Upgrade from bundled Elements

mercphoto

Anyone know how long the $299 upgrade offer to CS is valid? It used to be you could upgrade from a "bundled" version of Elements to CS. A link such as http://store.adobe.com/store/products/master.jhtml?id=catCanon&sourcecode=112300 is for Canon users (other links exist for other users).

There is no time-period listed for how long this offer exists. And when I entered my Elements serial number and added to cart, it added it at the full price. I'm not sure what is going on.

For that matter, I wish Adobe had a page listing the prime differences between the two. I can't honestly say if Elements 3.0 does all I need it to do or not. Layers, masks, levels, clone tool, healing brush is about all I use.

cletus

mercphoto wrote:

There is no time-period listed for how long this offer exists. And when I entered my Elements serial number and added to cart, it added it at the full price. I'm not sure what is going on.

That's strange. I would think that the site would give you some warning about an invalid serial number or an out of date serial number rather than just changing the price. Have you tried to contact Adobe customer service about this?

marlof

There's a lot of little things in CS over Elements for me, but still two major ones (now that Elements 3 includes RAW): no actions and no curves. I could live with a lot of the other stuff, but those two make it almost impossible for me to stick to Elements.

mercphoto

marlof wrote:

There's a lot of little things in CS over Elements for me, but still two major ones (now that Elements 3 includes RAW): no actions and no curves. I could live with a lot of the other stuff, but those two make it almost impossible for me to stick to Elements.

The lack of actions turned out a biggie for me. I found out that the upgrade is good until Feb. 28, for those who wanted to know. And, when you enter your Elements serial number, do NOT include the hyphens. The web site doesn't tell you, and if you include hyphens or spaces it will add CS into your shopping basket at full-price. Remove the hyphens and you get CS added at full price, with a second entry that is the $350 discount.

Mine should arrive in a week.

What issues would I have with installing this on my current PowerBook if I am considering a new computer purchase soon? How do you transfer a license from one computer to another?

fish

Apparently this upgrade is not just for canon bundled customers. i entered the s/n of my unbundled PS elements 3.0, and it gave me the $299 price.

The big question is...do I need it?

cletus

fish wrote:

The big question is...do I need it?

marlof

Across the pond price policies never cease to amaze me. The same upgrade from Elements to CS costs EUR 599 ($780) ex VAT over here.... Last time -for Windows- I just ordered a full version with BH Photo Video, paid shipping cost, VAT, and ended up cheaper than upgrading locally. There's no Windows <-> Mac OS crossgrade, so I guess I'm going to follow that same route again. Sigh.

mercphoto

marlof wrote:

Across the pond price policies never cease to amaze me. The same upgrade from Elements to CS costs EUR 599 ($780) ex VAT over here...

Are taxes in the EU really as high as I hear they are? Bummer.

marlof

This was the price without any tax added. You'd have to add another 19% to that price to get what I'd have to pay here.

mercphoto

marlof wrote:

This was the price without any tax added. You'd have to add another 19% to that price to get what I'd have to pay here.

Eeecks! Why some people believe high taxes are a GOOD thing really escapes me.

patch29

marlof wrote:

This was the price without any tax added. You'd have to add another 19% to that price to get what I'd have to pay here.

What does the full version of CS go for?

marlof

International English is EUR 300 cheaper than the localized version, and will cost EUR 729 ex VAT ($ 948 ) and EUR 867 incl VAT ($ 1,127). Including shipping, the price ex VAT from B&H is around $630. Add a little customs and a lot of VAT to that, and I'd probably pay around $760. Which is the same app I'd buy here, but that will be packaged, flown in a plane, driven in a UPS truck etc. etc. and will still be $350 cheaper than if I'd go to the shop around the corner and pick up a copy there. And still a lot cheaper that buying an "inexpensive" upgrade from Elements here.

mercphoto

marlof wrote:

International English is EUR 300 cheaper than the localized version, and will cost EUR 729 ex VAT ($ 948 ) and EUR 867 incl VAT ($ 1,127). Including shipping, the price ex VAT from B&H is around $630. Add a little customs and a lot of VAT to that, and I'd probably pay around $760. Which is the same app I'd buy here, but that will be packaged, flown in a plane, driven in a UPS truck etc. etc. and will still be $350 cheaper than if I'd go to the shop around the corner and pick up a copy there. And still a lot cheaper that buying an "inexpensive" upgrade from Elements here.

Governments love to play "stupid tax tricks", which is a primary reason why I don't like the Democratic Party here in the US. They seem as in love with high taxes as the EU does. Boggles my mind. I'd actually like the Dems if they'd abandon the notion that government can spend people's money better than the people can themselves.

As per the question about the cost of full CS, Photoshop CS is $650. The entire CS suite (standard) is a grand. CS suite (premium) is $1,300.