Adobe Photoshop 7.01-->Newer Alternative?

[rvrugg90]

Hi! Im going to be receiving my MBP next week and I have some questions about software. Currently, on windows XP, I run Adobe Photoshop 7.01. I find it okay to use...a bit boring, but it has done the job for the past 4 years or so. My question is...what would be the best solution for the Mac? Should I keep the 7.01 and put it on the MBP? Should I get Elements...CS3 (waaay expensive)

I am an avid photographer, going to college (possibly marketing,advertising). I am pretty informed about photoshop 7.01's features...I use the keyboard shortcuts ALL the time and I edit thousands of pictures for Online Antique Auctions. Is elements the sucessor to 7.01 or are CS2 and CS3?

I would obviously like to spend the money for elements rather than CS3, but am concerned it doesn't have the features of the older version I am using.
Any Recommendations?

 

[r.j.s]

I'm not sure, but I dont think PS7 will run on intel macs. If you use photoshop, and are used to everything in it, you'll need to get CS3. It's expensive, but worth it if you use the features.

Although, since you have been using 7 for years now, you might be able to get by with just PS Elements 6, it's intel native, and should have all the features of PS7 and then some.

 

[rvrugg90]

Would I be loosing features in the switch? I know i would gain beginner features meant for grandparents who dont know where the power button is...and Im not really picky-i doubt I use half of Photoshop 7's features...

I need curves, layers, levels, actions (mainly for batch-work like resizing resolution,etc), keyboard shortcuts...

I bet if i needed CS3 for web-design or design stuff in school, they could provide a better price than what I can get now...I think its out of my price range currently though. (so we are mainly talking about elements 6)

7.01 vs Elements 6 features-wise

 

[r.j.s]

We'll have to wait for someone that has actually used PSE6, I haven't, but I understand that it does have all those features you mentioned.

When you get the MBP, you can download a free trial to see if it does have all the features you need, before you shell out any money.

 

[sickmacdoc]

Perhaps what would be best is to go to the Adobe information page concerning PS Elements 6 and check out what info you can get from there regarding what you use while you wait for your Mac-- then download the full-featured demo once you get it. It would certainly be worth it if it meets your needs as it is only $79 at Amazon which is a good deal for all it offers.

The other thing to check out is, like you mentioned, your campus bookstore student licensing programs if you are attending college. My son's bookstore has Photoshop CS3 Extended (which carries a $999 Adobe list price) for $178- and the full Adobe CS3 Master Collection (!!!) which has a list price of $2499.00 for $508! He bought the CS3 Design Premium Suite recently for $308, so it is certainly worth looking into!

Good luck!