Maya 2009
 

Just got my upgrade through and installed everything, looking forward to having a play about with the new stuff. Cant wait to fiddle with nparticles.

The UI's had a bit of a revamp (bit pointless really IMHO) just buttons have been changed to "sort of Gel type"

Anyone else using it? Got any opinions on it at all?

Well off to read the whats new section.

hit f1 and read through, it rocks socks

Thats what I said i'm going to do.

Looks pretty good so far.

Re: Maya 2009
 

Really? Can you post some screen shots of them?

Looking at some of the 2009 demo vids I don't see much of a change to the UI. Perhaps if you're on a mac or or running XP/Vista in its default settings and not classic mode...?

Just running XP in in its standard guise,

Like I said its nothing much just little bits here and there.

Heres a pic of the major bits that jumped out when I opened it, other than these its the same.

Switch XP to classic settings (windows 2000) display and see if the old buttons show up.

Nope, same ones, as I said its different. The pics above are a direct screen grabs, one form 2008 ext 2 and the other form 2009, in the same display settings.

Its not like I'm complaning that they have changed, just pointing it out.

No Big deal. I was just curious. Initially I was expecting to see crass XP/Vista gel buttons or the overdone mac buttons.

hurrah - 2009!

though, i've noticed that now autodesk is only offering a 14 month license for educational copies - which is kind of shitty, though it is half the price.

You on 09 Arran?

Nparticles seem really good, very very fast and combining them with ncloth too, wow!!

Also looking forward to having a play with the UV tools etc, not too sure how much I would use the animation layers, i'ts a distinct possiblilty though (mainly use motionbuilder anyway but hey)

Its all looking good so far! Sure theres going to be some gripes though somewhere!

Hardes part for me is to try out new tools as I'm set in my ways when it comes to modeling!

no, not yet - i'm planning to get it, i'm just a little miffed by the 14 month license limit.

Yeah, I'm lucky on that format. Think tbh I would still be on version 6 if I had to pay for it myself (not that I would be that bothered actually, but I bet I would notice a massive difference now though!).

yeah - i must admit i do wonder how everyone gets the latest update. it really seems set against you if you're just learning it on your own.

I do know there are few of you who have the student licenses here but it makes me wonder how most people get updates super quick, and then have the balls to show off the work. Im probably one of few maybe the only dude on this forum that uses Maya Complete 2008...I have to pay for my upgrades. I dont have the luxury stuff of hair etc, not that it bothers me as such as Ive still yet to come across good work that has used the features to their full potential. I think the masses get it illegally and also just because its 'Maya Unlimited' and has the full spec. Its become like a fashion accessory in that respect.

Ive only ever seen one good model using a hair plugin (shave) on this forum and that was by a someone that did a Polar Bear for a challenge, it was excellent. Ive still yet to see better.

anyway Im ranting , I'd better go....

Jay