This Thread is here to help those new to 3d modelling decide on software that may suit them. Please feel free to make your own contributions on software that you are familiar with.

Attached Link: Download

Freeware or $45 for the shareware

General modelling
        - All the usual tools along with booleans and blob/metaballs

UV mapping
        - Box, cylindrical, sherical and planar. There is also an atlas button which while not very efficient on space is a one stop solution for those who hate UV mapping. Stitch and un-stitch, scale and move etc.

Mesh Painting
        - Paint directly on the mesh. Only two usable brushes so a bit limited.

Rendering
        - Not really!

Support
        - Not much. Having said that it is very solid and doesn't crash

Development
        - Most of the development comes fron 3rd party plugins some of which then get incorperated. A severe knowledge of Japanese is needed for the more complex plugins.

Overall I would recomend this to beginers as it promotes good practices in modelling (no n-gons) techniques, ease of use, a straight forward UI and its very solid

Attached Link: Link

30 Day Trial. Priced under $100 enquire within

General Modeling
-2D hand drawn curves form 3D objects. Focuses on 3D for art and presentation. Also serves as competent 3D painting software.

UV Mapping
-Maps objects while they are being created. Imported objects should be UV mapped before import.

Mesh Painting
-Directly on mesh but limited tool set, teaming with Project Dogwaffle (even the freeware version) provides much more versatility through real time buffer exchange specially integrated in software.

Rendering
-Real time as you go. No layout features specifically other than boning and posing. Scenes are snapshotted from viewport while Rotate, Pan and Zoom functions adjust shot. Lighting is simply manipulated through two sliders for Base Light and High Light colors.

Support
-Curvy is still a very active project and site linked has its own forum for beta upgrades, questions and galleries.

Development
-Updates are still in the works and many major changes have taken place since the free version 1.6 given away in magazines. Most useful are new boolean and merge operations.

Overall I suggest this to those whom desire to do 3D art for presentation and do not need their models to meet specific formatting requirements.
Also a great tool for encouraging new artists whom don't have the time to try and learn poly modeling. 
A bit more complex to use than Sculptris but also offers a greater tool set.
And I would finally suggest to enthusiasts for the simple fact that it's fun.