Cheapest way to get Photoshop

[Kerbouchard]

Cheapest way I know of is to go down to the local community college, sign up for one of their cheapest courses. Get your credentials and then buy through the Education Store that has been linked already. You can get into a lot of classes for around $100 bucks. The difference in price between Photoshop CS5 extended is over a thousand dollars...could be the most valuable class you ever attend(or not attend, heck, you don't even need to buy the book).

 

[RichardsTPF]

If you have any friends in college, they can buy student version software with their student ID at school. A lot cheaper.

 

[Kerbouchard]

If you have any friends in college, they can buy student version software with their student ID at school. A lot cheaper.

That would be illegal. It could also get the friends in trouble if the OP ever decided to try to sell it.

Sometimes I kind of miss Nazi moderators like there are at some of the other forums I visit. Illegal suggestions removed, the person who made them gets warned or banned....

 

[Opher]

3 ways... mine is the 3rd

1. buy an outdated one for cheap and upgrade it
2. Torrent a cracked version. (DO NOT DO THIS AS IT IS NOT LEGAL)
3. Get a student copy...

 

[RichardsTPF]

Selling the student version or using for commercial purpose is illegal. How about using it on personal computer?

 

[kundalini]

Photography is not a hobby for the faint of wallet.

 

[Robin Usagani]

Yeah, I bought CS4 design premium for like $700. I dont need CS5. Happy with CS4. It is older but at least it is legit and I am the only one with the serial code!

 

[Josh66]

Thanks, I'll try downloading gimp and see how I get on with that.

If you try GIMP and plan on moving to PS later, there is a plugin (though, it might actually be a stand-alone program, not a plugin...) for GIMP that makes it look like Photoshop. I can't remember what it's called (gimpshop, I think)...

It doesn't change what it does, but it does make the menus, tool icons, and names look the same as they do in Photoshop.

Might be something to look into so you don't have to re-learn everything whenever you get PS...


edit
Here it is:
http://www.gimpshop.com/index.shtml

 

[KmH]

Selling the student version or using for commercial purpose is illegal. How about using it on personal computer?

Selling a Student Edition would violate the EULA, but Student Editions can be used for commercial purposes in North America.

 

[Overread36]

Actually it seems the last few months the European student edition is also free of the previous restriction on commercial applications/uses for student editions as well.

 

[KmH]

The difference in price between Photoshop CS5 extended is over a thousand dollars...

Photoshop CS5 Extended retails for $999. The Student Edition Adobe of Photoshop CS5 Extended costs $199, an $800 savings (80% off).

Adobe does not sell a Student Edition of Photoshop CS5.

By the way NAPP members get a 15% discount on Adobe products (even Student Editions and upgrades), among many other discounts on hardware, other software, free regular shipping from Adorama and B&H Photo Video, 10 yearly issues of Photoshop User magazine (I got my August issue in the mail today), hundreds of online Photoshop and Lightroom tutorials, a member only Photoshop forum many Photoshop experts frequent, and many other perks.

My NAPP member referrral link is: Learn Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Digital Photography | NAPP click on 'Benefits' there at the top to see what they have to offer for $99 a year. It's easy to save the $99 by taking advantage of the all the discounts that are available.

Click on the the tab to get a Free Issue of Photoshop Users magazine too!

 

[KmH]

Actually it seems the last few months the European student edition is also free of the previous restriction on commercial applications/uses for student editions as well.

That could well be. I only keep track of the North America EULA. (End User License Agreement)

 

[LittleMike]

I bought Elements for $100, and two weeks later got an email from Adobe offering an upgrade to the full version of CS5 for $300. I don't know how often they do that, or if i was just lucky as hell and hit the lottery. Either way, the student edition is by far the cheapest legal way to do it.

 

[Dao]

I remembered a forum member bought a used copy of Photoshop (from garage sales) and Adobe let him upgrade (pay the upgrade price) for the newest version. Of course YMMV.

 

[ryan_caldero]

Hi.

I'm havign problems with photoshop. my friend gave me a copy but it doesn't seem to work properly (not sure where she got it from)
I can't afford the full version so was wondering if PS Elements is any good?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!!

YO! ... I got Photoshop CS. (edited for content)