Re: Smoke in a mac

So, if $15k is the price for software for the Mac Smoke, then I'm guessing you are going to see a turnkey price of around $60k- $70k, including storage. But I think that is a high estimate. Autodesk storage is expensive (3TB usable for 15k), but its good and fast. I'm also basing this off of current hardware costs for a linux box. I wonder how well a Mac Smoke will run in an XSAN environment.

As far as piracy goes, Autodesk has a pretty good licensing system. I can't imagine they won't implement it on the Mac Smoke. Also, I've heard of people trying to hack the linux version of Flame. I'm sure you can get a copy of software, but its the licensing that prevents them from getting very far. Each license key is specific to your hardware, so you can just install it on any machine and expect it to work.

I remain hopeful that this is a good move on Autodesks part. I cut my teeth on an Avid, and have work on FCP systems also, and I can safely say, the Smoke is the best all around finishing system around.

If you are building out a full blown finishing system, the only difference in price would be $14k. But you've already spent $50k+ on the room, the addition cost isn't that bad. Depending on your clients, or potential clients, the Smoke name may be worth it. I honestly don't see the point in spending a ton of money on a FCP finishing room, when you will be competing with Joe Blow running FCP in his garage on a G5.


moody glasgow
smoke/flame