Almost forgot, but was looking for my usual Scientific American and Discovery magazine noticed Rochr's picture on the 3D World one. Usually avoid them as its not truelly free (about $20) so expensive as magazines go. Must say its nice to see someone from here on a high end magazine cover. Some fine work getting recognized and picked above what im sure was many many of the high end app pics and models. On a side note it does come with the student version of Maya 4.5 plus fully operations Amapi 5.15, just couldn't resist. Possible the free amapi is old news... i follow most postings here but could have missed it. Course my copy came with the barely used Carrara Studio from last year. Did use it to make the alien text columns from 2 pictures ago, it can be useful.

Yeah, saw that at the mall today. Is it the 'no saves', and 'all renders are covered with 'maya' signs? The British mags are anywhere from 6-8 weeks late here in the US..so the UK folks are already rendering before they even hit here.

Yeah, it's Maya 4.5 PLE (Personal Learning Edition) I'm playing with that off and on now. AS

The Amapi 5.15 is really great. If you're thinking of buying the mag you really should. I've already got issue 36. There's nice articles on Star Trek Nemesis (with the great chrash-scene) and LOTR II. And a nice tutorial on making textures from photo's, wich could come in handy for some people working on the Monthly challenge.

Does the Maya put very noticable watermarks on the renders? Ive not installed it yet but if it does, then id say it barely worth looking at.

I got Amapi 5.15 from Computer Art mag, last time they put out Maya, I heard that the word 'Maya' was plastered from top to bottom on any render, and there were other limits as well..is it still that way?

Maya is gaining popularity as on of the more used programs in Hollywood. If anyone makes a serious stab at 3D as a career, this is one of the $2,000 programs to be familiar with. Yeah, it's a serious watermark.