Ok,

First off, aliascescofront, I am NOT aiming my words at you personally! hehe...So PLEASE don't get offended if I use more of your questions and comments than others, it's just you have some really good questions fo me to answer

I've been working in the 3d/vfx industry for about 7-8 years now, and I've been working with computers for the last 15 years.
PC's, Macs, Amigas (way back), sgi's, etc.


Why are you guys so against Apple and its interest in acquiring A|W?...I also believe that if Apple would buy A|W and Maya, there would be a lot to benefit from for us endusers.
Like what exactly?
History has shown us that once Apple buys a given software package, they KILL ALL SUPPORT for ANY other platform other than mac.
I've been with companies that went broke because of this proven, and publicly known fact.

Just look at what happened with applications such as Final Cut Pro and DVD Studio pro. Both applications would have been probably still unknown to most users and too expensive.
See my previous answer.
And btw, both of those apps were only written for macs to begin with. It was LUCK that a port for intel hardware was available for a VERY short time.
After Apple noticed how WELL sales were going for the PC user, that's when they bought them, and, AGAIN, forced us to look for another package.
Also, it's a proven fact that once Apple sinks thier claws into a given package, it becomes MORE expensive because they FORCE you to buy a mac in order to use it. ???
So a $900 package now becomes a $4000 purchase becuase you have to get THE MOST top of the line mac just to get it to run half as fast as a typical pc 3d workstation that costs HALF as much, if not less.

I state this becuase computer users in the majority are hardware LOYAL.
We wouldn't be having this conversation if that weren't true.

To prove this, ask any hardcore mac user to switch to another platform, and they will get all defensive and scared.
Pc users do the same.

The whole issue is about freedom of CHOICE.
And Apple cosistently removes that freedom from us any chance they get.

If you are concerned about all of your investments on PC and SGI machines and afraid that Apple would discontinue their support in future developments, just look at what they are doing with Shake and relax.
My point exacly.
Also, by stating that, it shows us that you are VERY AWARE of what Apple does, and that you seem to be ok with it! ?

Btw, call Apple and ask them to support Shake on your pc, and they will HANG UP on you. (Trust me, I've tried

I've been in the cg biz for a long time, and NO OTHER company has pissed me off MORE than Apple has.
I will NEVER use Apple hardware as long as I still have a choice.
I'll use my Commodore 64 before I use a Mac.

Having said that, I still believe that Sgi holds a very important place in the history of CG, and should be helped to help itself to stay afloat with smarter marketing and reduced pricing of their products. Power all of us and not just the mega studios with the big bucks.
I have to agree with you on that one


Also, what do you mean by, "too many Microsoft monopoly giants"?
Theres only ONE Microsoft.
Hardware builders build machines to run the MicrosoftOS for a reason. It sells more product!

I'm sorry to say this, but there's a reason only 9% of computer users use Macs.
(actualy, C-net stated the percent much lower, 7%, so I'm being nice by saying 9%

Bill G. just happened to market his product better than the other guy.

When Apple can make a machine as fast, and stable as my homebuilt cg workstations, and give me the ability to freely upgrade with affordable 3rd party hardware, and make it cheaper than my machines, then I MIGHT think about it.