when to update...
 

so with maya 2008 just announced...

I was wondering - how often do people upgrade to the newest version of maya, how do you afford it and what version is everyone using?

I'm using maya 7 and still have a ton to learn so i don't plan to upgrade until I feel like I have the basic concepts under my belt...

problem with maya is.. don't know if they changed their policy, that you can only upgrade from 7 to 8. From 8.5 to 2008.

You cannot upgrade you maya 5 license to 2008... so you have to upgrade if you are in a production-like environment.

as for a single user I'd stay with the version till something that seems to have the worth to you to upgrade. but then its again plenty o money.


hope i'm wrong with the stated above...

Hey there Arran,

Badger's right about the upgrade policy.

About when to upgrade.... any industry is competetive so if you're using Maya as a business tool then it would be wise to upgrade with the competition, you don't want to lose out on a contract because the company next door has the means to make a model/animation which you would struggle with because your tools aren't quite up to the job.

If you're using Maya as a hobbyist then there's no real pressure to upgrade. Learn what you can and when you feel it's time to move on then go for it.

Out of choice I would still be on Maya 7 if not for university and the fact that I want a job at the end of my studies.

That's my ramble anyway,

take it easy,

Mat.

Spot on Mat.

I started on maya 6 as I got a copy via uni.

I then upgraded to maya 8.5 when I started my PHD, as uni's got a platinum membership to autodesk and i'm classed as a member of staff i'll also get the upgrade.

I think it's not really a requirement to be up do date with the latest software, as its down to tallent/skills/ problem solving but it wouldnt harm to keep up to date with the changes.

I think I remember Jay saying that his studio was on maya 5.

Should also say that one great thing with maya which makes it so popular is the fact that you can write a tool, plug in, script etc, to overcome porblems.

If it was me though and I didnt get upgrades i would have still been happy with version 6!

thanks guys :beer:

yeah - i'm planning to upgrade when i'm think i'm ready to look for a job - which i think is still some time off i'm afraid :)

I'm suprised to hear about the upgrade policy - i figured you would just get the latest version, otherwise what's the point? oh well, despite what I might think of the company i definitely agree that maya is fab!

:beer: