If you are a student..... There is a student version for $99. It has alicence that activates the software for 1 year. I'm not sure if there are nay other limitations on the student versions. If you (or someone you know ;) ) is a student, even part time, you should qualify.I dont think you will find a better deal out there for actual real 3-D modeling software.
http://www.solidworks.com/pages/prod...nsoftware.html
EDIT: Correction... $99 bucks is good for a 2 year licence.