Having used some premium 3d software in my time, Maya, Lightwave, 3d Studio Max I was somewhat sceptical of using Google Sketchup 7 Pro, i thought it would be incredibly basic.
Instead, I was really impressed - good modelling tools, good control, manipulation tools, good texture mapping, and best of all quick and easy access to free models.
It can import my 3ds files and export again in 3ds, ready to re-import into the leading online 3d engine - Unity 3d.
I'm looking forward to playing some more
http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en/