I think this thread may create the impression that the C variant languages are the only serious options if you wish to learn a mainstream programming language to do 3D/graphics work. C/C++ is the AutoCAD of the programming world. There are simpler entry points for those who wish to take a step up from just using a scripting API. If you wish to spend a substantial time learning about using a violin instead of getting to a point where you actually create music with the tool, then by all means : go off and learn C/C++.

But unfortunately as with Sketchup and the die-hard AutoCAD users in the early days, you may have to bear the brunt of half-researched abuse from the C-club if you go for something modern and simple like C#,- or dare I even say it: VB.NET.

@unknownuser said:

Just hope I can adjust to driving on the left without being a public hazard.

Most of the locals drive in the middle of the road anyway so this would not make much difference.

If you can spare a day you will add real value to your trip by taking a detour through the English Lake District on your way to Scotland.
From the M6 motorway take the A590 towards Kendal, take the A591 to Windermere and tour the towns of Ambleside, Grassmere, and Keswick (about an hour's drive without stops). On the way lie some of the main lakes including Lake Windermere, Rydal Water, Grassmere, and Thirlmere.
At Keswick take the B2589 to Barrowdale and drive along Derwent Water across the Honister Pass to Buttermere and Crummock Water (Probably another hour's drive without stops) . From there you can take the B5289 to Cockermouth and pick up the A595 to Carlile from where you can resume your trip to Scotland via the M6. Lots to see along the way and you would not be dissapointed.
http://www.panoramio.com/map/#lt=54.470038&ln=-2.956696&z=7&k=2&a=1&tab=1
.

After 4 gaming spec laptops I spent a little bit more on a mobile workstation class laptop the last time arround and I must say it was faster with Sketchup than any PC I had used up to that point. The main contenders in this bracket are Dell Precision workstation laptops (M6400 and M6500 - go for Quadro FX card option) & the HP EliteBook 8730w Mobile Workstation or the lower spec 8710w if still available.

If you're going dark - go deep midnight black.

In law there exist the principle of 'foreground' and 'background' IP. If I take a photograph of a bottle of Pepsi I hold the foreground IP relating to the photograph, but Pepsi holds the background rights - which may become a problem for I if you wish to use the image commercially without their consent. To assume that use of the background IP without an explicit agreement cannot be an issue because it benefits the holder of the background IP is a sure way to get into difficulty.

This principle can be applied to other things for example where a software developer writes an application for a client based on the internal business procedures of that company. The developer may rightfully claim copyright of the application (foreground IP - if the client did not purchase it as part of the deal) but the client may restrict the distribution of the software based on the fact that it is built on their business logic (background IP). The same principles may apply to doing visualisation work. It is therefore important that both parties always resolve this duality as part of their agreements, as alater dispute can potentially lead to a situation where neither party can use the end product as there are mutual rights encapsulated in it.

One should also be aware that creating models of weaponry and certain building and installations may raise other legal issues as it may be illegal in some countries to photograph or create representations of these for security reasons.

Chris,
Some may be a little concerned about sending detailed personal information without any information about the company. A link to your website or alternatively detailed info about yourself and the company may represent a more realistic proposition.

@olishea said:

so can you not use arroway textures with other apps?
wording suggests you can not!

How does the wording suggest that the textures can only be used with this engine?

• Everybody else would understand that they are just advertising that their application now also supports loading this texture library.

What could be useful is if there was a generic lib for a series of GET functions (getPt, getPts, GetAngle (with protractor), getDistance, getpath etc.) that could be used by all developers in a consistent way to return select input to functions and dialogs.

It would certainly be a welcome break from the usual Walt Disney Studios fantasy challenge to see more real world design-industry related topics. (But maybe the Company reckons that isn't their target market. Who knows?)

...and transparent materials on the 2d trees (plan view).

While the first image can be achieved with Sketchup only, your second image appears to show some image processing work with something like Photoshop or Painter. [Import Sketchup linework image into Painter, cut & paste to as separate layer set to Gel or Multiply, create a second layer below the first layer (which will be transparent apart from linework) and enhance with brushwork in you own style ( -easier with an inexpensive tablet than a mouse).]

It is a symptom of our current human condition to take moral issue with global and remote issues while we show minimal commitment to addressing or taking an active stance against shameful instances of neglect, abuse and harm that exist in our own so called first world countries, cities and villages. It's a lazy, impotent and arrogant morality that criticizes the dispensation in another culture when we are not willing to actively become involved in the issues that affect our own communities.

Another view - this time from the back.

@gaieus said:

No, that's probably a parallel projection/front view cube.

edit: Only those with a two dimensional point of view will see it that way.

Here is my version , but I think it was removed by a moderator...

I like the idea of trying to do these as little speed painting exercises of 20-30 minutes. With a little more confidence in the brushwork I can see these being done in 10-15 minutes. - No intermediate rendering engine involved - just a Sketchup base image + Painter X

30 minutes , Sketchup Only + Painter X

It would be usefull to know which of the images used a renderer as an intermediate process. A short description with each image may be very informative.

@mike lucey said:

Ah Bruce, chuck away that 10 foot pole. The only good 'debates' are those that involve sex, politics and regilion

As the saying goes:" Regilion is the opinium of the matchless..." [- or something like that]

But whilst the peasants returned to their villages the assassins laid tablets marked with the names of the rebels before the King.

“Banish them Sire” they whispered , “Let us poison their streams and purge them from the valleys and the fields...”

@khai said:

"Captain, it's enormous..." - Commander Riker.

Exaggeration is a blood relation to falsehood and nearly as blamable.
Hosea Ballou