"re: subdivision of polys, higher-res DAZ figures. Polygon count is not everything. What do you realistically think you can achieve with Mike/Vicky with twice the number of polys, when you can already do wrinkles without bumpmap trickery? DAZ is serving a market that includes computers which already don't handle more than one Millennium figure in a scene well."

Of course polycount isn't everything. I am NOT the biggest fane of high counts just 'cause ... in face that is one of the issues I have with Dina. The reality is, however, that unless Poser goes patch based then polycount WILL matter in some places, for some things.

It doesn't take much looking to find places where Vicky needs more poly's. Her chin, the curve on the underside of her breasts. her earlobes. Her  joints are a good example. All over her are places that are more angular in close up than they need to be. Can Vicky be used professionally? Sure. I do use her that way - but I am constantly working to hide flaws in her mesh that could be alleviated with more poly's in the right places.

The figures can be just that, separate figures. Those people who don't have the hardware to handle them can simply not buy them or use them. Judging from the popularity of Dina - who has a higher polycount than she needs and much higher than it would take to upgrade Vicky there is the ability out there to use them.

"already very hi res and better than what is needed for professional realistic renderings"

Sometimes. They hold their own from a distance if your careful about the lighting - but let's not kid ourselves... under demanding render conditions they fall apart and look blocky unless you are very careful.

"duane,

the clothing problems you describe are accurate and will be addressed, because we will have a physically driven, dynamic draping system. And a kick-ass renderer.

kupa "

This is interesting, maybe someday we'll have some clue about when this is going to happen :) No offense - but the idea of being happy over a vague rumor of some distant future nirvana reminds me too much of my Amiga days.

"This isn't a criticism, soulh--just my 2/100 of a dollar"

No problem, I am not insulted. I develop software professionally too - and most of the worries about cost are only partially founded. Poser can be tiered like so many other programs, let those of us that need the features pay for them.

Yes, poser is a low end program - or it was. With the introduction of the Pro pack and the plug ins to host poser in other places Poser has thrown it's hat ina  whole different arena. Far from being afraid of that, the Poser community should embrace it. Having a Pro version of Poser that sold for 1500$ would do a LOT to help fund new features in the "Home" version.