Sketchup is decent, if you can get a hold of a copy of softimage I'd download it aswell.
Many folks I know swear on bulky stuff like max or maya.
Me? I enjoy good old Milkshape...altough you need to be creative with it to make modern, highpoly stuff. Mix it with fragmotion and you have a decent amateur suite that is easy to learn.
There is a lot out there...silo, hexagon, DeleD, wings3d. Check 'em all out and choose whatever goats your float.
-Wolf
"When I contradict myself, I am telling the truth"
"absurdity has become necessity"
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