Earlier versions of 3ds max cost effective choice?

[Fly_electric]

Noticing that abaser is using the lower cost student version of 3ds max in his Twist 40 build thread, the thought came to mind to ask a question concerning the often commented part of the design process: the cost of 3DS MAX.

3DS MAX 2012 and the matching KEmax are presently at the top of the development SW pile. Being new, both will of course go though the bug identification and fixing process that is part and parcel of all new code.

So, as many would be modelers do not qualify for the 2012 student version, are the earlier-- and proven-- 3DS max/KEmax program pair versions available? I would think a copy (and of course I mean LEGITIMATE copy) should be noticeably lower in cost. Granted each new version offers improvements as well as better support of each new OS, but is not the earlier SW sufficient for the development task for use with the latest version of RF?

True, one does not want to go TOO far back in the 3DS max/KEmax program pair versions, but how about one or two??

Comments welcome.

[flexible]

Apply for the free student 3 DS Max 12. apply as hobbie use. Non comerical. You will get a free student trial copy useing there download tool to speed up the download, plus you will get a three year Key. Cross you're bridges one at a time.

[jeffpn]

KE has nothing to do with Autodesk. There is no "pair version."

[Fly_electric]

flexible,

Now that's interesting information. If they are making such an offer, why are people complaining about the price? The student version I assume has some limitations vs the full one, but perhaps those have no significant impact on use for RF modeling?? And at the end of three years (which nicely covers the time frame of four years of college), they expect you to make a full purchase (or your employer will). Sounds very fair for such a long term free use.
As for bridges, absolutely!
Was not actually thinking about myself, but others who shy away from considering modeling because of the 3ds max cost. From what you say about a free use of the program, MUCH can be learned in three years-- for those willing to put the effort into it (no pain, no gain). Being one of those people who never wants to stop learning (even if it is from ground zero and the mountain in front is very tall), your post is making me think. Thanks!
And perhaps by starting this thread, others will be aware the student version is available to them.


Jeff,

When I mentioned pair versions, I was thinking of Ryan's post:

Our KEMax .kex exporter is now available (http://www.knifeedge.com/KEmax/downloads.php) for 3dsmax 2012.

Am I missing something??

[flexible]

There is no defferance between the student and the full price version softwear. One you get a tempory key, and one you owen the key for EV ER!

[abaser]

The only difference in the free version is that files created with it are somehow "watermarked" so that you can not use it for financial gain. The models themselves are not effected by such watermark though. If you notice in my screenys, at the top it clearly states that is a student version, and any reputable company will know that they cant use that file.

In my case, I was unaware of the free version, as many probably are. Now, I haven't found the "hobby" listing that Flex mentioned, but there is a mentor option.

With Jeff's statement, I think what he is saying is that KE supports the program, But they are in no way connected to each other. You just have to have one for the other to work.

[jeffpn]

"Support" may not be the right word. KE merely wrote a plugin for 3DS Max, as anyone in the world can do. KE's plugin is specific to the 3DS Max version, but the end result is the same, past 3DS Max 9. With that version and prior, you can generate a .kex that can be used in G3.5 as well as later versions of RF. .kex exporters for later versions of Max won't work for G3.5, only G4 and up.

[abaser]

This is an email direct from Autodesk. This should clear some things up for many.

[flexible]

I was just testing the system to see if I could shead any light on it for other folks. I am not going back to school in the fall, at the age of 69,hehe. I regesterd for hobbie use only, and it went through without a hitch, and came with a three year key.

[Boof69]

since my source of income is rental properties and I have not incorporated I'm technically unemployed and that qualifies me for the student version as well. Autodesk doesn't care about anyone using their products in the manor we designers use it for. Since mwilson does make money with modeling for another sim he was required to get a retail version. Everyone fits the application requirements for the student version in one way or another. I believe they take this tack as an investment in would-be 3d design professionals. What better way to establish themselves as the dominant 3d software package then letting anyone use their software to become proficient in modeling,rigging,animating,or rendering so that when opportunity arises they will continue professionally with an Autodesk product. We're doing them a favor when you think about it.;)

[jeffpn]

Boof, that's thinking like a guy!! :D

[Boof69]

I thought it was more thinking like a lawyer:)

[jeffpn]

Lawyers are shysters, and you sir, are no shyster!

[Boof69]

You have a point. Thinking like a guy it is.;)

[Fly_electric]

Thanks guys. Great info all around!

Before reading the latest on this thread, I was confused about qualifications for student use because of the wording from Autodesk which said nothing about hobby/personal use:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/item?siteID=123112&id=17354855

The Autodesk Student Version software incorporates all the functionality of our professional licenses, but includes a print banner making the software inappropriate for professional, commercial, or for-profit purposes. Autodesk Student Version software may not be used in the classroom or lab for instructional purposes, or for commercial or for-profit purposes. Annual licenses of Autodesk student software are not eligible for product upgrade or transfer to a commercial license. View print banner sample.

To participate in the Autodesk Education Community, you must agree to and comply with the applicable Terms of Use and also satisfy the following eligibility requirements. You must be one of the following: (a) a faculty member; or (b) a student; or (c) an Autodesk Assistance Program participant.

A faculty member is an employee at a primary or secondary educational institution or any degree-granting or certificate-granting educational institution or any learning, teaching or training facilities and who upon request by Autodesk is able to provide proof of such status.

A student is an individual enrolled at a recognized degree-granting or certificate-granting educational institution for three (3) or more credit hours in a degree-granting or certificate granting education program or in a nine (9) month or longer certificate program, and upon request by Autodesk is able to provide proof of such enrollment.

An Autodesk Assistance Program participant is either a veteran or unemployed individual who has (a) previously worked in the architecture, engineering, design or manufacturing industries, has completed the online registration for the Autodesk Assistance Program, and upon request by Autodesk is able to provide proof of eligibility for that program.


Then I read down to abaser's post and that clarified things more, and then flexible's post of having volunteered running test interference for us. Great news indeed! And BTW flexible, people go back to college at any age! While the "Autodesk Assistance Program participant" qualification states unemployed, it seems to be as flexible has shown, "hobby" use is the key (that in turns results in a key ;) ).

Boof,
Your reasoning is right on target. While a small part of the total, our company does sell small systems to interested universities, and gives them a good price I believe. When the students get into the working world and are in positions to have a say in buying equipment, they remember what they used in school, and already being familiar with it's use are up to productive speed very quickly.

Thanks again guys for all your help on this. May it be of great help to many!

[mwilson914]

You can definitely learn enough in a year if you are dedicated to get into some form of freelance work.

There are also tons of people looking for specific models to buy by request. You can also sell models with non-exclusive licenses on hosting sites like turbosquid. I still haven't paid of my 3DS Max, but I will eventually. I borrowed money from my retirement to get 3DS Max and Photoshop. Considering I've lost so much of my retirement since 2008, I felt using some of my savings to make money now was a good investment which I have more control over.

Modeling for Realflight is a great way to learn modeling since you get to play with your creation and experiment with your own designs and ideas. It keeps you motivated and interested in progressing with your skills.

[Boof69]

Modeling for Realflight is a great way to learn modeling since you get to play with your creation and experiment with your own designs and ideas. It keeps you motivated and interested in progressing with your skills.

I couldn't agree with this point more.