Welcome. Actually, what to get depends on your long term plans on what you are going to do with the new program. I have bryce, and like it alot. Of course, an older version of Bryce was my first "3d" program. The price you are quoting for 3dsMas is freaking fantastic....I have Max...With all the plugins out there for it, well, it can do just about anything!!! Sadly, the learning curve is steep. Why don't you check out the Max gallery, here...and the Vue, and Bryce galleries, as well, and then, make up your mind. Good luck, and, happy choosing. Poppi