Hello Simply Maya community!

I haven't visited this site in nearly three years but I'm glad to see everyone is still going strong!

I used to muddle a friend of mine's copy of Maya in college and haven't touched it since. I've used lightwave briefly but find the Maya interface more friendly and familiar.

So before I go out and buy a copy I want to get the opinions of a community I trust and respect.

The two big questions I have about purchasing my new copy of Maya is:

1) Should I order complete and invest in an unlimited upgrade down the road or go straight for unlimited?

2) On the Autodesk website they list a purchase with or without subscription. What is the difference and what would be recommended?

Just to give you guys a little about my abilities (it may make a difference in what you recommend):

Have not touched a 3d software program in two years.
Experience in Maya 4 and Lightwave
Beginner level 2d art experience
Needs to develop workflow skills
Strongest skills is in polygon modeling, need to develop nurbs
modeling and subdiv skills
Beginner level texturing, lighting, animation, effects knowledge
Some Photoshop knowledge
Goal: professional level artwork for a fun and rewarding hobby. Maybe even join in a SM-competition or two as a noob/ amateur artist.

Cheers!

:attn: