Thank you all for the inputs.  

I believe LW is the best, and the only high-end 3D app in the pack we discuss here.   But I'm now considering some other alternatives like ZBrush, Hexagon or Silo for my modeling needs, as LW's learning curve may be too steep for my time.

 I'll be checking out  martian_manhunter and MachineClaw's galleries for the comparison of Carrara and Vue renderings, too.     It seems that Carrara5 renders faster than Vue5i, according to MachineClaw, yet according to Vue's official site, the upcoming  Vue6i  will have much improvement in render speed.

I think I'll download all the available demo versions for some good spinnings before really invest my money.
Thanks again!  

3DVim

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