I just stumbled across all this poser stuff yesterday by accident. As it happens it fits into an upcoming project for a client (and looks like fun anyway) and so I've been looking into things. I have one question though... I've seen people refer to the software as Poser. Problem is I've found Poser 4.0 software made by both Curious Labs and Metacreations. Is it the same program? If not is one clearly better? Compatibility between the two? Appreciate any help anyone can give. TIA, Matt.

Metacreations sold Poser to Curious Labs. Both versions are good, though Curious Labs version is the latest, and does not require a patch one might hope. Otherwise, do plan to Patch the Metacreations one. If you can grab a better deal on it grab :)

Metacreations doesn't really exist anymore. The comapany is now called Viewpoint.

heyas; they're the same, really. the guys who 'are' curious labs are the guys who made poser when metacreations owned it. same prog, new owners. curious labs is now selling poser 4.03, which is the same poser as the 'metacreations' poser with the .03 patch applied to it. ya know? :)

Right now the only version available in Australia is the Metacreations one. I'm waiting on a reply back from Curious Labs as to when they going to start direct distribution here. Fortunately I can wait a while before I buy. May as well support the new owners and buy from them. While I'm waiting are there any particular sites I should check out?

If the length of time it takes for Curious Labs to add even one simple feature is any indication of how long it will take them to get back to you, don't even think of waiting. They have controlled the program for around half a year, and in that time the only feature they have added is to make Poser look for other copies running on a network to stop illegal copies. When they purchased Poser I was excited and expected something, but even many of the bugs that have been know since the beginning are still there. I haven't done any code for years, but working alone I could have produced more than a illegal copy checker. I have been a Poser user since Poser 1 for the PC (the MAC version was available first) and it is my favorite program. I love it, but expected WAY more from the new owners.

Curious Labs about to release the Poser4.03 ProPack ($150.00). I think you will agree that it will add alot to Poser's functionality. -JH.

Actually I've already received one response informing me that international sales will be available from the website in the next week. Problem is I buy direct from local distributors at well below retail and without having to worry about shipping charges. As for the lack of bug fixes that's a real disappointment. Sounds like the pro pack may include some updates (the info page lacks any real info IMO) which will hopefully fix any bugs but that sort of thing should be made freely available for download asap. BTW thanks to everyone whose replied so far, you've been a great help.

In spite of the bugs and the little annoyances, Poser is still so much fun and creative, you'd love it. It's my poison of choice, so to speak. There are so many things you can do with it, and with the new characters Zygote has created this year (Vicki and Michael), it's come even further. They're so versatile, you can create almost any character with them. It's still well worth the cost. Melanie

The Poser4.03 update has no bugs on my system.

The 4.0.2 Patch if you can still find it,is mainly the same as the 4.0.3 except it does not have the serial number checker and logo change that 4.0.3 does.I think 4.0.3 does include some fix for WinNT with a meg limit.Either way,Poser4 is a GREAT product.I Love it!I hope that any new fixes are not charged for Poser4 owners.Hopefully Poser5 is around the corner :0)

Just in case anyone is interested I've just received a reply from Curios Labs about their international distribution plans. They're currently working on Europe and when that's complete they will start looking at other parts of the world but have no schedule.