eleskin Posted July 27, 2009 Share #1 Posted July 27, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am thinking about getting CS4 for my M8, but I do not have a copy of my own of CS3 or CS2. I am attracted by the price of the upgrade vs. the full version. Is it legitimate to buy an old copy of CS2 or CS3 on ebay or if a friend gives me their old copy they are not using anymore so I can use it to upgrade to CS4? I am not trying to be dishonest or anything, but just want to save some cash. What is the best thing to do here? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 27, 2009 Posted July 27, 2009 Hi eleskin, Take a look here Most economical way to buy Photoshop CS4 for M8. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
mat_mcdermott Posted July 27, 2009 Share #2 Posted July 27, 2009 Pretty sure if you buy a copy from a friend that you could use the serial number for the CS4 upgrade. I did that a couple years ago with copies of Dreamweaver & Flash and then upgraded to the latest version. Would get a second opinion as to what the latest Adobe policy is re: what you need to get the upgrade pricing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
enboe Posted July 27, 2009 Share #3 Posted July 27, 2009 It is a good thing to legitimately own software. Be sure if you buy a previous generation that it has not been, nor is in use, by someone else. You may find yourself with an unpleasant surprise of money wasted otherwise. Make sure you have a refund path, just in case. Adobe offers student discounts, as does the Apple store. Apple offers corporate discounts to certain businesses. See if you're on the list. Another option would be to go for PS Elements. It's a very powerful program, and under $100. Enjoy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted July 27, 2009 Share #4 Posted July 27, 2009 Have you tried th Phase One C1 software that comes with the M8? It's 'Free' and quite excellent. Does everything you could want to do to RAW file IMHO and only needs your time input for the usual learning curve. I only suggest this as you expressed a reasonable desire to save money. This method will certainly do that as well as be a top of the line processor. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwelland Posted July 27, 2009 Share #5 Posted July 27, 2009 If you buy a legitimate older copy of CSx you can use the serial number against an upgrade version with no problems. The activation/upgrade install doesn't check beyond the fact that the serial number of the older software is valid. It doesn't do an entitlement check for the old serial number against Adobe online systems. You don't need to install the older version, just have the valid serial number and CD. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
microview Posted July 27, 2009 Share #6 Posted July 27, 2009 Have you tried the Phase One C1 software that comes with the M8? It's 'Free' and quite excellent. Does everything you could want to do to RAW file IMHO and only needs your time input for the usual learning curve. But you then need some means of printing your processed images properly (eg PS). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptarmigan Posted July 27, 2009 Share #7 Posted July 27, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am thinking about getting CS4 for my M8, but I do not have a copy of my own of CS3 or CS2. I am attracted by the price of the upgrade vs. the full version. Is it legitimate to buy an old copy of CS2 or CS3 on ebay or if a friend gives me their old copy they are not using anymore so I can use it to upgrade to CS4? I am not trying to be dishonest or anything, but just want to save some cash. What is the best thing to do here? I bought CS1 via ebay and subsequently upgraded fine. You need to make sure if it's been registered with Adobe that the previous owner 'signs this over' with Adobe. If not registered there is less of an issue. I am on CS3 and migrated from Windows to Mac (2CS2 to CS3). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Venkman Posted July 27, 2009 Share #8 Posted July 27, 2009 You can go for the 'buy serial on ebay' way, but keep in mind that a) the prices for older, upgradable serials are extremely high - sometimes they go for even higher prices than a full copy you're subject to being scamed. It's hard to get a legit serial via ebay - I tried for 2 months and then I bit the bullet and bought a new copy - in english tho, cause those are cheaper in germany than the german ones. (not as cheap as the US versions, but hey, it helps.) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tollie Posted July 27, 2009 Share #9 Posted July 27, 2009 There is also an upgrade path from PS Elements to CS4. I think you just have to bite the bullet on this one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted July 27, 2009 Share #10 Posted July 27, 2009 Have you considered Adobe Lightroom? It will convert and post process your M8 raw files and is quite a bit cheaper than CS4. I have both and rarely need PS except for access to layers and curves. In addition, LR's cataloguing power is far better than Bridge which comes with CS4. Lightroom is very popular with M8 users. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eleskin Posted August 2, 2009 Author Share #11 Posted August 2, 2009 Well, I think migrating from Elements may be the ticket for me, as I did not know that was possible. Right now, I have to watch my cash (I just bought a new IMAC 24" and a new Epson 3800 Printer). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksparrow Posted August 2, 2009 Share #12 Posted August 2, 2009 I know these are not Photoshop, but still, some of them are free (Gimp) or a lot cheaper, and might be good enough until you get enough cash "for the real thing". Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop | AlternativeTo.net From that list I've tried Gimp (GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program), and it is very powerful, although not as polished (not by far) as Photoshop. Pixelmator (Pixelmator) is a VERY nice application, very well designed and a pleasure to use, not as powerful as Photoshop, but still worth taking a look at it. hope this helps. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Printmaker Posted August 10, 2009 Share #13 Posted August 10, 2009 Sign up for a continuing ed course at your local community college then buy the whole creative suite for about $300 in the college book store. Its the best deal around. Tom Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted August 10, 2009 Share #14 Posted August 10, 2009 From memory the problem with the educational products is that they're not available to upgrade. So you'll have the same dilemma if you want to upgrade to CS5, 6, 7 etc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted August 11, 2009 Share #15 Posted August 11, 2009 From memory the problem with the educational products is that they're not available to upgrade. So you'll have the same dilemma if you want to upgrade to CS5, 6, 7 etc. That's when you sign up for the 'refresher' course and get another discount on the SW. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Printmaker Posted August 11, 2009 Share #16 Posted August 11, 2009 From memory the problem with the educational products is that they're not available to upgrade. So you'll have the same dilemma if you want to upgrade to CS5, 6, 7 etc. I upgraded my CS2 Premium educational version to CS4 Design Premium directly from Adobe without any problem. Adobe wants to get the kids hooked on their programs. Tom Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted August 11, 2009 Share #17 Posted August 11, 2009 I upgraded my CS2 Premium educational version to CS4 Design Premium directly from Adobe without any problem. Adobe wants to get the kids hooked on their programs. I stand corrected, sorry... Sales information for Education versions of Adobe products Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted August 19, 2009 Share #18 Posted August 19, 2009 Previous owner must deactivate his copy. But then I don`t know what happens to his upgrade. When you buy on EPrey, never know what you get for sure. Stay out of the $75 offers from eastern europe. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.