New 3d software (well not new, but free)

[buggs_moran]

Hey all,

I just downloaded Google's (newly aquired) Sketch Up. It is a 3d drawing program for Windows (Macs soon). It is very easy to use and might be good for beginners. It is not as powerful as Blender, but is worth a look. I have not found a 3ds conversion tool yet so models cannot be used in Celestia. The professional version does have an exporter. Maybe someone out there knows of a KML/KMZ to 3DS converter already?

Check it out http://sketchup.google.com/. At the very least, it's fun to play with.

[writhe]

That's pretty nice. I think the user interface will still be a bit scary for a novice. It will be interesting to see where Google takes it.

There's a Japanese guy called Takeo Igarashi who has done similar stuff. It's mostly research, but there a few Java applets to try out.

You should check out his papers if you're into this sort of thing.

[Rassilon]

It has its implemtations for the future... But for now I notice the models posted on 3D Warehouse look a little cartoonish...