Maya is Maya. Even without features like Fur and Fluids, Maya Complete still rocks. I'm really happy with my purchase of it, although I don't feel a strong need to upgrade from 4.5 to 5 just yet. But things like Paint FX really make Maya stand out amongst other Mac available 3D programs.
And Mark is a great guy. Has anyone seen his Maya tests of the G5. Surprised me to say the least. I didn't expect the G5 to do so well against other PC centric computers. Check it out.
http://sv1.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46651
And Mark's bench tests
http://www.melscripting.com/bench.htm
Actually, another great program is Zbrush. It's got a strange interface, but judging from it's capabilities I think it's a great companion to Maya. Both for texturing and displacements. Technology is cool.
www.zbrush.com
And check this out if you don't believe this program has some power under the hood.
http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=011757
Be sure to check Dave Cardwell's thread too. Sweet.
And Mark is a great guy. Has anyone seen his Maya tests of the G5. Surprised me to say the least. I didn't expect the G5 to do so well against other PC centric computers. Check it out.
http://sv1.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46651
And Mark's bench tests
http://www.melscripting.com/bench.htm
Actually, another great program is Zbrush. It's got a strange interface, but judging from it's capabilities I think it's a great companion to Maya. Both for texturing and displacements. Technology is cool.
www.zbrush.com
And check this out if you don't believe this program has some power under the hood.
http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=011757
Be sure to check Dave Cardwell's thread too. Sweet.