Hi - I haven't done anything with Poser in a while (studying - mature BA (Hons) undergraduate). I have P8 and have decided to buy P9 while it's on offer. I think my machine will stand it: Win 7, 4GB RAM, 64 bit, dual core, 500 GB HDD. I also have two external HDDs, 1 x 160 GB and 1 x 1TB. 

The main reason for my post is to ask what others think of P9. Is it noticeably better than P8 in terms of tools, rendering, native figures, wacros? Thanks for any help :)

Your machine should be fine but if you can afford the extra Poser 2012 could be worth it in that it will run in 64bit and while you 4GB at present, you can increase this when you can afford it and Poser 2012 can use all the extra memory.

Poser 9 has Sub Surface Scattering and some changes in the lights it can also use the weightmapping and the render times are generally much shorter.  I know there is a lot more but they were the big changes for me I am sure others will add to the list.

P8 and P9 are both 32 bit apps. Your 4GB RAM will never see its full use.
PP2010 and PP2012 are both 64 bit apps.

PP2012 has all the latest, can use all your RAM, and give the best options for future upgrades.

P9 did not come with new figures.

Your only limiting factor appears to be ram.  You can run P9 with 4GB, but the more the merrier.

P9 is a major step forward from P8.  If you have any compiled python scripts (.pyc) files, you will need to look for an updated file - the .py files will run just fine.

You will also be able to use the weight mapped figures - See blackhearted's GNDA2 (Anastasia or Shae) to see what is actually hiding inside the Alyson 2 figure.  SmithMicro is also reworking their legacy figures (Sydney, Jessi, Olivia, James, Simon, Kelvin, Koji along with Miki 3) with weight mapping goodness.  They are also working on a new weight mapped male figure (Tyler).

All of the new features can be found here:

http://poser.smithmicro.com/poser9-poserpro2012/index.html

Thanks everyone. Unfortunately I can't afford PP12 just now. I forgot to add my machine is 18 months old. Sounds like P9 has potential for better use of native figures. I usually use V3/4 & M3. 

Hi,

Some but not all 64-bit features are available to 32-bit applications

WOW64 provides 32-bit applications with access to some features of 64-bit systems. For example, applications can have more memory up to 4GB with the correct setting. Other features are more limited due to overheads and restrictions. For example, 64-bit Windows will support logical 64 processors but 32-bit applications are restricted to the usual 32 logical processors.

Good luck....