adobe prices and upgrades

[ZippyDan]

Adobe's full version prices are ridiculous

for example, full version of Adobe Photoshop CS4 runs about $700

On the other hand, their upgrade prices are a little more reasonable

upgrade version of Photoshop CS4 is only about $200

Is there anything wrong with picking up a full version of Photoshop CS3 (I can find new unopened full versions of Photoshop CS3 going for $200 on ebay unless I am misreading), and then buying the upgrade version of CS4? It seems like then I could end up with full version of CS4 for only $400 instead of $700.

 

[Kmax82]

That is fine as long as they aren't educational versions. The majority of CS sales on eBay are educational and you can't upgrade those licenses.. so just make sure before you buy.

Also, as stingy as Adobe is with activations.. make sure you double check their ratings, because if it doesn't activate.. Adobe probably won't do anything to help you out.

 

[randomlinh]

yeah, i'd be careful with ebay purchases. it's a good chance it's either edu or straight up pirated.

but otherwise, doing that should be fine. in fact, I want to do that, but won't bother until I lose access to my educational discount =)

 

[ZippyDan]

ok, after reading a little more carefully, i see what you mean... also, i'm looking for the mac version, so there is a little less selection

so, follow-up question: if i buy an opened, used copy can i expect to run into a hassle with activating/upgrading it?

 

[u3laptoper]

Typically, there is a limited numbers of times that Adobe allows the installation/activation. Thereafter, you must call to settle with customer service with a registered account on Adobe.

ZippyDan : Howdy, my name is Zippy, I am the renowned software pirate from far-lands. Hark!

Adobe CS : I am not worthy! Take as you will.

 

[GaryJohnson]

Lookin over the CS3 prices on ebay, to me it looks like all the reputable seller's are wanting $450-$500. The guys wanting ~$200 have some low ratings. But maybe there's one in there that's good.

 

[KeithP]

This is a long shot, but you might try calling around to local printers and asking if they have any copies they want to unload. Try to stick to smaller outfits.

You might find some place that has downsized, or about to close, and has extra software that they might be willing to sell.

-KeithP

 

[Nothinman]

Adobe's full version prices are ridiculous

Only if you're not using their software to make money, which is really the only people they care about. If you're buying CS4 for a business then $700 is virtually nothing. If you're just looking to have it to touch up pictures at home there are much cheaper/free alternatives.

 

[ZippyDan]

Only if you're not using their software to make money, which is really the only people they care about. If you're buying CS4 for a business then $700 is virtually nothing. If you're just looking to have it to touch up pictures at home there are much cheaper/free alternatives.

I am using it for a business. That doesn't mean I don't try to find a deal and just bend over because someone decides they get to screw businesses over with terrible prices.

I'm trying to find a way to legally get what I need.

I don't appreciate your condescension.

 

[mmntech]

Only if you're not using their software to make money, which is really the only people they care about. If you're buying CS4 for a business then $700 is virtually nothing. If you're just looking to have it to touch up pictures at home there are much cheaper/free alternatives.

GIMP is an excellent free/open source program, though they still don't have a native OS X version yet.

CS4 is a powerful program. You could always pick up consumer grade Photoshop Elements if you're just doing basic work. It's $100.

 

[Nothinman]

I am using it for a business. That doesn't mean I don't try to find a deal and just bend over because someone decides they get to screw businesses over with terrible prices.

I'm trying to find a way to legally get what I need.

I don't appreciate your condescension.

The condescension was mostly unintentional, but I stand by the fact that Adobe can price CS that high because the market is willing to pay it.

 

[Kmax82]

Basically the only Adobe applications that I use regularly are Photoshop and Flash. Everything else I have found a better alternative for, and MUCH cheaper.

I still think they're VERY over priced, and most businesses even don't just throw that money down when new versions come out. Most companies that I've worked with are still on CS3 and they aren't planning on upgrading to CS4/5 any time soon. So Adobe does have a real problem with their pricing. They need a better tiered solution for small/indie businesses.

 

[ZippyDan]

The condescension was mostly unintentional, but I stand by the fact that Adobe can price CS that high because the market is willing to pay it.

Just because the market is willing to pay, doesn't mean:

1. The market isn't stupid
2. The market doesn't have more money to spend frivolously than I do

 

[u3laptoper]

The condescension was mostly unintentional, but I stand by the fact that Adobe can price CS that high because the market is willing to pay it.

A simple way for Capitalism 101,

1) Design firms factor the overall cost of ownership of Adobe CS suites. Charging the extra fees onto clients.

2) Clients pass "design fee" onto ordinary consumers.
3) Consumers requires higher pay from the employer to satisfy their simple needs.

So yes, everyone suffers from inflation. I agree a large chunk of the inflated Adobe products are paid to the bureaucracy of the software developer and the unintended piracy.

Now, the question for Zippy, why are you so insistent on "Adobe Only" as if you are blind to fantastic recommendations from other members? Their opinions holds a certain weight.

 

[Nothinman]

Just because the market is willing to pay, doesn't mean:

1. The market isn't stupid
2. The market doesn't have more money to spend frivolously than I do

Adobe's target market is definitely stupid, just look at Mac prices. =)

 

[ZippyDan]

A simple way for Capitalism 101,

1) Design firms factor the overall cost of ownership of Adobe CS suites. Charging the extra fees onto clients.

2) Clients pass "design fee" onto ordinary consumers.
3) Consumers requires higher pay from the employer to satisfy their simple needs.

So yes, everyone suffers from inflation. I agree a large chunk of the inflated Adobe products are paid to the bureaucracy of the software developer and the unintended piracy.

Now, the question for Zippy, why are you so insistent on "Adobe Only" as if you are blind to fantastic recommendations from other members? Their opinions holds a certain weight.

because the employees i have working for me are most proficient in Adobe products, and therefore "require" them to work.

additionally, most of the produced work will be for established idustries, and Adobe-formats are pretty much standard for many such uses such as the print industry.

 

[Blazer]

how is adobe being stingy with activations ?

restricted to only so many per year/quarter, or just refusing to activate after so many ?

 

[KeithP]

I have never had a problem with Adobe activations. The key is to remember to deactivate a installation before you move it to another system.

Only once did I have to call Adobe because I forgot the deactivation step. I explained to them I was moving the install to another computer and forgot to deactivate on the old one. They toook care of it right away.

-KeithP

 

[Blazer]

never herd of deactivation, from your statement i assume [although one should never assume] adobe doesnt have a problem activating a moved to a new computer installation ? from statements above it sounds like adobe limits the # of times a software can be activated.

speaking of adobe Elements 8.