Here’s a great little video tip showing off the Numeric Sketch Input function that is brand new inside SolidWorks 2009.  By changing a couple of settings, some sketch entities can automatically create dimensions as you sketch and you have the ability to input your desired dimensions as part of this process.  The Numeric Sketch Input options are only available for the Line, Circle, Rectangle, & Slot sketch tools.  Below is a screen shot of the Rectangle command.

Note that you have to have the “Add dimensions” option enabled along with the Tools->Options property shown below.

Click on the video link below to see this new feature in action.