Alibre is cheaper but not superior to SolidWorks.
I had a trial version from the local representative for a month.
I know that is why I went with solidworks. But for a 3d parametric modeling program that is totally free, Alibre Express is the best hands down.
I also agree that the rendering in solidworks kinda sucks. It is confusing and hard to use. Lighting and rendering is the biggest problem. For 99% of the time just the standard view is good enough for me. If you really want a good render you can always export the model and deal with it in MAX.
Here is just a standard view I modeled the other night.
For designing my projector I preferred Visio over CAD as I find it considerably easier and faster to use then CAD and I would believe it to be “more accessible” out there in the corporate enterprise for sharing stencils.
It doesn’t do 3D but I don’t need it to (although can be nice occasionally)