway, the main differences between it and the free version are that Pro has some additional export options that aren't available in the free version. You also get Layout which is a presentation tool that works in concert with SketchUp. Now that SU7 is out, you also get the ability to make dynamic components which may or may not be useful for your application.

   I would suggest if you haven't done so, that you spend some time using the free version before springing for the pro version. Look for some dynamic components on the 3D Warehouse and play with those to get an idea if there's some potential uses for your needs.

   Good luck.

   Dave

2. 
   SeaQuest | Jan 04, 2009 09:05am | #2

   Welcome to the Mac world. I too am a recent refugee from Windows and haven't looked back. As for your question, I use Sketchup 7 (the free version) for all my projects. I have designed everything from small projects to an entire kitchen. It allows automatic dimensioning and the 3D capability lets me design all aspects of the project so I can spin it around and view it at all angles.

   The main differences between Sketchup 7 and Sketchup 7 Pro are that Pro has more options for exporting drawings. Specifically the Pro version supports:

   Export in additional 2D formats:
   Portable Document Format (.pdf)
   Encapsulated PostScript Format (.eps)
   Epix (.epx)
   AutoCAD (.dwg, .dxf)

   Export 3D models in additional formats:
   3DS (.3ds)
   AutoCAD DWG (.dwg)
   AutoCAD DXF (.dxf)
   FBX (.fbx).
   OBJ (.obj)
   XSI (.xsi)
   VRML (.vrml)

   Beyond this the free version and the pro version are identical.

   Hope that helps!

   Jim

1. 
   daverichards | Jan 04, 2009 02:26pm | #3

   "Beyond this the free version and the pro version are identical."

   You missed the ability to make Dynamic Components and Layout. There's also customer support direct from Google if it was needed. ;)

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Jan 04, 2009 09:23pm | #4

   Dave & Jim,I'll start with the free Sketchup7 and see if it is lacking. Thanks for the advice.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com(soon to be http://www.flairwoodworks.com)

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

3. 
   jointerman | May 03, 2009 10:03am | #5

   Chris,

   A friend of mine uses Graphite from Ashlar -Vellum. It's a lot of money, but just thought I'd let you know about it.

   http://www.ashlar.com/index.html

1. 
   flairwoodworks | May 04, 2009 06:36pm | #8

   Jointerman & Will,Thanks for the recommendations. I was surprised to see that this dormant thread was revived.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com and now http://www.flairwoodworks.com)

    - Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   Laxton | May 09, 2009 10:28pm | #9

   Hi there, thought I´d just say that I´m a mac user and fan and use Turbocad 3d, find it great, I´m a carpenter so my drawings are mostly extensions and roofing, but sometimes allso small bits for the workshop.... Hope its some help, oh and welcome to the world of mac, you know what they say, once you have tried mac you never go back !!!!!

1. 
   powermac81 | May 11, 2009 02:44am | #10

   I took a survey a few weeks ago from AutoDesk. It asked what type of features I would like in the first Mac version of AutoCAD. I am thinking that they are working on developing a Mac version or seriously considering it, but who knows when it will come out.

4. 
   WillGeorge | May 03, 2009 12:48pm | #6

   Why spend alot!

   I use Punch... But not often enought to say if it is good or bad!

   http://www.punchcad.com/

   The price was right for me!

   EDIT: NO I did not purchase the pro stuff!

   
   

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   Edited 5/3/2009 5:49 am by WillGeorge

1. 
   jhard | May 03, 2009 04:19pm | #7

   If you decide to try Sketchup, you may find these free woodworker tutorials helpful:http://sketchupforwoodworkers.com/