Hi Kevin, re: shaded viewport - the way I like to do it is with this shortcut key set for the Space bar:

SaveAs c:\test.obj

that will trigger a save to an .obj file but not ask you for the filename since it's given as a command line parameter. Set the display option in the meshing options dialog to Display : Shaded and hit cancel when you're done.

Another way is to hide all edges, that can be done using the Scene browser under Types > Edge , or set up a shortcut key with the script from here:
http://kyticka.webzdarma.cz/3d/moi/#ShadedDisplayMode , that's probably what was used in the tutorials you saw.

- Michael