Adobe is to bundle upgrades of its content creation applications into two integrated suites. Check out our preview for the components and prices.At the end of 2003, Adobe's three Collections will morph 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 | |
First Look: Photoshop CS
Thanks to Adobe's continued refinement of Photoshop, it looks like the program will retain its leadership position as the essential image-editing tool for graphics professionals.
First Look: Illustrator CS
A bevy of enhancements, including an entirely new type engine, make Illustrator CS a worthy upgrade and a solid member of the Creative Suite.
First Look: InDesign CS
The new InDesign CS will hold its own as the document-layout anchor of Creative Suite and as a standalone DTP package, but as an update, there's little to write home about.
First Look: GoLive CS
Adobe's professional Web-authoring tool includes updates that make it more competitive with the latest version of Macromedia's Dreamweaver; improved integration with other Adobe products also seems designed to win over current Dreamweaver users.
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.
