Amazon Reviews

[Childsplay904]

I just checked Amazon.com, planning on ordering PSE4. The reviews (8), were all negative. Each focused on a different area, but slow performance, lose of the file browers and no real difference in the 'new' items were the chief complaints. For those of you who have upgraded, what do you think??? Thanks for your imput...Suzanne :?

[Pauline]

Suzanne, there are quite a few threads regarding PSE 4. Just go up to the top bar and hit the search and put your request in. I can say that from what I have read, there is no one raving about making the change.

[Wendy]

I find it sad that Adove have released a new verions that seems to have so many negative points ... up to now I have really liked each version but I think this time they have a loser.

They seem to have stopped listening to the users ... and it is sad :(

Wendy

[Carbone]

Usually, Adobe follows an 18 month (more or less) cycle between two versions. This time, PSE4 was release around 12 months after PSE3, that could explain the negative reviews.

Some people had just upgraded within the past 6 months and are now already not up to date. And since there are no major changes, it's more frustrated because there are no big rebates to upgrade (I think it's 20 U$)

Ray

[Childsplay904]

Pauline the search did yield a lot of threads on the subject, thanks. I think I am going to wait on the next upgrade!

[Pauline]

Hi Suzanne. There have been a few threads. I agree with you. I'm going to wait. PSE4 takes away more than it gives and since I have a tablet, I don't really care so much about the magic selection brush. I'm doing pretty fine without it. To upgrade now would be a ridiculous waste of money that I could be spending on more books. :wink:

[Tyler]

I bought PSE4 the first week and am very disappointed. I wish I could get my money back! I bought it just for the Extraction tool and the Selection tool thinking it would save me a lot of time. So far, it is very show and very little time is saved, if any. I expected more. Live and learn.
Tyler

[Wendy]

Pauline ...

... Not more books!! .. You must have as many as I have by now :)


Wendy

[Wendy]

Tyler ...

If you stick with the extraction tools then it may get quicker as you get used to them.


Wendy

[Pauline]

Wendy, I 'need' that lighting book. :lol: I'm having trouble controling myself from not ordering. I'm trying to be good!

[Wendy]

Pauline ...

Me too ... now if I could think of another book to order then I would get free postage from Amazon !!! :)


Wendy

[Pauline]

:lol: :lol: Wendy I was thinking the same darn thing but was afraid to say it too you. :lol: :lol: That's too funny. Did you know Katrine Eismann ? has a new book out on Layers and Masks?? I wonder what it's like? Maybe on your little book review trip you could check it out. It's pretty expensive. Over $50 Can. if I remember correctly.

[Wendy]

Pauline ...

Ouch !! that is a lot ... maybe I will get the chance to check it out soon. If so I will let you know what I think :)

Wendy

[Pauline]

Thanks Wendy. I really enjoyed her photo retouching book and found that there were only a few things that elements couldn't do but with that one it's really hard to tell, and that is a pile of money. Worth it though if it's good and can teach me more.

[Childsplay904]

Pauline, Wendy! What 'lighting' book??? I lurk a lot and try to keep up with all your titles and have a 'great' collection myself! Is there a hint about remembering what technique is in which book?!! I do learn a lot from all of them but am always on the prowl for the next one...thx...good day...

[Pauline]

Suzanne, here's the thread for that book.

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5058&highlight=

[Childsplay904]

Pauline...I have that book...I told you I am trying to keep my 'library' up to speed. I have Photoshop 3 and am not planning on upgrading anytime soon. Some of this book is Photoshop only. I am sure there are workarounds or 'add-in, plug-ins', etc., but I am just keeping my head above water now! But there are lots of things in the book to try and do. Adding fog, casting light through windows, reflections, creating silhouettes. I even made rainbow...so there is a lot to learn... There is just too much and too little time! take care up there,

[Pauline]

I don't plan on updating to ps2, as there is plenty to do with elements and frankly I think I've learned more than I ever could with this great community so why bother with a giant program that would only get minimal use? When I read the reviews for the book though I thought that it sounded good and I would learn from it, and I believe you've answered my question. It's really an area I think we could all learn more about, so thank you. My only decision now is.........buy the book and pay postage or buy a second one with it to save postage and spend an additional $40 instead. :lol:

You don't happen to have Katrin Eismanns new one on Layers and Masks do you???

[Childsplay904]

Pauline...I don't have the Eismann book. I have looked at those books on line but have not been tempted since they are for Photoshop. I will look at one the next time I am at the bookstore and see how much can be applied to PSE. I didn't see the 'layers' one on Amazon...did I miss it or is it yet to be released? The reviews were grreat for her books though. Do you have any of the others and did you find them something we could use?

[ktnoon60]

Pauline,
I have that book by Katrine Eismann on hold at the library. When I pick it up and have a look at it I'll let you know what I think.

Kt

[Pauline]

Thanks KT. I appreciate that. It's a big ticket item so I really would want to know how useful it is before. Our library is old and small. We never get any of these kinds of books there and the biggest book store doesn't carry a lot of what's available.

Suzanne I have her Photoshop Restoration and Retouching. It is for photoshop and there are some things I can't do, but there is plenty to learn from it and it is a fabulous book. Most of the stuff I think you can use a work around for or the pet tools. I have the older one with the green cover. I got a good deal on e-bay. I would recommend it.

[Foxhound]

Each focused on a different area, but slow performance, lose of the file browers and no real difference in the 'new' items were the chief complaints.

Sure there may not be any REAL differences between the two programs other than PE4 not being able to run actions. But the slow performance? Even on a slow machine (1.2gig PIII) it loads and runs so much faster and now that I have the AMD64 3500+ it's like greased lightning :)

You can run the organizer (great progam in itself) the editor and Premiere all at the same time with no drop in performance :)