Thanks everyone for the replies.  I'm still debating on getting the upgrade or jumping ship to XSI foundation ($495), the base C4d ($549) or Modo ($695).  (Been with Lightwave since 5.0)

I'm a hobbyist & do mainly stills.  XSI may be overkill with it's animation focus & learning curve. I hear bad things about C4d in respect to their modules/pricing/upgrade policies - not the app itself.  Modo is a little to much money for me right now & who knows how 201 with it's new renderer is going to be.

Shemp