Getting modelling

[Durandal]

Sketchup becomes much more capable of doing high level stuff with a number of freely available addons written for it. Personally I use it for most standard modeling and 3ds max for whatever it can't handle. As far as texture work goes, Max is pretty much unbeatable.

Ultimately it really depends on what you want to do. Sketchup if you want to jump straight into things and be kind of neutered when learning more advanced programs, or a very slow start with 3ds max.

If you're on the fence about obtaining a copy of max, Blender is equally capable but in my opinion much harder to learn. I wouldn't really recommend any other programs, as compared to Max they'll all fall short in one area or another.