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Jimco Software Reviews - Poser 6 (continued)
The Content Room
The final room in Poser is the Content room, a direct interface into Content Paradise. Content Paradise is e-frontier's portal into all things Poser. From here, you can purchase figures, clothing, props, etc., and install them right into Poser. Content from Content Paradise is affordable and the same top-quality that you find in Poser. It's the perfect place to build up your collection of Poser objects.
Generalities
There are plenty of things to like about Poser that aren't specifically related to the rooms I've talked about already. For example, one of the tremendous benefits to Poser's interface is the ability to move anything just by drag and drop. If something's not where you like it, you can move it easily or remove it altogether! Different interface layouts can be stored, as previously mentioned, in UI memory dots so that you can switch easily between your favorite layouts.
 Poser [is] a 3D design and animation powerhouse at a price point that is surprisingly low. Everyone who does 3D design should add it to his or her toolbox.
I haven't even gone into detail on some of the other great features of Poser, among which are Python scripting support, ability to export to Viewpoint files so that others can dynamically work with you figures almost the same way you do in Poser, the ability to import and export the most common 3D file formats, etc. All of these features makes Poser a 3D design and animation powerhouse at a price point that is surprisingly low. Everyone who does 3D design should add it to his or her toolbox.
Rating
Usability : 5/5
Poser's interface and workflow features are a winner. It has the tendency to draw you in and you become immersed in it easily.
Interface : 5/5
Poser's unique and fun interface is a joy to use. Not only is it well designed and well laid out, but you can also reconfigure it any way you wish simply by dragging and dropping user-interface elements.
I lost track of the number of times I muttered the words "incredible" and "unbelievable" as I was reviewing this product.
Intuitiveness : 5/5
It's surprising that Poser earns a perfect 5 in this category. Complicated applications are usually not intuitive by nature. Poser is different. It's possible to do some complex things via exploration in Poser simply because it is designed in such an intuitive way.
Features : 5/5
Poser is packed with features that will make you smile in disbelief. I lost track of the number of times I muttered the words "incredible" and "unbelievable" as I was reviewing this product.
Documentation : 5/5
I am not a huge fan of PDF documentation, but Poser does it right. The documentation is comprehensive without being overwhelming. In most cases, you can walk through the documentation as you work with Poser and master a feature within short time.
Price vs. Value Ratio : 5/5
One of the most amazing things about Poser is the low price. I would expect this application to cost twice what it does.
Reviewer's Tilt : 3/5
I was an owner of Poser versions 2 and 3. Those versions made me a fan. A tilt of 3 is a fair assessment, but even so, I think you'll agree that this review is spot on.
Overall : 5/5
The only shortcoming that I could uncover in Poser is that some people have reported having difficulty with the Firefly renderer. I did experience issues on one machine (such as incomplete renders) and not on another. The problem machine had older video drivers and I suspect that most problems in this area are related to drivers and not Poser itself.
Poser is a solid 5 in overall score. The renders it can produce are breathtaking, and you'll undoubtedly spend hours working in this software. It is indeed a pleasure to use.
So just how realistic can Poser renders turn out? I'm no expert, but I was able to achieve impressive results with not much work. The result of that appears below in figure 16. Nothing third-party was used here. This is the default Poser figure (Jessi) with stock hair and textures. I was impressed. You will be too!
Figure 16 - Jessi
e frontier Poser 6
 Web Site
Additional Information:
Poser will likely require the latest video driver for your video adapter. If you're running on a laptop with an Nvidia card as I am, you'll need to get drivers with an updated INF file so that you can install the latest drivers. Here's a link where you can get what you need:
http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/
You'll probably also want to share your experience with other Poser users. One of the most active Poser communities on the Internet is Renderosity. Renderosity also offers free Poser "stuff" as well.
http://www.renderosity.com
One additional note. Poser models realistic human figures. If you have kids, make sure that you are aware of the fact that Poser does model humans in explicit detail. It is not software that you want young kids playing with by themselves.
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