which one would be easy for a beginner to start modeling with Maya or Rhino or some other program. i've heard Maya or 3DS Max would be easy and i'm not sure, please help a newbe!

Rhino is an excellent way to get into 3D. So are the other two programs. However, their interfaces can be a little daunting at first. If you can afford them though, you'll be better off in the long run as there are more job openings for people who have mastered 3DSMAX or MAYA. However, if money is an issue, Rhino is a great program with lots of power, excellent support and easily accessible. Not to mention Renderosity has THE best Rhino forum on the internet...and no, I'm not just saying that because I help run it. :)

i have rhino and 3ds max....i just found rhino easier to use. max has some whistles and bells....like the cloth plugins, and a half decent renderer...but, for the money rhino is quick and dirty, and gets the job done. i devoted at least a half hour a day for a couple of months to "learn" max. i gave up. also, with rhino, you get this forum, which, inmynotsovery humble opinion, is the best forum anywhere. second best...easy...xurge's rhino forum on runtimedna.

rhino is a very simple program to learn and use. i use solidworks, 3dstudio, rhino, lightwave, etc, solidworks is great for mechanical designs, rhino is great for everything else (in my opinion). plus, you can get a discount when you purchase flamingo.