I would stick with Maya 7. There have been very little improvements from 7 to 8. Also IMHO its a way for Autodesk to get a Maya release out ASAP with their name on...
Chris (formerly R@nSiD)
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When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will truely know peace - Jimmy Hendrix
Winner SM VFX Challenge 1
3rd Place SM SteamPunk Challenge (May 2007)