Hi,  well, after using 8.5 producer for several years I have made the decision to purchase X series and invest time & effort of learning new interface.  Looks like I can purchase X2 for $49 at 1/2 off which is a huge bargain in my mind -  but now I see all the shiny new objects in X3 but the $200 price is a bit scary for my budget, however, looks like an amazing new upgrade. I am thinking if I purchase X2, in a few months there will be a nice discount for X3 during the holidays or ???   What should I do,,,, Help !!!!   LoL

Honestly, you should buy X3 :)

If $199 is too much, you can always get SONAR X3 Studio which has ProChannel, Blue Tubes, and Melodyne as well. It's a great value. Check out the comp chart on our site for more info.
 

If you wait until the holidays, you'll have less money since you'll be buying everyone shiny presents :)

Lol, true... My xmas list is quite large this year.  Good suggestion, I am going to check out the comparison chart of studio now.

X3 has some amazing new features, but if money is tight you can always start with X2 and then it will be a $149 upgrade when you are ready for X3.
 
Just make sure your computer is up to current Windows maintenance, as well as up to snuff on all listed requirements for running X2 or X3.
 
Bob Bone
 

X2 is no longer available at our store to be clear. We are now only selling X3.

I don't have it yet but looking at the changes and additions to X3 I believe it to be a must have. 
 
The only thing that I can see that was not addressed is the staff view. Colors are back, comping is improved and the quad curve EQ is stunning. I don't think you have much of a dilemma here. 

Yeah the analog tape emulator and quad curve look to be absolutely amazing...  Hmmmm....  Time to get my 12 year old son to set up another garage sale... lol.  Seems like the overall work flow / GUI  of X2 and X3 are not much different however there are some other big jumps in versions that have me leaning towards X3 for sure...