I'm getting a new computer, a Dell-Studio XPS Desktop with Intel® Core™ i7 Processor, with 8 gig memory, 1024 dedicated video, 1T hard drive, windows 7 (64 bit). It will be networked to two or three computers (depending on whether my laptop is hooked up). Along with my new computer I am upgrading my Poser. Currently use 7. Which would be a better upgrade: Pro or 8? Primarily I use Poser for animations. A 64-Bit Render Engine and netwrok rendering are a must for me. I know both those are features in Pro, but not sure if 8 also includes network rendering.

Also, not looking to re-learn how to use Poser and I know the interface in 8 is new. Is it pretty easy to hit the ground running, or animating as it were or will I have to re-learn a lot of the basics?

Any other advice is welcome!

MHO, go with P8 and then upgrade to 2010 when it comes out. 2010 will be full 64 bit and not just the renderer as in Pro.

P8 has better lighting and renders faster than Pro. The new UI and much much more. Not a fan of the library but it works for me. Others are still having problems.

So, I think it would be cheeperand better in the long run, no pun there, LOL for you to go the P8 then 2010 when it comes out.

I have Pro and never open it anymore except for product testing I do for others.

Ditto to above...   Except for the product testing bit..

I can only afford one upgrade, not two that I would need to get to 2010 when it comes out (unless of course the upgrade to 8 and then 2010 costs less than the one upgrade to Pro). Does 8 currently have 64-bit and network rendering? I don't see that on the information page. If I wait until 2010 comes out can I just upgrade from poser 7 or will I need 8?

No to the 64 bit and network rendering.

Couldn't tell you but since they let any version of Poser have the upgrade price to P8, who knows what they will do for 2010 but they always seem to have an upgrade for lesser versions.

Attached Link: http://poser8.smithmicro.com/cgi-bin/blosxom.cgi/2009/12/10#poser_pro_2010_beta

Quote -
If you are a Poser Pro customer, and you buy a copy of Poser 8, you'll own two licenses and two unique serial numbers; one for Poser Pro and one for Poser 8. Any user with those two valid serial numbers will be extended an invitation to join our Poser Pro 2010 beta program as soon as it's publicly available. Plus, the price you paid for Poser 8 will be applied to your upgrade to the final version of Poser Pro 2010 once it is released.

But the question was to buy Poser pro or P8.

So that doesn't mean anything to someone that is think about BUYING Poser Pro.

Quote - No to the 64 bit and network rendering.

Couldn't tell you but since they let any version of Poser have the upgrade price to P8, who knows what they will do for 2010 but they always seem to have an upgrade for lesser versions.

Thanks! That makes it an easy choice since those are the two features I want most. When 2010 comes out, I'll start saving for it.

Poser Pro 2010 will have not only a 64bit render engine, but a 64bit UI as well.  It will network render.  It will also render with gamma correction and IDL.

And if it were available today, I would buy it. But seeing as it's not available and may not be for some time it's not really an option for an immediate upgrade. :)