Take a close look at Modo from Luxology. http://www.luxology.com/modo/201/ I am a Mac user on G5 dual 2.7 They recently showed off their new version, Modo 201 which will be released either in november or december 2005. I am new to 3D. I was learning Maya till i saw Modo. I was totally blown away by. I have downloaded a demo of Modo 103 ( the present version) and am learning it and enjoying the experience. They have free video tutorials on web site to help learn as well. Modo 201 introduces modeling, painting and texturing and rendering in one environment. No need to use another software to texture your creations! Modo makes using Maya and cinema 4D a pain in the backside.