The Inset method is definitely easier for a regular shape like this one, but what if the horizontal “gaps” were bigger (or smaller) than the vertical ones? In that case Inset wouldn’t work (assuming that each final poly has to be square).

Basically, it’s all about options, choices. Max is good for that, allowing for different ways to achieve the required results.

Max 4.2 through 2013.
XP-64 (SP2)
NVidia 9800GTX-512 (Driver 266.58).
Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz, 8Gb Ram, DX9.0c.

Steve,
I’m not willing to underestimate your method it is maybe the most basic one,
but you know, modelers today are lazy dudes always seeking the easier way. :) Here is another method using the connect tool and the slide option. (Attachment)

ivan

	Attachment

Thanks for your help on this everybody :) It’s making more sense how to get the results that I want.

3ds Max Design 2011, AutoCAD 2011
Windows 7 Pro 32bit, Intel Core 2 Duo , Nvidia Quadro FX 1500, 4gig
Windows 7 Home 64bit, Intel , ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730, 4gig