Google, who recently purchased 3-D moldeling software maker @LastSoftware, has released a free version of SketchUp.

I am not so sure there is any great benefit by using it on a Tablet PC though. When I hear “Sketch” I visualize a sketchpad of some sort, not a 3-D modeling program. Maybe it has both.

That said, free is free. And 3D is mighty nifty, so I am giving it a try this weekend. Users are sharing their works on the 3D Warehouse, maybe I will have one there soon.

Download it: Google SketchUp

via Google’s Blog via Digg

It was a great concept, and I was really looking forward to Peter Wright’s Inkdoku. But as Peter explains, Microsoft’s release of their code for the UMPC’s Sudoku app. knocked Inkdoku out of the water.

I really hate to hear stories like this. I am no programmer, but I am sure this sort of thing is very, very discouraging. I have not installed the MS app, but it sure seems like Peter’s app would have been very innovative. Plus with the developer being a Tablet PC fan, that can only mean great dedication to delivering a great program. What I like about purchasing programs directly from the developer/programmer is that they appreciate input, and will many times listen and incorporate a user’s suggestions. Can the same be said for Microsoft’s app? Probably not, since it is released code and is (apparently) not in active development.

I’d really love to see Peter get an outpouring of support and complete this project, but I understand his decision.

Still I wonder: Peter, is there any chance we could change your mind?

Either way, thanks for your creative spirit!

Another freebie by way of Never Eat Alone, “Change This” presents a mini e-book by Tom Peters called “111 Ridiculously Obvious Thoughts on Selling.”

Download your copy right here.

I found this link to a free e-Book by way of 800-CEO-READ (by way of Never Eat Alone by way of Management Craft).

The book is called “The Nine Lives of Leadership: Provocative Advice for Great Leaders” by Lisa Haneberg. Download your copy right here!