I just found out about it, downloaded it, and it looks awesome. I'm new to 3D programs though, I have used some Poser and I tried out very little bit of 3DS Max and Bryce a long time ago. I've looked at the release logs on Blender3D's site and it keeps getting better and better with each new version that comes out. I think this program could be and is a viable competitor if the other 3D programs don't watch out. It can do polygons and NURBS. Can it do subdivision and splines though? If it doesn't I bet it will in future versions, they just keep adding alot with every new version, I'm impressed. One question though I have for those experienced with Blender3D and other 3D progs, how is the render that comes with it? I have seen pictures made with it and they look awesome, but my main question is, how is the speed of the render? Is it just as fast as the other more popular 3D programs, slower, or about even? Also, can you use more then one computer to make 1 render? I forgot what it's called, I think it's called balancing, network rendering, or clustering, on of those; I remember Bryce has this feature.

the inbuild render is fast if you find an pentium optimized version even double so fast. just try it there is also yafray intergration thats a nicer albeit slower renderer.