Apr222007Which CS3 Edition? Or, does CS just mean “Confusing Selection”?
I’ve been getting quite a few questions about the different versions of Adobe’s new Creative Suite. There are 6 editions, ranging in price from $999 to $2,499 (ouch!). Upgrades from previous software ranges from $399 to $1,999. You can also just buy the software individually: Dreamweaver CS3, for example, is $399 (upgrades from Dreamweaver MX, MX 2004 or 8 are $199).
Which one should a Web designer buy? Well that all depends on what type of designer you are. If you don’t use Flash and are happy with whatever graphics program you use, you may just want to buy Dreamweaver separately. However, if you want a few other programs to help build Web sites, you might want one of the suites.
The Photoshop-phobic Web Designer
If you want Dreamweaver, Flash and a competent Web graphics program (Fireworks) the Web Standard Edition ($999, $399 upgrade) is enough for you. It includes Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks and Contribute. It also includes a few other Adobe apps which come with the other Suites–most interesting to Web designers is “Device Central” which lets you preview Web pages in different types of mobile phones.
The Photoshop-loving Web Designer
If you love graphic apps, especially Photoshop, then the Web Premium Edition ($1,599, $499 upgrade) is a better choice. It includes everything in the Web Standard Edition as well as Photoshop Extended. In addition, you also get Adobe Illustrator, a fine vector-based illustration program, and Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional.
The Print Designing Web Designer
If you’re caught between two worlds (print and the web), your choice is more difficult. Adobe’s page layout program, InDesign isn’t available in either Web edition. You’ll need to get the Design Premium Edition ($1,799, $599 upgrade) if you want InDesign as well as Dreamweaver and Flash. Unfortunately, you’ll lose Fireworks and Contribute in the process. If you must have InDesign and Fireworks you’ll have to shell out for the whole enchilada: the Master Collection ($2,499, $1,999 upgrade) (or buy one of the suites then by the missing product separately). If you go this route, you can also launch your video editing career since you’ll recieve After Effects, Premiere Pro, Soundbooth and Encore in addition to everything else (there’s some mention of a kitchen sink as well, but I don’t know what the upgrade price is for that.)
To compare the different editions visit the Creative Suite page on the Adobe site and click the “Compare Editions” tab.
3 Responses to “Which CS3 Edition? Or, does CS just mean “Confusing Selection”?”
john dough June 24th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
hi david,
i am going through your PHP/mySql dreamweaver PDF tutorials. i noticed that when i go to “Edit This Product” your code appears to select thesubsequent record. i hope i made a mistake. the other options could be that mysql has a cursor issue or your code takes me to the next Product record when the next form/webpage is opened. the Delete process works fine.
p.s. planning on buying your new CS3 book.
Dave McFarland June 26th, 2007 at 7:34 am
john,
not sure what the problem is. you can send me your files and I can check them out. you can also e-mail me directly if you have problems with the tutorials (missing@sawmac.com). The new Dreamweaver CS3 book has PHP tutorials that have been edited and tested as well.
–dave
Anoop Goyal June 10th, 2007 at 2:29 am
Hello David
I recently bought The Missing Manual-CSS and am enjoying it thoroughly. Especially those IE hacks you have provided.
Before reading your book, I had fininshed reading Simon collison’s - Beginner CSS(or something similar), which was good as well. But I think your book is just way too good.
Now, Collison and Andy budd has written another book on advanced CSS. I haven’t read it but wonder what would there be more in that book that they,or you, haven’t covered already.
I really hope that the advanced css section of your book covers the same thing that their advanced css book covers.
Thanking You for such an awesome book.
Best Wishes
Anoop Goyal
Sweden