"The organization of the new material editor kind of threw me off a bit. Not 'cause it is bad, but because it is quite (organizationally) changed. The functionality seems pretty much the same, however?" Understandable. A much more efficient layout. If you work with complex textures you will see the benefit. Lots of simple changes. Control of the raydepth, etc within each texture. Individual shaders can be dragged and dropped into shading domains (see properties tray in texture room, they also can be dragged and dropped with highlighted selection in the assembly room as well) Copy and paste functionality. Real fresnel effect intergrated in textures. Etc. etc. "the new features are really only existing plug-ins that have been "included" inside the package." I think that comment needs more support to it. "I still dislike the navigation tools." The three mouse button setup? Really I'm not seeing a difference in functionality? Perhaps if you explained more. "Sorry I don't share your blind enthusiasm; as I said several times, I was very disapointed with Carrara 4 and SSS is the only thing of real interest to me in C5." I find that comment a bit rude. We aren't having "blind enthusiasm" we just like the new features that are available. I'd think true fresnel, SSS, (possibly translucency shading), ambient occlusion, true microdisplacment (ie. using 16 bit maps), true ansiotropic lighting, irradiance maps..etc might be of interest to you. But if its all about SSS...um ok. scratches head Odd you are so focused on the one feature. A feature that really isn't all that necessary in most renders. Guess you render a lot of milk and candle scenes.