I have Storyboard Quick, FrameForge 3D, Antics Pro, and a #2 1/2 pencil for storyboarding.

Overall, I like the #2 1/2 pencil best. It has superior speed, and it doesn't get in the way of my thinking with a need for much mouse twitching and constant keyboard slugging.

Antics is absolutely sensational as a program. It produces very nice looking scenes pretty quickly, and it has lots of intelligence that makes it easier to work with (such as "tell an actor to walk to a floor mark and on arrival look THAT way"). It is very dynamic, because it is built on a video game engine.

FrameForge 3D is more primitive in the way the output looks. No continuous animation, and a more basic visual quality. But it is optically accurate, and therefore a better tool for the DP, while Antics is a better tool for the Director (or Producer raising money with an animation (really "animatic') of key parts of the production.

I've seen very sophisticated animations done by non-computer/design savvy guys in 2 weeks with no training beforehand.

Storyboard Quick gets to the point quickly, but it's more of a static design assistant (doing a good job), with output that looks more like an architect's rendering.

Also very likable.

Since you will be spending so much time with your storyboard tools, it's important to first decide which features are most important for you, then to try out the applicable candidates before buying.

Don't forget that for most people, the only purpose of a storyboard is to communicate and store a series of images and actions for use by you and a few other people. If the #2 1/2 pencil does that, then that may be the best tool.

Unless beauty sells (such as often when getting outside funds).

Checkout SpeedEdit by NewTek. It's an NLE that incorporates a storyboard feature -- you can actually edit in storyboard fashion rather than time line fashion, if you desire, and many editors do and swear by it as the best way to edit ever. I'm pretty sure you can print out your storyboard as well.

Very nice, but not for the same purpose.

I second the Antics route. Very nice - bit of a clunky interface but overall, nice results.

My #1 pick though - Wacom Bamboo and Photoshop or Painter.

cheno