Also, what additional software would you need (such as MeshLab etc).
As well as MeshLab, I also used the Free version of NetFabb, these allow checking of the file exported by TC, which in the past did have the occasional tear or crack, which both these programs will attempt to repair, I haven't used Cura, the one I used was Slic3r.
One doesn't need to learn G-Code (I didn't), there are only a few commands that one may need to know.
The main consideration for me when drawing in TC is simply can it be printed or does it require additional support material for very thin or overhanging parts.
Gary - I'm jealous, Ultimaker does have a good reputation, mine is just a RepRap do it yourself kit (which is in bits at the moment).