GMAX and 3DS

are GMAX and the 3DS programs the same thing, or should i make the effort of getting a 3DS program.

Also, since the new version came out, would the 3DS programs, like 4.2 and 5.0 be cheap, like video game cheap, or should i just try to get them by, other means.

also, will the art tools work on GMAX?

No the art tools wont work on gmax. Try to get 3dsmax5.1 in my opinion it is the best one. The tool work only with 3dsmax 4.26-5.2 i think.