Is CS4 worth the update?
I have CS3 master. I’m not employed in any graphics related field, but I find most of the CS3 apps über handy to have when I do random projects.
Are the feature enhancements as a whole enough to justify an upgrade for a casual user? or should I wait awhile for CS5?
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
7 Answers
No. Don’t upgrade. I have used Adobe Photoshop since 2.0 – and I can guarantee you that the update is not life-changing.
I really can’t justify the cost of upgrading based on new features. It is faster when you switch between apps. Overall, I wouldn’t bother with upgrading.
it depends, if you work with a lot of 3d, and plan on working with Adobe’s new 3d program, then yes, of course it is worth the upgrade.
If you plan on getting a macbook “diamond” when it comes out, then yes, because it has integrated multi-touch functionality for mac users, it has smoother brush dynamics, if you use a tablet like a WACOM. It is also much, much, MUCH, more efficient on memory and CPU usage, and the scratch disk can go all the way up to a Terabyte.
If you don’t understand any of that, or don’t care about any of that, then don’t both with an upgrade. I would only recommend it if you “find” a “copy” on the internet, for “really, really cheep, like free.” Or you win the lotto. Or CS5 comes out.
If you’re playing the lottery, make sure you have a lucky ticket!
If you “win” remember to seed…err… pay taxes!
If you have an Intel Mac with the supported graphics card, the new Rotate View tool is awesome, the new Spring-Loaded Keys are excellent, and the keyboard shortcuts to resize brushes are very handy. InDesign has some new features, mostly small tweaks that make a lot of the work I do in InDesign faster, and the new multiple artboards in Illustrator along with the new Appearance panel are excellent.
I upgraded to CS4 from CS3 after less thana year just for the features I mentioned, and I am totally happy with the purchase. Well worth it and I love the new features. Then again, I am an illustrator & designer, so I use these apps all day, every day.
the way photoshop draws from your graphics card enables you to “flick” to different parts of the picture. this REALLY helped improve my work flow like I didn’t imagine it would. Also, all the color adjustments are now on their own pallet. Great time saver.
Yeah upgrade, but don’t bother paying for it.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
