I am starting to plan the finishing of my basement and was wondering what is the best option among design software currently available. AutoCAD is the obvious choice but it is not an option for me as I have no epxereince with it an would rather use my time to work on the project instead of learning the software.

My plan is to incorporate a media room with a general game/activity room. I have a couple of floor plan configurations in mind and would really like to be able to design both versions using software before I begin actual construction. Ideally, I would like software that gives me the ability to view floor plans in 3D so that I can get an idea of what the finished project would look like. Any suggestions?

google sketchup does 3d

Microsoft visio is also easy to use for floor plans.

Another vote for Google's SketchUp....and the price is right :)

Sketchup +3.

Yep, another vote for Sketchup. Plan on spending an afternoon going through the tutorials first. It'll be worth it.