The unfortunate fact of the matter is, most 3D design software is quite similar, in that learning the software can require a bit of a learning curve. At first, it is a rather unusual way to design things but once learned can become incredibly powerful and intuitive, especially when jumping from software to software if that is ever required (particularly if you have to write machine code for a CNC mill). My best advice to you is to pick one and simply jump right in and learn it. I know that's probably not helpful, but that's the reality that I faced when choosing design software myself. Solidworks and AutoCAD are both great, but I personally prefer CATIA (I'm biased, though, as an aerospace engineer, so take this as you will). It is more powerful than Solidworks, and CNC milling can be quite simple if it is used properly. Richard Cozzens' book (http://www.amazon.com/CATIA-V5-Workbook-Release-19/dp/1585035440) is a great beginners resource that walks you through simple projects and it's not too expensive. There's an advanced workbook and an even more basic introduction book that're also not too expensive. There are also plenty of youtube videos that reference CATIA (though this is true for most design software). The Guerilla Guide is great, too (referenced previously) if you want to do some CNC machining. I like CATIA, but it is expensive and has some odd quirks, and most other software will work just as well. My advice is again to just pick one and learn the basics thoroughly, with budget and range of capabilities being the best guides. Then you can move into more advanced work with the same software.

This was my exact reaction, lol. Every Belkin router myself or family members have purchased has failed after only a few months, if not immediately. Hooray for mediocrity!!

I keep Java enabled (browser plugins and all) on my home PC - makes mostly nag-free when surfing the net. Maybe I'm naive, but I don't think I have anything particularly critical on my home PC. I do all of my work on workstations at my job, and those have all instances of Java disabled whenever possible.

[Insert well-articulated, well-reasoned comment that can be boiled down to "Chrome SUXS! Firefox FTW"]

I would like a display technology that actually is 3D rather than being a processed 2D image that tricks your brain. I know it's a lot to ask, but I won't be happy until I can play Homeworld 1 & 2 the way they were meant to be played. I want a tactile-feedback holo-tank for my 3D strategy games, dammit!

To me, "0 Objects" implies that you have no hands, no arms, or you're blind. But then, how would you respond to this poll...? 31% of you are liars!!!

I predict that IBM will utterly fail to accurately predict anything within the next 5 years

When has anything funded by the Federal Government not been on a 'slow burn?' The only things that have ever been fast-tracked are things that are seen as expedient by the masses, like going to the moon. But, did we go to the moon for scientific purposes? Nope. We went to beat the Red Menace, and for no other reason. NASA just happened to, you know, get science stuff done while they were there. Wake me up when clean energy becomes a politically expedient necessity for EVERY PARTY. Then things will happen.

I think he's secretly Magneto. He's the only one I know of who can control electromagnetic field strength and direction, which is generally described by a field effect of electrical charges, both in motion (magnetic) and at rest (electric). Of course, Science may tell us something different, but the Marvel Universe and Science don't generally agree well. I'll take the Marvel Universe any day...

...but on the other hand, the Dragon Rider was successful in defeating John Malkovich... oh $%!#...I was supposed to finish that program for the fins! Aerospace Engineers are easily distracted by mediocre fantasy novels...

Intel has been riding the high-margin wagon for too long, though I suspect that may begin to change very soon. I am really looking forward to the next few years with new tablet, phone,and computer technologies rising up and trying to be the perfect product for everyone. While I doubt that any one product can be the 'one and only,' this focus on totally disparate form factors from what Intel has been working with for so long should bring some serious power consumption and heat reduction research from Intel. We've already seen a peak of this with Haswell, and I believe that if Intel doesn't get a better foot in the door with smart phones and tablets soon (Core iX's in tablets don't count for me, they don't match the performance-per-watt of ARM chips), they might eventually find themselves playing catch-up with Qualcomm, Samsung, Nvidia, and maybe even Apple if they begin producing processors for the MacBook. Frankly, I would be perfectly ok with that. They couldn't sit on their haunches and watch other companies take their market share, because that would be, you know, bad...

Liquid-nitrogen-filled chocolate truffles are "conventional," right?

That whole hive mind thing is pretty sweet... no more studying for tests, woo-hoo!!!