Thxn for mentioning this program andy_1984 !!
Sketchup looks like a nice, easy and helpfull program to work with but I think it is was originally designed for architactal design so it can be great for building a city or sort like geometric shapes but organic modeling like a humain, I think isn't an option here but it's a nice extra tool to create great models
About the price, it is an acceptionaly price if you compare it with the price you get for 3DS Max but 3DS Max is 10 times better as well

Cheers

Frazzle