Sketchup is another modelling software. It is relatively easy to use as it is intended for sketching purposes, but it is easier for me to model in autocad since I've been using it for five years now.

The great thing in Sketchup is that it imports the autocad file better than 3dstudio max, and I find it easier to texture than in other programs.  I define which textures I want and where, then I export as .3ds, import in VUE and replace "sketchy" textures using VUE's realistic materialsand define illumination and cameras.

I push the render button then I got to wait some hours for VUE to finish. After that is all happiness and beer.

check www.sketchup.com

don't check www.autodesk.com

you're saying CG sunlight is actually based on a real thing????