[mdfmuse]

Now that I have upgraded to v4 I am looking for updated instructions on the use of this new version. I see your on-line user manual for v4 at:
http://support.nextlimit.com/display/ma ... ser+Manual
...but note it has a lot of missing information. For instance, my v4 upgrade came with one Maxwell Studio and one Rhino Mac plugin. This user manual is blank on the page dedicated to Mac Rhino. In addition, there are many blank pages for other topics, such as GPU usage, referenced MXS files, motion blur, etc. I assume these are blank because these items are either new or have changed in v4.

Is there a timeline for Next Limit releasing the full v4 user manual?

And a suggestion: How about Next Limit producing a few short on-line videos teaching the fundamentals of some of the changes in version 4? Many software companies today release their own educational videos as a supplement to their on-line documentation.

Thank you.

[Max]

Now that I have upgraded to v4 I am looking for updated instructions on the use of this new version. I see your on-line user manual for v4 at:
http://support.nextlimit.com/display/ma ... ser+Manual
...but note it has a lot of missing information. For instance, my v4 upgrade came with one Maxwell Studio and one Rhino Mac plugin. This user manual is blank on the page dedicated to Mac Rhino. In addition, there are many blank pages for other topics, such as GPU usage, referenced MXS files, motion blur, etc. I assume these are blank because these items are either new or have changed in v4.

Is there a timeline for Next Limit releasing the full v4 user manual?

And a suggestion: How about Next Limit producing a few short on-line videos teaching the fundamentals of some of the changes in version 4? Many software companies today release their own educational videos as a supplement to their on-line documentation.

Thank you.

Well im afraid nothing changed on v4, except the introduction of GPU engine, reason why V3 documentation is quite the same, on plugins too.
I might miss some new feature but so far i didnt quite see any.

[Mihai]

In addition, there are many blank pages for other topics, such as GPU usage, referenced MXS files, motion blur, etc.

Besides the GPU page, the other pages (refs, motion blur) have info in them, they have just been copied from the V3 docs. Which pages exactly are you seeing as empty?

[mdfmuse]

Which pages exactly are you seeing as empty?

As a long-time Mac computer user (just recently also Windows PC), and owning the Rhinoceros plug-in for Mac (but not for PC), there are pertinent details missing from the v4 manual. I think this is irritating to me not just because these items are missing from the manual (hence no official word on their function in v4), but also because it is a reminder to me that Next Limit released v4 way before it was ready for prime-time. We all know this now. Version 4 is called a major new release by Next Limit, yet the main new function (GPU rendering) clearly appears to be in alpha status (if not beta status). Paying a major price for an upgrade, I expect top-notch details on the new program and support from the company in the form of a completed version 4 manual (along with truly new features that work).

The missing pages which would give me a needed overview of any new or updated functions in v4 are:

- Under 'Release Notes': No release notes for v4 to explain new or improved features (just release notes listed for v3)

- Under 'GPU': nothing

- Under 'Plug-Ins' > 'Rhinoceros for Mac': a blank page. The manual copies info from v3 Rhinoceros for PC, but the Mac Rhinoceros version is different in many ways from the PC version, and needs its own documentation. It would be great if Next Limit could release detailed info on this new supported plug-in format and how to use it (or even a tutorial video or two).

- Under 'Introduction to Maxwell' > 'Complete Feature List': Not updated for v4 with any new features, and still lists v3 plug-ins no longer supported in v4 (such as LightWave, under 'PlugIns' on that page).

- Under 'Installation and Licensing' > 'License Types' > 'Pricing and Purchasing FAQ' > 'Pricing': Click on 'Upgrade Pricing Information' link under number 2- receive: "Oops- This page could not be found".

- Under 'Installation and Licensing' > 'System Requirements': No mention under 'Mac' that the main new GPU render features will not work on a Mac due to the Mac not having Nvidia graphics card. Really, Next Limit should make this very clear for Mac users thinking of upgrading to v4. There is a mention on another page under 'System Specifications FAQ' that a graphics card based on CUDA is mandatory, but important information about usage on a Mac should be made clear on the requirements page.

- etc.

Hoping Next Limit can update the v4 manual soon.

[Mihai]

Ok so it's mainly about V4, but keep in mind nothing else in V4 besides GPU is new, for now at least. So there isn't anything to change/add in regards to features. I agree some info should be added soon about V4 but the pages you mentioned about Refs and Motionblur for example should work ok.

[mdfmuse]

Thanks, Mihai, for your input. Yes, for me its all about a need for official documentation on GPU rendering and documentation on the Mac version of the Rhinoceros Mac plugin.

BTW- I want to place a shout-out regarding Mihai to all Maxwell users on the forum. I recently ordered Mihai's 'Basics and Beyond' Maxwell video training course and am studying it now- it is GREAT! Absolutely the best, most in-depth Maxwell training I could find anywhere. His site is at www.maxwellzone.com for anybody interested in gaining a lot of knowledge.

wishful thinking mode now ON > > > (Now if Next Limit could hire Mihai to produce some basic, official Next Limit training videos for Maxwell 4 (when GPU bugs have been worked out)- this would go a long way in helping potential new customers who have an interest in Maxwell!)

[digitalukore]

+1