I have been postponing PS for years because I couldn't afford it. I would like to just forget the money and go ahead. I found a site that sells PS with certification, etc. for $375 for the "bundled" package. I believe it is an OEM PS 6 with CS2 upgrade. In the end it is supposed to be just like PS CS2. I need advice from someone who knows PS...Would this be a good opportunity for me to jump into PS and would it really equal retail pkg of PS CS2? They sell the retail PS CS2 for $509. Thanks so much for your guidance. Suzanne

It's not the Academic version.

The upgrade from 7 to CS2 is only about 150 dollars US. You might be better off looking for a copy of PS 7, and doing an upgrade. - Noel

Thanks Noel, I'll check around further. Appreciate the help. Suzanne

You need to be careful with sites that sell "OEM" packages of any apps (especially PS). OEM's aren't packaged for "retail" and they are not suppose to be sold as such. Also be mindful of sites that offer PS for "far-below-retail" (sometimes as low as $50USD), the fine print reads that these are "backups" of the programs and you are still required to have the actual license, Adobe does not take kindly to these sites and will often take action. :) retrocity

don't go for PS 6, it's only a minor upgrade to 5.5. You might want to look on ebay, but just heed retrocity's warning.

You all are a great help. I'm trying not to allow my desire for PS to override my brain. You have helped to shore up my thinking. I think I should wait a little longer and save some more money, and make sure I buy the right thing. Painter and Wacom will keep me busy for now. Thanks so much for your wisdom. Suzanne

While you're waiting, here's what I'd do... Start watching eBay for older unregistered full versions of Photoshop. When you find one from a trusted source, buy it. Then you'll be eligible for the $150 upgrade to PSCS2. If you're patient and a bit lucky, you might be able to get the newest Photoshop for around $250. I bought a lot of my high-end software that way and saved hundreds of dollars.

Thanks Paul, another good suggestion. I might get this sooner than I though with all the help I've received.

So, Suzanne, are you happy with Painter? I've been wanting to buy Painter for some time, but can't figure out whether to go for Painter IX or Photoshop CS... Does PS have a paint engine that can match Painters? Anyone...? - Hanz

...Does PS have a paint engine that can match Painters?
...

In my opinion - No
PS can't match Painter for mimicking "traditional" painterly effects. You can achieve some in PS but not with the same ease that you can with Painter. If you're looking to make digital "paintings" i'd invest in Painter IX (i'm saving up for it myself) If you looking to create digital "artwork" (layered photomanips) then i'd invest in PSCS(2)...

my2C
:)
retrocity

You could always download the trials. Can't really compare Corel Painter IX to Adobe Photoshop CS/CS2. Photoshop doesn't concentrate on the painting as well as Painter. I have the trial of Corel Painter IX and I must say it will be a purchase before the trial runs out. As for Photoshop, I have CS. I'm tempted to go to CS2 but not quite yet.

Hans, Painter has a better paint engine than PS. The priority on purchase would depend on the type of art you want to produce. I went for Painter first, because I had some photo manipulation software that would serve the purpose until I could get PS. I love Painter IX. Never could afford it before Corel bought Jasc. Since I had PSP, I was able to get a price break. There are still discounts going on, at least for this month, for PSP owners. Download is $179 and CD is $229. PS CS2 will be used for everything other than painting in my case. Suzanne

'preciate the answers, everyone. My problem is, however, that I enjoy both the painting bit and also some photomanip of my digi-camera stuff ;-) Guess I'll start out with Painter IX, and then go for PS once I've the cash for it. - Hanz

Hanz, you didn't mention any programs you now have for photomanipulation, so thought I would let you know what I use. I use either Microsoft's Digital Image Pro or Adobe Photoshop Elements, or PSP. I think Painter as #1 is good choice. I don't regret it at all. Suzanne

Suzanne, I use Adobe Photoshop Elements (v2 I think, it came with my tablet), I've fiddled with PSP in the past... My Painter IX trial just ran out, but the 30 days worth that I got "for free" made me fall in love... ;-) - Hanz

Hanz, when you get Painte IX, please also post a link in the Painter Forum for any paintings you do. Or post Q&A. We are trying to get the Painter community going. Need to pass the word as I discover anyone doing art with the program. Look forward to seeing your Painter art! Suzanne

Just ordered PS CS2!!! I received the Wacom newsletter this morning with an offer of a discount from Adobe to Intuos 3 owners. That's me. Adobe offers full version of PS CS2 to Intuos 3 owners with bundled Photoshop Elements for $299. Offer good to 6/30/05. How could I pass that up? I'm so excited and happy at this moment. Thanks to all for you help and information. You will be seeing me here in the future as I learn and use Photoshop. Suzanne

IT'S HERE! I'm concentrating on learning some technical setup stuff, color management, etc. before I start to play, so it will be a little while yet to doing what I want to do. But I finally have it! Just can't believe the day finally came. Suzanne

that's great Suzanne!! remember, if you need any help, we're open 24hr!! (sometimes in a row ;)) :) retrocity

Thanks Scott! I will probably take you up on that. But, first I've got to learn enough to know what questions to ask. The 24 hour schedule is a real bonus. I never am sure what time it is. I work graveyard hours 4 days a week and the other 3 days are perfect for bugging everybody with the same questions they have heard before from the neophyte know-nothings. Promise I will try to find the answer myself before I ask. Suzanne