Cheri Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Where do most of you purchase CS3? I currently use PSE5, and I'm considering going to CS3. I've looked at Adobe's website, Ebay, office supply stores - the prices vary widely. Any thoughts on the best place to buy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatherineW Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Hi Cheri, Word to the wise: always buy your Adobe software from a reputable licensed dealer. Adobe's website is always a great place to start, as you can purchase either the CD version or download it immediately. The Adobe website has a listing of approved dealers. Sometimes you can find Adobe software from OEM dealers, but I think Adobe frowns upon this method of purchasing their software. It won't come with all the outer packaging, as it was produced to accompany (for example) a software bundle pack for new computer systems (& the like). In the past, I have purchased PSE from an OEM dealer before, & the software was just perfect (& a bit discounted in price - but not too much). My recommendation is to NOT buy Adobe software from Ebay. While there may be a miniscule amount of legit sellers, mostly what is being offered are pirated versions (being pawned as the real thing). The "New Retail Version" price may be tempting, but I can assure you that only on the most rarest of occasions (if ever) will you find deeply discounted legit (never before registered) versions of Photoshop Creative Suite at highly discounted prices. If you're determined to purchase from Ebay anyway, your best bet is to ask the seller for the serial number (& produce key) so you can verify it with Adobe. Check with Adobe to make sure it's a valid (& not previously registered) serial number. An honest seller should not have a problem doing this, and if they "do" have a problem with it - red flags are a' wavin'..... But like I said initially, adobe.com is really the safest way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferZ Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 I bought my version straight from Adobe's site. I had them mail me the CDs though, versus downloading it from the site. I didn't do this, but I have also seen that if you try the free 30-day trial, sometimes Adobe will send you a discount coupon to entice you to purchase. Either way, you will LOVE CS3! Jennifer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becca Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 I bought mine from Dell.com, and I used BigCrumbs.com on the purchase, so I got back $20+ on the purchase. It's not a big savings, but gave me some extra PP to buy scrapping supplies a month later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheri Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 Thank you all for your help. I sure appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandiC. Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Cheri, I got mine from the adobe site as well. I had gotten the downloaded trial version and then ordered the CD. Same price and that's what they recomended, so I have the CD. I did have to uninstall the downloaded version before installing the CD, but it guides you through that pretty easily. You do get a small reduction in price as an upgrade from PSE, but its not as low as if you were upgrading from an earlier version of photoshop. Why don't you wait and get CS4 when it comes out later this month? Or maybe the price of CS3 will go down when CS4 is out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheri Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 Cheri, I got mine from the adobe site as well. I had gotten the downloaded trial version and then ordered the CD. Same price and that's what they recomended, so I have the CD. I did have to uninstall the downloaded version before installing the CD, but it guides you through that pretty easily. You do get a small reduction in price as an upgrade from PSE, but its not as low as if you were upgrading from an earlier version of photoshop. Why don't you wait and get CS4 when it comes out later this month? Or maybe the price of CS3 will go down when CS4 is out. That's a really good idea. I didn't realize CS4 would be out so soon. I bet you're right about the CS3 price going down. I noticed that you recently moved up from PSE. Are you glad you did? (I think that's probably a silly question - seems like everyone says they're happy they upgraded). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandiC. Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 absolutely, positively! I love CS3. I do still use PSE6 though sometimes for just some quick things. I'm still just learning CS3 so i still have to work to find things sometimes. The learning curve gets real steep at first, took me about a month to get comfortable with it, but I learn something new everyday. The same stuff is available on CS3, it just has different ways to make it work, or its hidden in a different place. How it works is pretty similar though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelbi Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 If you have kids sometimes you can get the student pricing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristyVW Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 I can't guarantee that it is still usable, maybe contact Wacom/Adobe, but this is how I got CS3 for a good price: See This thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattyBee Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Also, if you are a homeschooler you can get PS CS3 online for $297 at academicsuperstore.com. You need to get a preapproval email from Adobe first, but that is pretty quick. I used my HSLDA membership number as my proof, but they have a list of other acceptable "proofs" as well (such as a receipt for a curriculum purchase). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wxchic Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 If you can, wait just a few months. CS4 is coming out and Adobe will cut the price of the previous version before hand! The others have great suggestions if you need it now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vivvi Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Now I know why Adobe reduced the price in July! I figured there must be a new version coming out and now I see that it's here! I'm glad I got my CS3 at the cheaper price. I just have to start learning how to use it now. I'm guessing I'm going to have to refer back to this forum often for tips and advice. First though, I have to clear my head and get other commitments out of the way so I can concentrate! The 'special' I got was for Nth America only. I guess Adobe will want to shift their CS3 now that CS4 is out so be on the lookout for a price reduction. Vivvi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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