CS3 upgrade vs full version

[Murph]

I have CS2 and want to upgrade to CS3, should I just get an upgrade version for $200 or wait and get the full version? Other than the obvious advantage of having the full package, is there any real advantage of buying the full version?

[nyphotopro]

The only advantage to having a full version is that you don't need to have the prior versions. With an upgrade, you have to hold on to your original install CD/DVD and original install code. That's what enables you to use an upgrade package. But the results are the same with an upgrade: you end up with the full version of the product, in two steps, instead of one.

[pepper52]

Murph- I used the upgraded from Adobe Photoshop 7 to CS3. The upgrade went smoothly and I have no problems. To upgrade all I needed was the license number from Adobe 7 to uploaded CS3. As far as I know this is a complete full version (since it loaded as a separate program on the computer.) I took Adobe 7 off the computer and everything runs fine. Since I have Nikon Capture 4 and Nikon Capture NX I was not in a hurry to upgrade Adobe. Now I do all of my Raw (NEF) photos in Nikon Capture NX but I also play around in CS3.

[Hogleg 44]

The upgrade is a Full Version that simply requires PROOF of an earlier version in order to install.

[iCe]

Originally Posted by Hogleg 44

The upgrade is a Full Version that simply requires PROOF of an earlier version in order to install.

Zackly

[Al Buckner]

Here's a 'gotcha'. I have CS2 Educational Version and wanted to upgrade. Adobe website shows that I am not eligible for either the Standard Version or Educational Version of CS3. My only option is to purchase a full version of CS3 (Standard or Educational).

[nyphotopro]

I'd call Adobe customer service and ask. The point of Adobe (and others) of selling discounted educational software is to rope the user into their product line. That's why they've allowed (at least in the past) an upgrade into the commercial version thereby trapping you forever in their upgrade cycles (which cost more money.) It's like the razors and blades thing. Give you the razor and then ream you on the cost of blades.