The good:
Veteran set of powerful imaging tools; streamlined user interface; more extensible and customizable; completely overhauled 3D engine in Extended version.
The badThe bad:
More of a memory hog than Photoshop CS3; print features and type engine still in dire need of an update.
The bottom lineThe bottom line:
If you work with 3D, Photoshop Extended is a must-have upgrade; ditto if you think you'd use more of Standard's tools if the interface were less opaque, if you need to upgrade other suite applications, or if you qualify for an academic discount. All things considered, while Adobe Photoshop CS4 makes some improvements over CS3, it might be worth skipping this generation and waiting for the next.
Specifications:
License qty: 1 user ; License type: Complete package ; Min Operating system: Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 , Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later , Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise SP1 , Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP1 , Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1
The good:
Flash CS4 lets users creates animation in fewer steps; new 3D Rotation and Bones tools; Motion Editor; Motion presets; faster rendering; Adobe AIR support; new XFL format isn't saved by default; practical interface adjustments.
The badThe bad:
Longtime users may dislike Flash CS4's radical changes; new tools can be clumsy; steep price.
The bottom lineThe bottom line:
Flash becomes friendlier and more fun to explore as CS4 introduces a faster approach to animation, making this a worthwhile upgrade for both beginners and seasoned programmers.
Specifications:
License qty: 1 user ; License type: Complete package ; Min Operating system: Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 , Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later , Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise SP1 , Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP1 , Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1
