Beginner max question

[opel]

I'm a beginner to 3d studio max and my brother reccomended this forum.

I have version 7 of the program and I have taken a nurbs model of a plastic handset I created into max to render.

I am having a problem with materials and lighting despite readin a few tutorials.

All I want to do is create a simple matt plastic finish (like gamboy casing) and put a spotlight on it.

please help me make a start.

Thanks

[opel]

an example of what I'm looking for

http://altitude-designs.co.uk/portfolio/GFX/mis_06b.jpg

althought the reflections arent important

[andoy]

Try the max material library for a start and see what's in that, If there is a material you like then you don't need to make one. Max comes with a load of pre set matlibs anyway so load some of them and examine the details in the material editor.
clicking get material from the material editor > open library should take you to the folder containing them all.
As for spotlights. read the tutorials that come with max about adding lights. It should only take you a minute or so to add one spotlight where you want it.