I would say that, if it follows the pattern of the past releases, Poser 5 will cost more than Poser 4. Version 4 cost more than 3 did. If you buy Poser 4 now, at the current price, and if they don't upgrade for another year, you'll only have to pay for the upgrade later on. At least the cost will be split up over time, rather than a higher price all at once. Does that make any sense? I confused myself. :) I probably won't buy the upgrade the minute it comes out. I never do with any programs. I wait a month or two before getting any upgrade, so I can pick up on the comments from others who are already using it, so I'll know what the bugs and the virtues of it are. If there are bugs, I can get the fixed version. As for version 4, it has transparency, which all the earlier versions don't have. And conformable clothes. So, if I were trying to make that decision today, I'd get 4 now. I hope that helps. Melanie