Adobe has bundled upgraded versions of its content creation applications into two integrated suites. Read our full reviews.At the end of 2003, Adobe's three Collections morphed into two suites: a AU$1,999 Creative Suite Standard Edition, comprising the new versions of Photoshop (with an updated ImageReady), Illustrator and InDesign, and a AU$2,499 Premium version, which adds new versions of GoLive and the already released Acrobat 6.0 Professional.
What distinguishes a suite from a collection? In this case, it's improved work-flow integration and interface similarity among the various applications, plus two inter-operational applications. The first, called Version Cue, is a hybrid asset- and collaboration-management program, which provides some version control and file management for workgroup publishing. The second is a series of Design Guides, which lead you through the various tasks of a selected type of work flow, such as preparing images for use on a Web site. Like the first version of any software, they look raw and need some streamlining. However, combining these newborn applications with the veteran products makes them look even greener.
As with most office suites, the allure is the pricing rather than the packaging. For instance, if you currently own just Photoshop, you're eligible to upgrade to the entire suite, getting full versions of all the other applications in the suite as well. Also, if you are planning to buy Photoshop plus another program, it might be cheaper to buy the suite (depending on the other program).
| Adobe Creative Suite components and prices | |||
| Full |
Upgrade |
||
| Creative Suite Premium | AU$2,499 | AU$1,559 | |
| Creative Suite Standard | AU$1,999 | AU$1,139 | |
| Photoshop CS | AU$1,399 | AU$349 | |
| Illustrator CS | AU$899 | AU$349 | |
| InDesign CS | AU$1,599 | AU$349 | |
| GoLive CS | AU$959 | AU$349 | |
| Acrobat 6.0 Professional | AU$899 | AU$299 | |
Photoshop
CS
Photoshop CS remains the choice for professional image editing, and it's worth
the upgrade, although some new features could be better implemented.
Illustrator
CS
Adobe keeps Illustrator CS the top dog in the field of professional drawing
tools.
InDesign
CS
Even as QuarkXPress implodes, InDesign CS gains features and capabilities that
make it the layout application of choice.
GoLive
CS
GoLive CS is a solid Web-site creation option for designers, but only as part
of the Creative Suite package from Adobe.
Acrobat
6.0 Professional
Adobe's Acrobat 6.0 is an indispensable upgrade for any serious Acrobat user. But individual users should look for a cheaper option.
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