A friend suggested that I purchase CS3 and then upgrade to CS4, it would come out to about $400.00, but would the update even work? 

This should work just fine.  Just remember to always keep your old copy of CS3 and for sure the activation key as anytime yo have to reinstall yo will have to have this information.

Brenda 21:

A friend suggested that I purchase CS3 and then upgrade to CS4, it would come out to about $400.00, but would the update even work? 

 

Make sure the CS3 is a legit full version, not counterfeit.

If you are a member of NAPP, they offer discounts to CS4, and I assume CS3. Plus you get other discount offers too.

 Dave

Thank you Bob, I feel more comfortable with my decision.

I was planning on purchasing it from amazon.com, how would I know if its not legit?

Brenda 21:

I was planning on purchasing it from amazon.com, how would I know if its not legit?

If you're getting it from Amazon, you should be fine. If you're getting it from softwarethatswaycheaperthanitshouldbeandwewonttellyouourphysicaladdress.com then it might be a problem

Beware, the sellers that are selling CS3 for $159 in Amazon are new sellers. Amazon is not selling CS3. As far as I know when CS4 came out they stop the selling CS3 everywhere.

 You might also consider getting elements, then waiting for an upgrade option

I would just add that Adobe has an Education Store for students, educators and staff, that sells Student Editions of it's software, at substantial discounts.

The Student Editions are not truncated in any way. They are exactly like the full priced versions, and in North America can be used for commercial purposes.

CS4 Extended retails for $999. The Student Edition cost's $199 an 80% savings. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 retails for $299 and the Student Edition is $99 a 66% savings.

 Adobe Education Store

BUT(and I may be wrong here) it is my understanding that a Student Editon can not be upgraded.  I would be pretty comfortable buying from a volume seller on Ebay with good feedback.

It may be worth checking with Adobe and finding out the upgrade options from Elements to Photoshop though....

ethermac56:

BUT(and I may be wrong here) it is my understanding that a Student Editon can not be upgraded.

Thank you all for your input, I will definantly check out all of these options!!!

ethermac56:

BUT(and I may be wrong here) it is my understanding that a Student Editon can not be upgraded.  I would be pretty comfortable buying from a volume seller on Ebay with good feedback.

It may be worth checking with Adobe and finding out the upgrade options from Elements to Photoshop though....

KeithH:

I would just add that Adobe has an Education Store for students, educators and staff, that sells Student Editions of it's software, at substantial discounts.

The Student Editions are not truncated in any way. They are exactly like the full priced versions, and in North America can be used for commercial purposes.

CS4 Extended retails for $999. The Student Edition cost's $199 an 80% savings. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 retails for $299 and the Student Edition is $99 a 66% savings.

 Adobe Education Store

 

Yes, my 1st grader got her CS4 for $200.  LOL  Mommy loves playing with it too 

 I just upgraded from Elements 8 to CS4 in December.  Cost me $300.  They send upgrade E-mails to registered users about 3/4 times a year an offer to purchase CS4 for $300 or you can purchase almost anytime for $100 off.

Dwight