Blender vs Maya

I just downloaded Blender and from what I have heard it is a pretty good and reliable free/open source software. I am currently using Maya 2011 and so far it is the only 3D software I have used. If you animate, model etc, what do use or find the best? If you have both programs, which one do you prefer and why?

Also if anyone can share any good tutorials on rigging, modelling, lighting, animating (or know any useful plugins) etc on either Blender or Maya  I would be very grateful


^{and if you know where I can download Unity 3D (preferably free) I will be over the moon (and Zbrush pleeeaaaseeeeee!!!!)} And you are not aloud to torrent in NZ, so preferably ones that involve file-lockers )