Realtime Landscaping Plus Reviewer's Comments
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New to us this year is Realtime Landscaping Plus 4, from IDEA Spectrum. We were amazed at how easy this software was to learn, and the landscapes we created were vivid, precise, and fun to roam around in. Congratulations on winning the "TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award."
IDEA Spectrum also offers Realtime Landscaping PRO, which gives you the ability to add sprinkler systems, fountains, waterfalls, custom swimming pools (above and below ground), spas, ponds, streams, and more. Realtime Landscaping PRO also includes PebbleTec custom pool finishes, for the ultimate in realistic pool creation, and boasts an impressive 1200 more objects than the PLUS version, 400 of which are plants alone.
Realtime Landscaping Plus Screenshots. Click to Enlarge
Ease of Use:
While Realtime Landscaping Plus may not have all the extra bells and whistles of Punch’s landscape product, it’s got it where it counts: Easy as one two three, and as pretty as a picture. In no other software we tested could we create such staggeringly beautiful designs in so little time. It costs slightly more than the rest, but in our opinion it’s more than worth it.
Like the name implies, everything is done realtime and in 3D. Even on our slower systems, Realtime Landscaping Plus ran surprisingly fast, and rendering times were notably minimal.
Features & Tools:
IDEA Spectrum has clearly done their research. While some software companies seem to “pile on” feature after feature after feature, IDEA Spectrum has cleverly packed Realtime Landscaping Plus with the most desirable tools for both novice and pro alike.
Many design products allow importing of 3D objects, but a lot of novice users haven’t the slightest clue where to obtain them. IDEA Spectrum decided to make it easy: Just tell the user to check out Google’s 3D Warehouse! We had a great time downloading models and tossing them into the 3D playground. For professionals, the ability to grab free, high quality models can help impress the most distinguishing clients.
If for some reason Google doesn’t have a 3D model you like, you can import a picture using the Import Photo Wizard, create your own 3D model, or IDEA Spectrum will even create a model for you for a reasonable fee.
Anyone familiar with photo editing and illustration programs is also familiar with the concept of layers, and while other programs can divide up the design into nicely layered chunks, it can be a pain to set it up. Realtime Landscaping Plus makes it a snap to add, modify, and delete layers at will.
Obviously this doesn’t cover everything unique to and uniquely brilliant about Realtime Landscaping Plus, so if you have more questions, feel free to check out IDEA Spectrum’s Landscaping Plus Tutorials.
Support & Documentation:
IDEA Spectrum has all the standard support and documentation, including a paper quick start guide, application help, phone and email support, and a 30-day money back guarantee. With such a slick interface, help is likely unnecessary.
Summary:
It’s rare that we feel like we’re gushing about a product, but Realtime Landscaping Plus really surprised our review team and deserved every ounce of our “TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award.” If you need a ton of extra features that you may never use, this product isn’t for you, but whether you’re a pro landscaper or a novice looking to increase your home value through landscaping, you’ll use every one of Realtime Landscaping Plus’s features because it’s easy and fun.
For additional flexibility in creating water features and sprinkler systems, consider Realtime Landscaping PRO, also from IDEA Spectrum.
©2008 TopTenREVIEWS, Inc.
