Hi guys - thank you for your input.

It might be that Dan is right and a complete ruby installation is needed at runtime, but that is not the easy lightweight solution I was hoping for.
Here is what I was hoping to achieve.

main.rb cotains

require 'your_ui.rb'

and

require 'Qt4'

I want to track down the files/libraries that are sought by

require 'Qt4'

The files required by Qt4 is placed inside the sketchup tree, maybe in /Resources/Qt/, as standalone dependencies for plugin's.
Then require the files directly with a path to the files... /Resources/Qt/Qtcore

As I understand Sketchup runs its own ruby interpreter 1.8.6, and I want the interpreter to run the GUI also.

Should this work? or is it a really bad idea?

Sorry, I have a stupid question - I can't get my head around the require.
When you require 'Sketchup' or 'Qt4' - what actually happens, which files are actually sought? - I sure there is an easy way to track them down, I just can't find it ....
Can anyone give me a hint.

@jim said:

Just wanted to point out wxSU. Similar idea to yours, but uses wxWindows. Perhaps there is some ideas that could be applied to Qt4.

http://wxsu.sourceforge.net/

That is a very good idea - will have a look

I have been looking into using Qt4 for making nice UI's for Sketchup plugin's
I'm looking into how to make it work runtime in a sketchup plugin, and there is very little documentation to be found anywhere.
So, basically I'm posting to see if anyone else interested in this, have you been working this way, or is there any good reason not to use Qt4 for UI's.

My goal is to post a solid "How-to" use/setup Qt4 UI's in Sketchup plugin's.

If you don't know Qt4 - Qt4 is an IDE made by Nokia, very powerful and used for very sophisticated UI's.
Part of the IDE is Qt4-designer - a graphical interface WYSIWYG kind-of-thing, very cool and considered by many the best around.
Qt4-designer is free and open source.
Screenshot Qt4 here: http://qt.nokia.com/images/products/qt-designer-screenshot-mac/view

The workflow goes like this:

• Layout your UI with widgets, buttons, sliders, dials, combo's and what have you.
• Set properties to get behaviour and look you want.
• Set signals/slots to connect UI with you main RUBY plugin file.
• Qt4 saves as an XML file.
• Run the XML file through a program/compiler ("rbuic4" in linux-terminal) with Ruby bindings and output is a ready-to-go UI in RUBY.
• You can re-work/tweak the RUBY UI or leave and use as is.

Pro's for this workflow:

• Fast way to make some really cool UI stuff.
• The RUBY UI runs and looks native in both Windows AND Mac-OSX - from the SAME UI-file.
• Keep plugin's in only RUBY - you can scramble the UI if you are into that kind-of-thing.
• The UI file is separated from the logic.
• Should you be trembling over Trimble in the future - at least your UI can easily be converted to python/java or whatever you require.

Con's for this workflow

• There is very little documentation around.

For some documentation of this I found this link: http://techbase.kde.org/Development/Tutorials/Developing_Qt4_Applications_using_Qt_Designer_and_Ruby_on_Kubuntu

Right now I'm trying to figure out the runtime dependencies/libraries needed and where to locate/put them.
If you have anything you want to share - PLEASE post

@alan fraser said:

@unknownuser said:

Alan.
you're obviously not reading those statements via google.translate.almost_unbiased_english.com

Oh yes I am, Jeff. I just left the Add Unwarranted Cynicism box unchecked.

... yeah - I do admit the translation could be a bit over the top, but its easier to spot highlighted orange than small grey print.
Im not the one applying the cynicism, its all there already, just not in plain english.
But believe you me - Before it was SKETCHUP supported by Google - now it is TRIMBLE supported by Sketchup.

Anyway you are ofcause right - There is no need for negativity and fear. Sorry wasen't my intention - Im just a engaged user trying to figure out what they are doing to my beloved SketchUp. I any case, "3D for everyone" genie is out of the bottle, and if Trimble makes a mess of it - then it will just be somewhere else.
So from now on I will be positive and just get on with the job - but its a shame and just not right .. at all - Ups sorry - from NOW on.

Google is the bad guy here. They are the owner and if they don't want Sketchup any more, it is their responsibility to make sure it all works out good. Especially if your company motto is "Don't be evil".
It is likely the SketchUp team in Boulder have been very active in this process - but this doesn't remove the responsibility from Google's shoulders.
I agree this cannot have been a money issue - so - Be honest with yourself - does anyone really thing Trimble is the right solution - can't you think up a better scenario?

The only peace of information we have been granted is the Trimble press release - 2 weeks and 600 comments later, we are still speculating.
And you know what - I guess its ALL the info we are going get - next thing we are going to hear is "There is going to be no SketchUp 9", and after saying that I really REALLY hope someone from Sketchup or Trimble will come tell me to shout-up - and tell me I don't know what I'm talking about! Really I hope.

So do we roll over and play dead or do we tell Google: "Sorry guys - just not good enough - its an undo, you made the mess - try again" or can we put our support somewhere else. In this case moi3d.com seems like a good really good option to me. Or can we start an open-source project via kickstarter?

I almost joined the wagon "Ahh - it will be OK - who would want mess up all the good SketchUp things", that was until I read BIMMER and realized he is properly way closer to the truth than anyone would like admit.

2 weeks later - what do we have - a press release "Really sorry Chaps - Game over - All the best to everyone"
The only thing ANYONE commits to is that you will be able to download Sketchup 8 fra free - which in 3 years will be as useful as a windows 95 download is today. Is that good enough!!
You don't believe me? Read the press release carefully - Here it is - with my "almost" un-biased plain english translation:

Plain English translations of the Trimble press release:

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 26, 2012—Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SketchUp, one of the most popular 3D modeling tools in the world, from Google (NASDAQ: GOOG). The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012, subject to customary closing conditions and expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. While financial terms are not being disclosed the transaction is not expected to be material to 2012 earnings per share.

Translation: We make this press release because we have to by law, and we paid so little that we that it will have no influence on our profits, and therefore don't have to say how much we paid.

SketchUp is currently used by millions of users annually—ranging from architects to engineering and construction firms to building and design professionals—for designing, modeling and visualizing projects. The SketchUp product and its vision of "3D modeling for everyone" has allowed modelers worldwide, across a wide range of industries, to express design concepts easily, accurately and efficiently. Additionally, SketchUp users benefit from its extensive third-party developer community that provides industry-specific solutions for a variety of customers.

Translation: We have understood perfectly what SketchUp is all about, but we make no commitment to maintaining this vision in any way.

As part of the SketchUp platform, Trimble will also partner with Google on running and further developing SketchUp's 3D Warehouse, an online repository where users can find, share, store and collaborate on 3D models. The site enables users to create collections of models, including 3D Buildings, and share them with fellow modelers around the world. Individual models can be loaded, saved and viewed in 3D from within SketchUp or a web browser. For the foreseeable future, Google will host and operate the 3D Warehouse for Trimble and together the companies will continue to offer the same capabilities, functions and services that are offered today. The ability for users to submit 3D Buildings for potential acceptance and viewing in Google Earth will be maintained. Currently the 3D Warehouse has almost two million user-generated models.

Translation: We at Trimble have also understood perfectly what 3D warehouse is all about, but we don't want anything to do with it. Google, however, can host and operate 3D warehouse until whenever "foreseeable future" expires.

"SketchUp and the corresponding 3D Warehouse provide an important element of our long term strategy by enhancing the integration of our field presence with the wider enterprise," said Bryn Fosburgh, Trimble vice president. "Trimble has already created the de-facto standard for field data models and project management tools for our key markets. SketchUp, together with these existing capabilities, will provide a stand-alone and enterprise solution that will enable an integrated and seamless workflow to reduce rework and improve productivity for the customer. Users will be able to collect data, design, model, and collaborate on one platform. The combined capability will enhance our ability to extend our existing market applications including the cadastral, heavy civil, and building and construction industries. In addition, the SketchUp platform will enable Trimble, third-party developers and our distribution partners to efficiently develop new applications."

Translation: Sketchup is important to us and its a brilliant platform we can use to integrate our other software, so OUR customer in cadastral, heavy civil and construction can be more productive. On top of this we and our partners can use it to develop new stuff (for our customers).

"Since its inception, the SketchUp team has been committed to providing a robust, user-centric solution to its community and we look forward to engaging their talent and expertise. Beyond extending the reach of the product into Trimble's commercial markets, we are committed to continuing to provide SketchUp as a free version to millions of users. Trimble and Google will also continue to collaborate on utilizing other Google tools for Trimble's markets that, along with SketchUp, will provide our customers innovative and productive tools that transform their work," concluded Fosburgh.

Translation: We are happy that the SketchUp team is clever and engaged and we look forward to them coming working for us. We also like Google and we also look forward to using all their other tools.
We DO commit to millions of SketchUp users that they can always download SketchUp 8 for FREE.

"In Trimble, we found a partner that will grow SketchUp in a way that best supports the SketchUp team and our users," said Brian McClendon, Google's vice president of engineering. "While at Google, the SketchUp community grew significantly because the team put users first, and we are confident they will continue to do so at Trimble. We at Google look forward to a continued partnership with Trimble and the SketchUp team."

Translation: At Google we know that SketchUp grew because they put the users first, and we really hope Trimble will do the same.

SketchUp
As a part of Google, SketchUp's charter was to empower a worldwide community of users to create 3D models for whatever their imagination could envision. Examples range from household furniture to famous stadiums and other buildings. These users come from a variety of backgrounds, with a large part of SketchUp's user community coming from a professional architectural or engineering and construction background. As a part of Trimble, SketchUp will continue to support all of its current users through its Web site at: http://sketchup.google.com. Concurrently, the SketchUp engine will be integrated into Trimble's current solutions in its Engineering and Construction, Field Solutions and Mobile Solutions segments.
   
Translation: Okey, we get what SketchUp is all about, a waste number of different people using it for different things – And we promise to keep the SketchUp website up so you can always download Sketchup 8. In the future, however, the Sketchup engine will integrated into all our other software. (right ...)

About Trimble 
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Translation: At Trimble we focus on stuff that actually has nothing to do with what SketchUp is all about, and sometimes we actually include some customer specific software ….

For more information, visit:  http://3md.trimble.co.

Translation: If you don't believe me – check out our website ...

This is just not right - at all ....

I have been using SketchUp for year's and I'm a huge fan - it is the best, and it was the future, until 26/4. I haven't posted much here - but it has been an absolute goldmine for me over the years as a user, and as an individual, that depends on SketchUp, I have read ALL 593 previous comments.

As many have said - SketchUp is great - but it is the community that make it what it is - not Google.
The problem is that we have seen it as an "almost open-source project" - it walks like a duck - quaks like a duck - it must be a duck.
But the painful truth is that Google made a mistake - they did not consider what is best for SketchUp, the community or the 30 mio users ...
It is obvious to all that SketchUp could not have a future with Google - it just couldn't fit into the big picture anymore - But how in God's did someone at Google come to the conclusion "Trimble is the right solution"!!!! - they might as well have sold to Autodesk - so they could arrange a decent funereal - and everybody could start prepare for life after SketchUp.

I for one was glad to read BIMMER's comments - because it made me wake up and face reality.
29.9 mio none-paying customers is of no use to Trimble - what-so-ever, they paid nothing for the user's - they paid for the source code, and they got it cheep.
The source code will now transform into whatever fit into Trimble's need - and that does NOT include an API or a useful free version, if anything happens to the benefit of the 99%, it will be because it could NOT be avoided. This is just pure logic ... they have no need for a community of people with an "open source mind-set" - Im sure you can't event say the word out loud at Trimple HQ.

From Trimble we have seen only a press release with exactly the mumbu-jumbo you would expect, when you don't want to say what its all about.
If you were the happy new owner of SketchUp, wouldn't you as a 1. priority make public to all you new customers what to expect, as best you could, instead of keep them hanging confused and clueless.

What happened to all the other obvious possibilities Google had:

• The SketchUp foundation (ala blender)
• Selling it back to the good people at Sketchup (Google dosen't actually have liquidity problems!)
• Charging $10 or $20 for the free version to raise the money - if Google really feel they need it.
• and many other solutions (BEFORE you arrive at Trimble!!) I can't think of right now.

This cannot have been what Google really wanted - it MUST have been a mistake, there is NO reason to be evil.
Sadly, the truth properly is that Google just couldn't be asked to do the effort and find a decent solution.
They for sure didn't need the peanuts on the bank account for next month bill's.

So is this a done deal? NOOO - its time for some USER-POWER ....
I would really like to why Google suddenly discontinued "Don't be evil", but it could prove difficult to the get their attention - but try this:

Uninstall your chrome browser - use Firefox instead.
Use Thunderbird instead of Chrome for your Gmail.
You don't actually have to install Google Drive when it is launched - there is still Dropbox and lots of other alternatives.
If there really is 30 mio users - it should do the trick

There must 1000's and 1000's of people who build their livelihood on SketchUp. 593 comments on this thread, most negative and confused, proves the passion and need for SketchUp, as it is and evolving from a point of the 99%. Why couldn't the solution be one that made most people smile instead of tremple? Why did Google suddenly have to become evil - ignorance, lazyness? - I just don't get it.

This is just not right ... at all

I have been using Sketchup on linux/wine - and it it ONLY kind of works .....
Always trubble when there is an upgrade of either wine or sketchup - and lots of stuff doesn't work, and you spend oceans of time trying to pin-point the issue.
After all - who wants a free flight on a plane the works MOST of the time ...

I find the best way to go is running under virtualbox - where there is less problems.
You dont get rid of Windows and the fees for Bill Gates - but its the next-best. You can work in linux and sketchup at the same time.
You can then boot a "real" windows to check if there is a problem and test.

BUT best solution, and its looong overdue - is for Google to make a LINUX NATIVE SKETCKUP.....