Inexpensive PS CS?

[mjs1973]

I just purchased a new computer and I want to put PS CS on it. I have Elements 2.0, and PS 5 and together they do ok. 5 has feartures that E2 doesn't, and vise versa and I hate having to go back and forth between the two. I really want to update to CS but the $650 price tage is pretty steep. I have found a downloadable version online for $80, but I don't know how legit it is. Everything looks ok, but they say that you can't register it with Adobe, or uses Adobe's services for the product. That doesn't seem like a big deal to me since I have never had to use their service for anything in the past. Anyonw know of where I can get a legit version of CS for a reasonable price?

[kafin8ed]

Can't you just upgrade PS 5 to CS for $169? I know that in the past it's been possible to skip upgrades but I'm not sure what the limitations are on that. You should look into it. I wouldn't personally buy the $80 bootleg of CS off the net, that's just kinda slimy IMO...

[another view]

Don't buy a copy of CS like that, it won't work. CS is the first version of PS that has live registration (do I have the terminology right?) so if you don't have a legitimate serial number you can't use it. "A friend" used to have a copy of PS7 that worked without being activated but CS is different.

Check with Adobe, PS5 is new enough that you may be able to upgrade to CS for $169. If not, and you're a student (or if you can get creative -I did) you can get an educational version. Same thing but half price.

[mjs1973]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I could pull of the student deal, and if not, my mom is a teacher so she might be able to hook me up. I'm not sure upgrading my PS5 is an option.

[Peter_AUS]

They used to have a deal with Adobe where if you got Photoshop Elements you could upgrade to Photoshop for about $299, but I'm not sure if that deal is still on anymore. It seemed to be only avaliable (as most things) to the USA citizens only.

There is a new version of Photoshop CS 2 being released I think in May 2005 by the way, so might be a good idea to wait and see, as the pricing should still be the same for both The current CS version and the new version.

[PerPlunk]

You may want to spend the time and check out the GIMP. It's free image manipulation software that does fairly well. The biggest problem you will have is that it has a different look and feel (aside from different features) then Photoshop. For most of the work I do on images (contrast, color balance, crop, and the like) it does very well, but I still use an old version of Photoshop just because I have become accustomed to the look and feel. Also, I remember seeing something recently that might have made GIMP look like photoshop, not sure, try googling it.

The GIMP: http://www.gimp.org/

[jar_e]

Don't buy a copy of CS like that, it won't work. CS is the first version of PS that has live registration (do I have the terminology right?) so if you don't have a legitimate serial number you can't use it. "A friend" used to have a copy of PS7 that worked without being activated but CS is different.

Even though with that technology, it is still easy to crack and have an illegal copy PS CS. If there is a will, there is a way. By the way, I use PS 7 which I found cheaply on ebay, it was even sealed, and I got it for around $50 USD. That's another option too.

EDIT: Please note I'm not in anyway promoting having illegal copies of PS or any software. I was pointing out to another view that it is still possible, even with the security of Adobe, to have that downloaded and used illegally.

[opus]

OK, I *just today* used my student discount to buy the Adobe Creative Suite Premier (Photoshop CS, Illustrator CS, GoLive, Acrobat, and InDesign) ----- all for the grand low price of $199.

Totally, completely 100% legal. (yes I'm a student)

www.wisc.edu/wisc

I also bought Microsoft Office for $81.


And a few weeks ago I used my student discount to buy Apple's Production Suite (for film and video production, retail $1299) for $499. Figured I'd get it whilst I was still in school. Although Apple has a limit of 2 products per year, so just be aware.

Your mom being a teacher could probably get the same deal.

[Peter_AUS]

jar_e,

As a moderator I don't think it is a good idea to bring up references to cracking copies of software even if it is relatively easy to do so.

Just my thoughts.

[Peter_AUS]

Kelly,

That is a very good deal, excellent in fact. Nothing like those prices available down here in Aus. Photoshop CS eductional version is $379US equivalent in pricing.

[jar_e]

jar_e,

As a moderator I don't think it is a good idea to bring up references to cracking copies of software even if it is relatively easy to do so.

Just my thoughts.

Peter,


Point taken. I merely wanted to state the fact that even though with the security Adobe put into it, they still haven't solved the problem of cracked software. Also, note the edit on my original post.

[Peter_AUS]

Fair enough Jared, but you need to edit it again as you said "Please Not", instead of "Please Note". And the edit does make it clear now.

[jar_e]

Fair enough Jared, but you need to edit it again as you said "Please Not", instead of "Please Note". And the edit does make it clear now.

Surfing the web at one am is never a good case for high quality spelling

[Peter_AUS]

True, but it is only 7.26pm here at present, although it is Saturday evening.

Have a good sleep.

[mjs1973]

Thanks again everyone for all the great info!

Thanks Peter for the heads up about PS CS2 coming out next month. I think maybe I will wait for that version, unless you think Adobe would offer a free upgrade from CS once the new version is out?

Thanks for the link Kelly, that is the cheapest I have seen so far, for a legal version of the product, and to get all that other great software is a huge bonus. Not that I would use any of it, but still the cheapest I have seen for just PS. I started walking thru the order process and it let me get past the part where I enter my student ID # so it looks like it's going to work!!!

Thanks again for all the info, help and advice everyone!!!

[another view]

Adobe would offer a free upgrade

Umm... No. Not a chance. When you have a legal copy of Photoshop, the upgrades have been $169 and you usually don't have to have the previous version to be able to get it (a couple versions back is usually OK).

If CS2 comes out in a month or so, you might want to wait. This is the first I've heard of it and wonder what it will offer - whatever it is it's probably worthwhile.

[Michael Fanelli]

You may want to spend the time and check out the GIMP. It's free image manipulation software that does fairly well. The biggest problem you will have is that it has a different look and feel (aside from different features) then Photoshop. For most of the work I do on images (contrast, color balance, crop, and the like) it does very well, but I still use an old version of Photoshop just because I have become accustomed to the look and feel. Also, I remember seeing something recently that might have made GIMP look like photoshop, not sure, try googling it.

The GIMP: http://www.gimp.org/

Note that Gimp does not support color profiles.

[opus]

OK, so if on April 1st I order PS CS, and then in May the upgrade comes out, I will have to pay for the upgrade?


~grumble grumble~

[Peter_AUS]

Probably Kelly, that is why I mentioned the fact that a new version is on the way.

There was a posting about it on a Phase One Capture One support website that I saw http://www.pictureflow.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7060.

This is what was posted there.

FROM ADOBE WEBSITE, but no more at website... (i don't know if it is a "buzz" only, but...)
-----------------------

"Adobe Pushes the Boundaries of Digital Photography and Imaging with Debut of Photoshop CS2

New Vanishing Point Feature, Dramatic Camera Raw Workflow Enhancements, Customizable Menus and Smart Objects Headline Milestone Photoshop Upgrade

SAN JOSE, Calif. — April 4, 2005 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® CS2, a major upgrade to the professional industry standard for digital image editing and creation. Available as a stand-alone software application or as a key component of Adobe Creative Suite® 2, also announced today (see separate press release), Photoshop CS2 software brings a new level of power, precision and control to the digital photography experience and to the overall creative process.

"Photoshop CS2 pushes the envelope with powerful features and simplified workflows that provide photographers and creative professionals the freedom to deliver stunning images," said Bryan Lamkin, senior vice president of Digital Imaging and Digital Video Products at Adobe. "In light of the four million digital SLRs expected to ship this year, more photographers than ever will be making Photoshop CS2 their digital darkroom of choice."

Advanced Tools for Digital Photographers, Graphics and Video Professionals

Photoshop CS2 integrates a new set of intuitive tools, including an enhanced Spot Healing Brush, for handling common photographic problems such as blemishes, red-eye, noise, blurring and lens distortion. Smart Objects allow users to scale and transform images and vector illustrations without losing image quality — as well as create linked duplicates of embedded graphics — so that a single edit updates across multiple iterations.

Responding to requests from film, broadcast and video professionals, Photoshop CS2 now allows non-destructive editing and the creation and editing of 32-Bit High Dynamic Range (HDR) images, ideal for 3D rendering and advanced compositing. FireWire Previews can also be viewed on a television monitor through a new direct export feature.

Photoshop CS2 users will test the limits of creativity with new tools like Vanishing Point and Image Warping. Vanishing Point cuts tedious graphic and photo retouching tasks by allowing users to clone, paint and transform image objects while retaining visual perspective. Reinventing workflows such as product packaging development, Image Warping makes it easy to fold, stretch, pull, twist and wrap an image into shape by selecting an on-demand preset or dragging custom control points.

Adobe Bridge and New Camera Raw Features Speed Imaging Workflows

With Photoshop CS2 software, finding and working with digital photos and images has never been easier. The popular File Browser has been upgraded to Adobe Bridge, which functions as a hub for productivity, imagery and creativity, providing multi-view file browsing and smooth cross-product integration across Adobe Creative Suite 2 software. Adobe Bridge also provides access to Adobe Stock Photos, a new stock photography service that offers users one-stop shopping — across five elite stock image providers — to deliver high-quality, royalty-free images for layout and design (see separate press release).

The new Camera Raw 3.0 workflow allows settings for multiple raw files to be simultaneously modified. In addition batch processing of raw files, to JPEG, TIFF, DNG or PSD formats, can now be done in the background without launching the main Photoshop executable. Integrated, non-destructive cropping and straightening controls allow raw files to be easily prepared for final output.

Simplifying Photoshop's rich interface, task-based menu presets make it easier to find the features needed for specific work. Users can create their own custom presets, highlighting favorite items and now have the ability to define event-based scripts and time-saving operations that execute automatically when triggered by actions, such as saving or printing a file. Multiple Layer Controls speeds editing, enabling the simultaneous selection and manipulation of numerous layers within a file.

Pricing and Availability

Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Mac OS X version 10.2.8 through 10.3.8, Microsoft® Windows® 2000 with Service Pack 4 or Windows XP with Service Pack 1 or 2, will begin shipping in May to customers in the United States and Canada, and will be available through Adobe Authorized Resellers and the Adobe Store at www.adobe.com/store. International versions are expected to begin shipping in late May and early June. Adobe Photoshop CS2 will be available for an estimated street price of US$599 and licensed users of any previous version of Photoshop can upgrade for US$149..."
###

[opus]

It's only April 2, how can that press release be dated for two days from now?

[Chunk]

See if you are still eligible from that photo class you took and look here---
http://techstore.doit.wisc.edu/produ...itemnum=C36364
For only a little more (maybe $50 or so) they have the whole Adobe suite with Illustrator, Acrobat, GoLive, Imageready, and a couple more.
It would be worth taking a course. A couple years ago I was eligible to by MS Office from them because I was taking an MATC course. All UW system students are eligible, I think.

[mjs1973]

See if you are still eligible from that photo class you took and look here---
http://techstore.doit.wisc.edu/produ...itemnum=C36364
For only a little more (maybe $50 or so) they have the whole Adobe suite with Illustrator, Acrobat, GoLive, Imageready, and a couple more.
It would be worth taking a course. A couple years ago I was eligible to by MS Office from them because I was taking an MATC course. All UW system students are eligible, I think.

Thanks for the link Chunk. I think this is the same page that a guy at work showed me. The link that Kelly posted earlier is for the entire creative suite as well for $199. I'm not sure I have any need for most of the programs, but I can't find PS CS by itself for that price so I might as well get them all. Peters post about CS2 coming out next month makes me want to hold off till that comes out. I was hoping to have CS before my trip but if I have to wait, I can live without it for another month. Thanks again for the link!!!

[mjs1973]

It's only April 2, how can that press release be dated for two days from now?

I googled photoshop CS2 and came up with a few other sites that have this same press release. From what I gathered from those sites is that this was a "leak" and that is was posted early by mistake. It could be that they are planning to make the "official statement" on the 4th.

[Peter_AUS]

Yes I think that is the case Michael, as I haven't been able to find anything other than this as well. Was mentioning it to maybe save having to upgrade again in a month or so, that is all.

[mjs1973]

Thank you very much for mentioning it Peter. I really appriciate it. I would be a little upset if I bought CS only to have CS2 show up a month later. I think I will hold off for now, and get a new tripod for my trip instead of CS. Thanks again for letting us all know about CS2!!