Welcome to the world of planned obsolescence.

I'm in the same boat. I've worked on PT8 for years, and it's superb. After years dealing with the limitations of 4 track recorders, ADAT's, costly studios, etc. PT8 is a godsend.

I'm also not one that believes my musical shortcomings can easily be fixed by throwing money at them. In other words, the latest plug-in, effect, gizmo, etc. won't make me a better songwriter or guitarist.

I, too, need to upgrade my computer as I'm doing more advanced applications on Pro Tools. But a new computer means new software, and from what I've read, possibly even new plug-ins. **** that!

I called Sweetwater, since they build computers, and asked if they could build a PC that would run PT8. My sales rep was beyond flabbergasted. They're your best friend when it looks like you'll be dropping boatloads of cash on gear (you may or may not need), but otherwise, not so much.

I haven't had time to follow through with this, but I've talked to some computer techs that can build a high-powered PC that runs PT8; one said he could even clone the hard drive of my current computer and put it in a more powerful machine.

So there's my rant - I just find it ridiculous that these companies design their products so that they have a limited shelf life. I did the math once and the monthly subscription isn't that bad, but I'm not on board with it yet.