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Maya Unlimited 2009 is the latest release from Autodesk, the industry-leading software for visual effects artists and animators. Today, most 3D companies large and small use Maya software in one form or another. Therefore, as a student who wants to get a job after graduation, it makes sense to understand and master this software package.
Maya’s Student Edition has dropped in price dramatically in recent years, making it far more accessible to students, teachers, and academic institutions. Which makes sense, because as more students and universities teach and use Maya, the software will become more widespread. It also helps combat the use of cracked versions of the software, which most people do not want to use since it is unethical and they are often full of bugs and crash regularly.
When considering buying it Maya Student Editionis the first question that often comes to mind: “How is it different from the regular commercial version of Maya Unlimited?”
Contains all modules of Maya Unlimited
Well, basically it’s exactly the same. It includes all the normal modules in Maya Unlimited like Maya Fluid Effects, Maya nCloth, Maya nParticles, Maya Live, Maya Fur and Maya Hair (I’ve used Maya Hair for some simple animation tests recently and it’s amazingly fast – much better than 2008.. . for simple things it plays literally in real time, so it’s perfect for student projects where you don’t want to get bogged down in huge rendering and simulation times). You can buy a student edition of Maya Complete, but to be honest there’s less than $50 difference between it and the academic Unlimited version, so I think you’re better off with Unlimited.
The Maya Student Edition allows you to save files and images without watermarking which is great as the old PLE version used to be pretty terrible for that and I know the XSI student version had something written on top of your renders and playblasts (not sure they still do). Eventually your work will appear on your showreel to try and get you a job… You don’t want “Autodesk property” splattered all over it, do you? So the whole watermark thing is a great change of pace.
The 2 main differences
The only difference between the commercial version of Maya Unlimited and the Maya Student Edition is that you obviously can’t make money from the student version – i.e. you can’t use it to produce freelance projects where you get paid or a financial one receive benefit.
There is also a license difference between the student and commercial versions. The basic student license lasts about 14 months… a perpetual license can be purchased for double the price, so it really depends on your situation.
Bonus Student Discount
Overall, I think it’s definitely worth buying the Maya Student Edition as you’ll also get a significant discount on the commercial upgrade later (50% off) should you decide to buy it and go into business for yourself.
Thanks to Darren R | #Maya #Student #Edition #Maya #Unlimited #differ
