Plus I really like how it renders using multiple threads. It starts out like a normal render,
a block at a time, and then part way through, BANG!, the render is complete.>>

Yep, beautifull, isn't it? I bought the full version. Even though right now I can't use the plugins for 3D Studio Max because I'm still in version 7 and they run only in version 9 and up I figured $50.00 more now was a lot better than $199.00 for the upgrade from Pro basic to Pro full if I ever need the added functionality.