Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended - Student Edition

[semperaggie]

Does this do everything normal photoshop does?

I am considering buying this while I am still a student.

[L Stegall]

I believe that it does. The academic versions are a great way to save money on software if you qualify.

[bands321]

It is the same program. The only difference is you do not qualify for the "upgrade" price in a few years when you want to upgrade. You would have to buy the student edition (if you still qualify) or pay full price.

I'm in that dilemma right now. I bought CS3 student edition 1 1/2 years ago....and now I want CS4....so that's another $600. I think I will wait a while :) CS3 works great!

[semperaggie]

I can imagine being content for CS3 for a long time as well!

Anyone know how long CS4 has been out or if there is a CS5 due out anytime in the next 6 months or so?

[BSGp8ntball]

I had heard the same thing about not being able to upgrade however the Adobe website specifically lists it as a "Myth". They say you ARE allowed to "upgrade" to a full commercial version later and will NOT have to pay the full price.

http://studenteditions.adobe.com/myth-busters.php

[SpeedRacerSlots]

Its a full CS4 Extended License. Just discounted for students.
The only reason that I couldnt upgrade is
A) they dont sell upgrades under educational pricing and
B) my last version of PS was PS6, which couldnt be upgraded, you had to have at least CS to be eligible for an upgrade to CS4 (at a decent price).

[KenJulio]

The customer service rep's on the phone are quite helpful. I had an older copy of Macromedia Studio MX studio 'student ed', which I wanted to upgrade to the current suite, but wasnt eligible since it is just outside of the upgrade path. I was one or 2 versions back to be eligible for the upgrade price.

I'd suggest giving them a call and talk to their sales rep if you have doubts.

[dtscds]

I have CS2 and am thinking about upgrading just Photoshop to CS4. Will it still work with the rest of CS2 or is it better to get the whole new suite?
Another related question, if you upgrade just Photoshop, will it come with an upgraded version of Bridge or is that just for the full suite as well?

Thanks for the link about the "myths" of the educational versions...I was shocked and amazed! (But very, very happy!)

[Robin Binder]

No not upgrading; it's not worth $600. I like my CS3 just fine.

[srwatters]

Coy, the upgrade to CS4 will include a new version of Bridge. I think you'll find the upgrade well worth the money. It's almost imperative if you purchase a newer camera body and want to use RAW images. There are several features of CS4 that are far better than any version before. Tools like the patch tool and spot healing brush have been markedly improved as has the clone stamp brush with 'live preview'.

For me the $200 was well spent. YMMV.