CompuServe Messages

I agree. For dabbling, 3ds is a little high, unless you are a wealthy dabbler <g>. I make my living from 3ds, and so I find the price/performance fantastic, especially compared to the alternative production orientated packages (Electric Image, Topaz, Wavefront, Softimage etc). I don't have Playmation, but it looks pretty good for "toon" type stuff. For architecture and engineering look elsewhere. Stratavision 3d PC version might be worth a look, and also Renderize. Vistapro is an affordable fly-by program with fractal landscapes (trees, mountains, lakes etc) with nice output. I suggest you buy one from someone who will allow you a 30-day trial. This will allow you long enough to do the tutorials (if supplied) and see if it does what you want.