What is this board I received w/PSE5?

[tigerfly]

Upgraded to PSE5 got it in the mail today. I bought from Co in CA. It is installed and working great but......I received a board, almost looks like extra RAM or something. What is this for and where does it go if I need it.? thanks,

[MarieBoyer]

Wierd. No idea on this one, but I am eager to see the responses of others? (You may get some humorous attempts at answers, so be patient and enjoy!)

[tigerfly]

I look forward to it. It is a board that has two black retangler boxes on it. Could it be video ram? I guess we will wait and see.

[mom to 4]

Wow! Don't know, mine didn't have anything extra....maybe it was a bonus:D , no, probably not! Someone on here will know!

[TonyW]

Marie: You mean you don't have one of those...:D . Stick it in and miraculously the Undo/Redo buttons will reappear. Amazing. Just Kidding....

Tony

[Robyn]

Now Tony............stop teasing!:D :D

[willpresley]

Was this board inside the PSE 5 box -- or just in the packing box that was used to ship it to you? If the latter probably some joker at the plant put it in there just so we would have another topic to discuss on our forum.

[Chuck S.]

Maybe the lost Browser is residing on it....in which case you should put it up for sale on eBay and you'll get a pretty penny for it from one of us frustrated browserless folks...

:D

Chuck

[MarieBoyer]

Maybe it makes GOLD TEXT automatically!

[tigerfly]

It was bought from one of those "Buy NOW" sites through E-Bay. Used Pay Pal and from a Company called..compudeals company. Guess what the address is?








Hong Kong Dr. San Jose CA. Just goes to figure. Could I take a picture of it and post it somewhere?

[Chuck S.]

Believe it or not...there is a Hong Kong Drive in San Jose! Looks to be in a residential neighborhood. Sounds like a packing error in the garage....

[mom to 4]

oooooooh, then maybe it is something extra!!!!

[Carbone]

My guess is that you probably bought an OEM version (if such a version exists for PSE) which is illegal to sell without the hardware it was supposed to be sold with in the first place.

Hardware like a Wacom tablet, a new Canon camera, etc. So, to "look" like they're legit, resellers will bundle defective NIC (Network Interface Card), bad audio cable for an old CD-ROM drive, etc, with this OEM disk. This is still not legit as most of these are copies, or no deal took place between Adobe and these resellers.

Sorry to burst your bubble..

Ray

[tigerfly]

Ok...It maybe is secretly coded. Where could I post a picture of it so someone could ID. It might contain old re-runs of the Gong Show.:) >

[Chuck S.]

Tigerfly: Chuck Barris of "The Gong Show" was the original "reality TV" host! Simon on "American Idol" reminds me of Chuck...

:D

Chuck

[MarieBoyer]

Ok...It maybe is secretly coded. Where could I post a picture of it so someone could ID. It might contain old re-runs of the Gong Show.:) >

Very, very funny! Glad you are into the spirit of it!!!!

[tigerfly]

Good call Chuck.. except......Old Simon doesn't jump around and act like he's on something. I think with Chuckie baby it was just coffee or the sound of that gong was punding in his head 24/7. Saw an old re-run the other day. I can't believe I really used to watch that show.:D

[AngelicKim]

You guys are all just too funny. How an I going to make it the next 11 or 12 days with out this forum to make my day. Better hit it big in Vegas to make up for it.:D

I got some memory cards a couple of months ago on eBay from Compudeals. I also got an extra in the box. Mine was one of those cell phone antena boosters. Contact the seller and ask him what it is.

BTW, you can post a photo of it at www.pixentral.com (http://www.pixentral.com) Just do a save for web at 700 pixels at the widest point.

[chas3stix]

Are you sure it wasn't a gift from the Bill Gates garage/museum....?:D
Chas

[pgreen7436]

Post a picture of it and that will help us identify it.

[Inspeqtor]

BTW, you can post a photo of it at www.pixentral.com (http://www.pixentral.com) Just do a save for web at 700 pixels at the widest point.

To post a picture do what kim says, then copy/paste the web location that is BELOW the picture, using the FORUM line into your message.

[Byron Gale]

Ray's post sums up my own guess!

[Wendy]

Mine too :)

Wendy

[tigerfly]

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8IctmjNy0ZMdY&notag=1

[mom to 4]

I could be way off here, but that sure looks like a memory card to me. those gold bars on the bottom is what makes me think memory card....they it perfectly in to the memory card slots inside my machine. It's very possible that I am wrong though........

[MarieBoyer]

Looks like a stick of RAM!

[TonyW]

Ray and Wendy are right: If you look down at the bottom of the ebay description you'll find:

This is new and sealed OEM software that will be bundled with ‘as-is’ non-guaranteed non-peripheral hardware to comply with Adobe and EBAY regulations governing the sale of OEM software.

So what you have is a fine example of a piece of as-is, non-guaranteed, non-peripheral hardware. Somehow I don't think that's quite what Adobe intended :(

Tony

[Ward Grant]

May I show my ignorance?

If the OEM software is supposed to be included with some type of legitimate hardware, how do the e-bay resellers acquire the software in the first place?
My naive mind says the software manufacturers do not knowingly supply such resellers. I just don't understand the supply process.

[kroberts]

Ward, I don't understand that whole process either and wonder how much of it is really legit??

Tigerfly, Tony, Chuck, Marie, & Chas,
I'm still laughing at your suggestions! I'm sure there would have been other great guesses if everyone hadn't seen the photo of the real object... As always, I can count on this forum for many good laughs.:D

I told myself that I'd get away from the computer at 11:00 and get my housework done, and once again I'm late. :p :rolleyes: Oh well, I guess it'll still be there waiting on me.......

[bwolford]

I would almost gurantee that Adobe will consider your software counterfeit and an illegal copy. I've been dealing with them at work for a customer of mine and they (Adobe) specifically warned this client that this kind of purchase is not represented in their license agreement and they would take legal action should the client acquire software in this manner.

It's now up to you to decide if you want to contact Adobe to make sure you have legit software and/or return a too good to be true deal to the seller.

Brice

[Jsweet2]

Some PSE5 programs on EBAY are being sold in "bundled packages" which means it should incldue a digital camera. Some sellers are saying that the camera will be included, but with no guarantee that it would work. I wonder if your "board" is what is passing for a non-guaranteed digital camera?

[LeeOtsubo]

Ward, baby, you obviously have never worked in disti. Many products mysteriously move sideways through distribution channels and not all such movement is unknown to the manufacturer.

Most people know products are produced by a manfacturer (let's say, Adobe), sold to a store (CompUSA) and resold to a customer (aka end-user, in this case, Ward). But, as you've noticed, companies like Wacom & Canon also bundle these Adobe products with their own products. In order to qualify for the best prices, a company may order 5000 units but then realize that sales aren't as brisk as forecast. Only 3500 units sell so they have 1500 extras. No company wants 1500 pieces of Adobe PSE5 at a cost of ~$35-40 each sitting in their warehouse. So, they move the excess "sideways" through 2nd tier resellers like Overstock.com or Computergeeks.com. If I had $135K worth of PSE5 (retail) sitting in my warehouse for which I had paid $60K (1500x$40), I'd rather sell it at cost than eat the carrying costs for 2-3 months while trying to unload it. Besides, I know Adobe will always give me the same 50-60% discount on the next large order I place. HTH.

[Carbone]

Lee,

This would make sense, but I much doubt any reputable company will resell "not for resale" software knowingly. And since Adobe OEM deal is usually with big companies, I don't see Wacom or Canon loosing their reputation and special business partnership with Adobe over leftover PSE5 stock.

Besides, I think I do remember the PSE2 disk (for example) being specialy made by Canon (or what appear to be Canon) because it had a Canon EOS logo on it.

However, I still think my theory stands. With today's high capability printers, it's possible to make anything looking like the real thing. Microsoft is constantly chasing such individuals creating Windows XP disks which looks like the real thing, down to the hologram sticked on the box!

Ray

[Wendy]

Hi ...

Must admit that I also have my doubts about companies like Wacom and Canon selling on software in this way ... and I suspect that if they did then Adobe would take a very dim view of it.

Wendy

[tigerfly]

Now you all are making me to be out as a someone who needs to go to jail!!! :confused: This thread started out be funny and fun and now you all are making me feel bad. How would I know if it is not a licit copy? I just went to E-Bay and bought it where this seller had five stars and was recommended by e-bay. I did register it with Adobe. But I am thankful for all of you that know so much.

When I get home forom work I'm going to fix me a Martini and have a little backyard ceromony and bury this "unkonw object" in my neighbors yard. (that way if explodes won't harm me). Don't get me wrong it will be the FAR side of his house next to the street. That way might take out the mailman also. (don't like either of them):D :D

[LeeOtsubo]

Hi Ray & Wendy,
Obviously, I'm not privy to any information re: Wacom or Canon business practices. But, when one looks at the numbers and product positioning, it doesn't take a lot of imagination to see how excess PSE units could find their way to 2nd and 3rd tier resellers.

Adobe is a $2.6B(illion) company, Canon is $8.4B and Wacom is only about $202Million but they hold a large share of a very siginificant market for Adobe products. If Canon suddenly decided to include Corel PaintShop Pro or some other program, you can bet there would be major angst at Adobe.

Adobe really doesn't care how PSE gets into consumer's hands as long as, 1) Adobe gets paid, 2) it doesn't cost them anything in support/warranty and 3) it doesn't cause them grief with existing resellers. For large customers who buy in volume, Adobe is not going to get exercised if a few thousand units are bled off to the gray market. Look at Canon's gray market cameras. Those are openly sold by top-tier resellers like B&H. If Canon wanted to stop the practice, it would be easy to track down to serial numbers. Ditto Adobe.

The odd situation you hear about is when someone wants support and/or a refund or if an authorized reseller raises a ruckus.

Just my US$0.02 worth based on 40 years in the high tech industry where I spent a lot of time tracking down wayward products.

[bayhli]

I purchased my first PSE (2) from Ebay for $10.00 - in a simpler fashion, this fellow had received it with his new computer but already had the program. So he sold the "bundled" software, and I had no qualms about buying it, good deal and the real thing. No, he's not supposed to sell it but I doubt very much Adobe is concerned with these little guys. (No extra piece of bogus equipment had to accompany this example though)

What Lee is refering to is the same thing, except on a much grander scale. Goes on all the time.

I see computer parts on Ebay all the time, that have to come to you with some kind of nonsensical non-working extra piece - this is the way sellers get around Ebay's terms of sale. Ebay has to know about this and they are the ones who need to stop it - this type of item is where you could really get ripped off with a "fake". Some parts are legit but others definitely may not be. Research, research the seller. This is in-your-face breaking the rules that Ebay needs to get a handle on.

My 2 cents...

Edit: I have to agree with Lee that in the scheme of things, it won't break Adobe and they likely don't much care.

[Ward Grant]

Thanks for everyone for their insight into the software pipeline-I have only been at the faucet end when I purchase something.

[LeeOtsubo]

Well, Ward, just keep in mind, "Nothing happens until someone buys something." You are the grease that keeps our economy moving smoothly. Now run out and spend more $$$! :D

Hi Pat, how's the weather in the frozen north? Frozen, I'll bet. Haven't heard from you since the class. Are you and the 30D getting along? I'll have to check your gallery to see what new photos you're posted.

Your story reminded me of the PSE2 CD I rxd w/my Canon 10D. I already had PS and PSE so I gave it to a friend. He used it for about a year and upgraded to PSCS. That's exactly what Adobe wants to happen.

Run, Tigerfly, run. I've heard the Adobe license police are on their way to your house as we speak. They are under strict orders seize all CDs, PCs, Macs, digital cameras and anything that might be used in violation of the license. :D

[bayhli]

Hi Lee,

Never thought about that angle but you are right - it wasn't long before I purchased PSE3 with Premiere 2 and I now have PSE5 sitting on the shelf waiting to be installed. I've since got about 3 copies of PSE3 with various equipment I've purchased as well - selling them on Ebay, nope... I'll buy but not sell, I don't want to get in trouble. Passed them along to family members. There's now a little voice in my head saying PS2...Ps2....

Don't bother looking in my gallery, nothing much new there. I have been concentrating on the photography end since your class and I'm gaining I think. Metering is still fuzzy but it's coming. Composition, well that will take longer.

Just came in from shooting my outside Xmas Lites - a first so I'm anxious to see how I did. Camera's coming to room temperature in a baggie at the moment - 11 below zero here but that's great for this time of year. My fingers were a little numb but what can I do - it's a long time 'till spring! :D We're averaging between 11 and 18 below.

[mom to 4]

tigerfly:

Enjoy what you have. You didn't go out and intentionally buy something you shouldn't have. You just bought what you wanted and got a little bonus. Plug it in and enjoy it! Bury the box in the neighbors yard, and then invite all of us over for a martini....that way...we'll never tell!!!!!:D ;) :D

[LeeOtsubo]

Hi Lee,
...Just came in from shooting my outside Xmas Lites - a first so I'm anxious to see how I did. Camera's coming to room temperature in a baggie at the moment - 11 below zero here but that's great for this time of year. My fingers were a little numb but what can I do - it's a long time 'till spring! :D We're averaging between 11 and 18 below.

I'm sorry but that doesn't compute! 11 degrees below zero? Is that zero as in zilch, zip, nada?

I refuse to go outside when the temp falls below freezing which, in SoCal, is defined as below 40^F. You need a vacation. There's are a dozen golf resorts within 5 miles of our house and Wild Animal Park is 10 miles away. Next week, I'll be shooting the 2nd Annual Polo and Balloon Festival (hot air balloons) in Indio. Come on down!

[Chuck S.]

I'm sorry but that doesn't compute! 11 degrees below zero? Is that zero as in zilch, zip, nada?

Lee, I'm guessing that's below zero Celsius, not Fahrenheit. Cold certainly, but not quite so intolerable...

Chuck

[bayhli]

Yes, that's celsius Lee, about +12F according to my calculator, definitely tolerable.

Pics turned out ok handheld; they are not just an orange glow so I've learned something!

I would love to photo the Northern Lights, just not sure yet how I would go about that. They can be quite spectacular but so far it just hasn't been cold enough.

Sorry, I'm way off topic for this thread!

[Byron Gale]

Upgraded to PSE5...I would have expected that PSE4 would be the OEM bundled version for quite a while, yet, with any cameras, scanners, tablets... etc.

I wonder what package includes v5?

[Carbone]

That was my thought all the way.. PSE5 being bundled AND already the surplus sold on E-bay... smells strange ;)

But once it's there and registered, and most of all, bought in good faith.. make the best of it ;)

Ray