Brain,
I see you have troubles finding any tutorials for XSI so I thought I would share several great links:
http://community.softimage.com/index.php http://www.vast.ws/resources/xsi/tut...tutorials.html http://www.xsibase.com/tutorials/beginner.php
http://www.softimage.com/education/onlineresources.aspx http://softimage.wiki.avid.com/index.php/Main_Page
I think that these free resources should help you out and also several of sites have free plug ins and content too. There are also a XSI video training
I also agree with Will Bell that each tools has its strengths and best to use tool that is best for the job. I have not heard of a one program does it all except where the need was specific such as animation and even then there are debates about the Best #1.
There is also Geo Control (
http://www.cajomi.de/GeoControl/geoc...2_features.htm ) The programmer has had a small set back but expect that the new release will be out this summer. Buying GC 1 wil get you able to use GC2. Just a user not anything more.
Have fun learning Brian. Do not let first experiences with any software program push you away from learning it.
JT
Footnote: A training @
http://www.3dmastermind.com/
that cost $59=s&h has been getting very good feedback also at couple forums.