Comments on: Buy Google Sketchup Pro 7, get $100 off

By: LA

LA — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:32:32 +0000

maybe good, but EXPENSIVE. thats it.
and the “offer” is only to US, UK.
what about us in LatinAmerica?

By: Henrik

Henrik — Tue, 05 May 2009 02:24:47 +0000

Always funny to see, how people judging a software they barely know. A couple of years ago i had the same opinion about sketchup. But if you´re a bit into it, you´ll recognize that it can be a very powerful tool.
It is precise(!), works very well together with CAD applications and is very, very quick – especially when you working with components. Sketchup is a huge time saver, and that is what really matters. Together with Rhino, Modo etc. you can do just anything..
However the few disadvantages here are already mentioned by others.

By: Paul Lee

Paul Lee — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:27:20 +0000

I am a qualified architect with my own practise. I use SketchUp as a drafting tool for everything from inception to CAD-like construction drawings. I don’t have use for a CAD program, though I can use SketchUp to import and export CAD.

People shouldn’t get hung up on different softwares. Use whatever works for you. SketchUp works for me.

By: John

John — Mon, 04 May 2009 07:11:57 +0000

SK is the worst software to start off with…it lacks rigor and its inability to model precisely is just sad. Rhino will run circles around any 3d program, and if your school buy bulk it only cost $90…top that? Tap into the free plugins and your set, and you can easily migrate the model over to Revit….SK is inefficient…don’t be fooled by the picures…they probably lack wall thickness! Just kidding

By: jlbr

jlbr — Sat, 02 May 2009 02:07:36 +0000

I love SK. I know many people are allergic to it, but sorry, I think it’s a great tool.

By: Richie

Richie — Sat, 02 May 2009 00:09:42 +0000

For high-end 3d modelling and complex curved ‘blob-itechture’ type stuff I’m sure Sketchup doesn’t cut the mustard but for smaller jobs and quickly testing ideas at an early stage in projects I’ve found it to be a fantastic tool.

By: Jim Dodson

Jim Dodson — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:23:04 +0000

Thanks for the compliment David!

I’m an avid SketchUp user, but haven’t moved over to 7 yet after the dissapointing lack of muli-threading, and ability to deal with larger models.

The power of SketchUp now lies in the hands of the people who are writing some extremely clever ruby scripts. With the additional scripts that I have installed I find that SketchUp does pretty much whatever I need (except deal with extremely large models, like I am right now).

With $100 off I think I’ll go ahead and upgrade. But I’m keeping my eyes on Bonzai 3D as well. If anyone gets an extra Bonzai package, send me one please.

By: juan lacape

juan lacape — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:44:55 +0000

Sketchup definitely NOT a hobbyist software. The possibilites with components allows for a simple custom made BIM solution which allows to easily test an idea.

Once developed you can simply export plans, section slices and such to autocad for accurate blueprints.

It is just a matter of developing a drawing with layers and components from the start.

You can also use it to have your clients virtually visit your projects, which I routinely do myself.

As a last commentary, you can have a whole group using the free version, and have just one machine to do the pro export options,… so on a dollar basis it is ver, very competitive…

By: o+c

o+c — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:36:32 +0000

David,
True, and excellent reference to prove the point, but I’ve also seen people do Construction Documents with Vectorworks. It simply takes longer than using a program with a more fluid interface and workflow.

Using SketchUp feels like I’m trying to extend Barney’s ‘Drawing Restraint’ series into the digital 3d realm.

I’m very glad that they have knocked $100 off however!

By: David Basulto [tricky]

David Basulto [tricky] — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:24:24 +0000

@o+c,

I´ve seen very innovative firms using Sketchup when dealing with complex forms, such as Various Architects:

http://www.archdaily.com/14312/the-yorkshire-diamond-various-architects/

Rhino does a very good job, but trust me Sketchup is not for hobbyists only. It might be simple, but if you know what you are doing you can do very interesting things with it.