Legitimate portable applications usually function by storing configuration files locally in the application folder rather than in the system registry or AppData folders. While SketchUp can technically be run in a portable mode by manually redirecting the Resources path, the "Portable" versions found on the internet are rarely official releases. Trimble and Google never released an official "Portable" version of SketchUp 8. Therefore, versions labeled as "Google SketchUp 8 Portable" are invariably "cracked" or modified executables created by third parties.
Google SketchUp 8 is an excellent "entry-level" 3D tool for hobbyists or those with older hardware. However, because it is no longer officially supported, its integration with web-based services like Google Earth or the 3D Warehouse may be broken. SketchUp Community Pros and Cons Ultra-Lightweight: Google Sketchup 8 Portable Free Download
There are several advantages to using the portable version of Google Sketchup 8. Some of the advantages include: Therefore, versions labeled as "Google SketchUp 8 Portable"