I've started using Maya instead of 3d Studio Max, and after 8 hours of tutorials from 3dBuzz: so far i am loving this 3d application. It is easier and it is more customizable, its faster and more precise, and a better (but messier) UI.

The only issue i've encountered so far is that Maya seems incapable of importing other 3d formats. By using plugins i managed to import *.FBX files, but right out of the box it only support native formats.

I've yet to set it up against the real challenge; character rigging, my great white whale. Character rigging was impossibly difficult in 3d Studio Max and is why my game project have been held up for more than a year. It was always an issue stopping me from continue, and soon i dreaded searching the web for why things was happening against all my logic. Like importing my animation and half my character suddenly moving the left leg 30 degrees forward. WHY?! It made me uninstall 3d Studio Max in a fit of rage. Hopefully Maya wont have these problems.

Wish me luck. :)