Good suggestion

I'm not sure what the problem is.

There is a slight lag when navigating your file with my 3DConnexion, but using my mouse everything runs smoothly. The same goes if I use scenes.

I did try populating a plane with 700 of the trees and understandably SU started to struggle.

What kind of scenario is causing you trouble?

Thanks for the fantastic insight on your work flow. I didn't have a clue that you could integrate SU with Max so easily. It sounds like a great way to ease yourself into working with Max whilst still taking advantage of SU's amazing UI. I'll have to give it a go with a demo version of Max.

I think that the trees have a lot of promise. I've run a few test renders and the trees look like they will work well when used in the mid-ground.

I think that the tree with bamboo-type leaves works best as the trunks and branches look more natural. There are a few sharp edges that are slightly distracting, but I think that you could smooth them out without increasing the polys too much.

Whilst the other trees don't work as well - probably because of the straight trunks - a bit more unevenness in the trunk shape would make a lot of difference. Mixing in some trees with different trunk variations would be good as well.

Apparently the educational licence is under $100.

That just doesn't make sense to me.

@pixero said:

I thought this was the roadmap for Iphone.

Well, if it works for Gillette

I thought that might be the case when the Bamboo Fun came out, but it's been quite a while now.

Maybe they have something special up their sleeves - like a wireless touch-screen Cintiq. Who needs an iPad

I've got my eye on the 21UX as well, but can't make my mind up whether to buy a CS5 package instead and wait and see if the Cintiq range gets upgraded with touch screen functionality.

It could have been worse:

http://seen-on-24.blogspot.com/2010/02/ctu-hand-scanner.html

I'm a little confused.

Is the new SU plugin compable with Vue 64?

The Bamboo Fun looks like good option - you get the benefits of using a stylus and touch-screen functionality that should be great for general navigation on your computer.

I'm hoping that this kind of dual functionality gets rolled out to the other models soon.

I haven't got the Bamboo, but I'm on my second Intuos and saving up for a Cintiq.

To be honest I never use my tablet with SU. My tablet is invaluable when it comes to using Photoshop, Illustrator, Sculptris and anything else that benefits from being able to make painterly movements, but I just don't find it much use when it comes to SU.

I prefer the stability of using a mouse, which I use in combination with a 3DConnection Space Navigator - a great tool for navigation and far more useful for SU than a tablet.

Very nice! Definitely on of the better Vray renders I've seen on here.

This would be a great render-this scene .

Inspiring work!

If I had to make any criticisms - I know I'm a spoilsport -, I find the white frame on the TV distracting (do any manufacturers offer this option?) and the material on the standard lamp shade is very flat.

I wouldn't have even thought of the "fun" search - that's a great tip.

Some mind blowing work here. Has anyone tried using the SU package supplied?

You're welcome to use these three glass vases if they are any use:

I've included the vase profiles so you can reduce or increase the polys as required. It's best to increase the scale when creating the vases from the profiles and then scale them back down to the original size.

ThreeVases.skp

That's a good tip.

A snipping tool (or alternatively Print Screen) is the only option when it comes to large models that cause SU to crash when you try to export large 2D images.

@chris fullmer said:

I use http://www.powweb.com

I was going to mention them as well. I've also heard good things about
bluehost.com & dreamhost.com, but I haven't used either as I prefer to stick to hosting companies run from my own country.

I also think that Wordpress is the way to go. There are some hosts that offer one-click installation of Wordpress and then all you have to do is choose a template and find some plugins for creating an image gallery.

When I'm at my PC tomorrow I'll put together some links for potential hosts. Preumably you'd prefer a company based in the States?

I have to say I much prefer your 'metallic' version of the chair to the original design.

Nice work!