upgrade question

[Sue_Th...@adobeforums.com]

I have been on the adobe website upgrade eligibility page and I cannot find an answer to the following. I have PS CS3 Extended and wish to upgrade to CS4 (not CS4 extended). Does anyone know if this is possible and what the pricing is?

Thanks

[Ann_She...@adobeforums.com]

I suggest that you call Customer Service — they will know the answer.

[john_c...@adobeforums.com]

Unfortunately it is the same upgrade price as those with cs3

what is even worse is the fact that a current cs3 extended owner has to pay the same upgrade fee to cs4 extended as everyone else no breaks for paying a premium before

in my mind that is almost criminal

johnc...@comcast.net

[john_c...@adobeforums.com]

[Buko]

Its still cheaper than full price.

[Sue_Th...@adobeforums.com]

I have called the support line twice and had it confirmed both times that you cannot upgrade from CS3 extended to CS4 due to software differences - whatever that means - I thought they were independent programs.

[Buko]

Sue the only difference between extended and standard is the serial number. Its the same app. the serial locks or unlocks the extended features.

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

Sue,

it confirmed both times that you cannot upgrade from CS3 extended to CS4
due to software differences

That makes no sense (to me). In addition, these are totally independent applications and they don't rely upon each other for proper operability, as either upgrades or full versions.

Now, there may be a policy reason for not allowing such an upgrade -- but that's a far different issue. You may be able to go up the ladder and find a supervisor who can make case-by-case decisions that are not in the first-level customer support play book.

Neil

[Ramón_G_Castañeda@adobeforums.com]

Adobe Senior Photoshop Program Manager John Nack's blog specifically states that it is possible to go from CS3 Extended to plain vanilla CS4.

<http://blogs.adobe.com/jnack/2008/09/photoshop_exten_1.html>

September 29, 2008

Photoshop Extended upgrade options

A couple of folks have written to ask whether it's possible to upgrade
from Photoshop CS3 Extended to Photoshop CS4 (the non-Extended version),
or whether once you've bought Extended once you can only buy Extended
in the future. The short story is that you have a choice.

It turns out there's an oversight in our pricing and upgrade mechanisms,
and CS4 pricing materials don't list a way to go CS3 Extended->CS4 standard.
We're working to get that corrected now. You'll need to call Customer
Service if you'd like to go down this route, but you might want to wait
a few days for them to get the details squared away.

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

Thanks for the info, Ramón.

Neil

[R...@adobeforums.com]

I'm also interested in this issue. I'd like to upgrade from CS3 Extended to CS4. I'm a Mac user, but posted in the ongoing related thread in the Windows forum:

<http://www.adobeforums.com/webx?128@@.59b6aa3f>

I don't understand why they haven't clearly stated what Adobe's policy is on this question. Nack say's one thing and the support line says the exact opposite.

[Ramón_G_Castañeda@adobeforums.com]

Nack say's one thing and the support line says the exact opposite.

"Nack" also says it will take some time to straighten the mess and the clueless support employees in India.

[Wade_Zi...@adobeforums.com]

OK, they simply did not think it would be an issue. and here is my bent on this without really knowing any of you who are complaining about this issue.

Ok so now you upgrade at a slightly lower price for the non extended version. And since we know you are people that cannot be satisfied you will find something wrong with even that…and don't hand me any baloney about it not being true.

Now you have your normal versions and you go to a clients' office o colleagues office and they show you some of the wonderful things they are doing with these features and naturally Adobe screwed you by selling a normal upgrade instead of making you aware of all the things you can now do with the extended version.

…and now you can't upgrade to the extended version unless you buy the full version of the extended or pay the upgrade price to the extended.

Even though you have cost them more then they made from you ridiculous whining about a few dollars.

For crying out loud how much money do you people make from Photoshop, ll your income, most of your income, half your income?

This is kind of amusing How many hours do you have to work to pay for this upgrade.

A student waiting tables can easily pay for this.

[Scott_W...@adobeforums.com]

Wade, it's exceptionally presumptuous to state what people can or can't afford. Every individual is entitled to their own choice.

[john_c...@adobeforums.com]

Wade,

I am glad you are so willing to shell out your money in today's economy. Keep up the good work and I have a few bridges to sell you also.

My beef is not thye upgrade price my beef is that I already paid a premium once to upgrade to cs33 extended and now everyone can upgrade to cs4 extended for the same price.

I feel current extended owners should be given a discount for cs4 extended and not have to pay a premium twice which is what adobe is doing to us.

End of story and a class action suit should be filed

[Wade_Zi...@adobeforums.com]

Not worth replying to!

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

john,

I think your argument is specious. But, your call -- if you feel you wish to start a class action suit...

Neil

[john_c...@adobeforums.com]

Neil,

You may feel that way but lets look at it another way.
What if I owned the entire cs3 suite and wanted to get the cs4 suite Do you feel it would be fair for me to pay the same upgrade to cs4 suite as a cs3 regular photoshop owner

It is the same line I am not arguing the upgrade price just that it is not fair for someone who has already paid a premium once to have to pay the premium a second time and if you followed the web upgrades you would have thought that you did not even have a choice but to upgrade to cs4 extended.

That is called a deceptive practice and in this state is punishable by law

John

[Buko]

the extended upgrade price is a third of the full price. I suppose you are going to bring a class action about the full price too.

[Buko]

That is called a deceptive practice and in this state is punishable by
law

there is nothing deceptive about it Adobe has always charged more for the extended Upgrade the same as they charge more for the Full extended version.

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

john,

I see nothing that Adobe is doing with pricing (in the States) that is out of line with accepted business practices.

So, I'm not going to argue with your perception of what's fair. Your State attorney general's office is in the phone book.

Neil

[john_c...@adobeforums.com]

Buko Neil Etc ,

When CS4 was announced and you went online to upgrade you were left with only the option to upgrade from cs3 extended to cs4 extyended even if you did not want cs4 extended . if you could get ahold of customer service you would get presented with the same option unless you spoke with a supervisor and found out indeed that you could get the cs4 regular upgrade for the $199.00

That is a deceptive practice and is indeed punishable and we need to band together on this not fight each other when the 800lb gurellia that is Adobe rakes in the money otherwise

[Buko]

Just because this one thing slipped by the marketers does not make it deceptive. This is the first time Adobe has had an upgrade from the extended version. The marketing dept. probably can't imagine anyone wanting to downgrade to standard. But as John Nack has stated it was an oversight and will be fixed.

I think you are flogging a dead horse.

[Sue_Th...@adobeforums.com]

I only want to upgrade to CS4 standard because I have no use for the CS4 extended features. I found that out after never using the CS3 extended features. I am not interested in 3d effects or video. So I am not sure why I should have to buy them. I did not think it an unreasonable request.

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

Sue,

Buko pretty much stated that pricing will be adjusted.

Neil

[Sue_Th...@adobeforums.com]

I suppose I was wanting some information from Adobe before I make another purchasing error.

[Allen...@adobeforums.com]

I suppose I was wanting some information from Adobe before I make another
purchasing error.

Trouble is we are users, not Adobe, so you will not generally get info from Adobe here. Ya gotta call 'em, but that is often a useless exercise talking to someone who wants to be helpful but has little knowledge and less authority. <sigh>

[john_c...@adobeforums.com]

They have had amble time to adjust or correct the pricing both on the web and through customer service which as of this moment still insists that you can only upgrade to cs4 extended from cs3 extended.

I believe there are numerous individuals who will never see a rebate or adjustment if they are unaware of the price at time of checkout.

If the price had been posted too low do you believe that adobe would not have corrected that problem within seconds

I believe not

Adobe is trying to harvest as much as they can before they are forced to do otherwise

[Scott_W...@adobeforums.com]

They have had amble time to adjust or correct the pricing both on the

web and through customer service ...

No offense, but that comment is posted by someone who obviously doesn't understand the behind the scene workings of a major web site. Revisions and updates can take weeks, sometimes a month or more - not just a few days.

For what it's worth, the Adobe web store offers no path from Web Premium CS3.3 to Design Premium CS4 either. But a simple call to Customer Service sorts that out. Anyone paying face value without completely investigating options does so at their own folly.

[Jim_J...@adobeforums.com]

To add to that folly of an absence of investigation...

If one has no need or made no use of CS3 Extended's features, what features of plain CS4 are so critical that you must purchase now, before you can even test a trial? Patience will offer many benefits.

[john_c...@adobeforums.com]

Don't need to purchase now unless you want to have camera raw 5.0 as 4.6 will be the last update for cs3 which basicaly says adobe will not support cs3 anymore

there are numerous other updates but if you work in Lightroom and then want to go over to adobe it will not be fluid anymore if you have cs3 your adjustments in a smart object do not translate back and forth

so they are forcing you to update and then if you are a cs3 extended and do not investigate they are telling you you have to upgrade to cs4 extended even though you may not want to

[Ann_She...@adobeforums.com]

So "investigate" then.

A simple FREE telephone call is all that it takes….

[john_c...@adobeforums.com]

as of 5 minutes agio still no change and customer service reps still say if you have cs3 extended you have to upgrade to cs4 extended at a price of $349

web site says this
Upgrade eligibility
Upgrade to Adobe Photoshop CS4*
You have You want You pay
Adobe Photoshop CS3, CS2, or CS Adobe Photoshop CS4 US$199
Adobe Photoshop Elements (Mac OS) 6.0, 4.0, or 3.0 Adobe Photoshop CS4 US$599
Adobe Photoshop Elements (Windows�) 7.0, 6.0, 5.0, or 4.0 Adobe Photoshop CS4 US$599
Upgrade to Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended*
You have You want You pay
Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended US$349
Adobe Photoshop CS3, CS2, or CS Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended US$349
Adobe Photoshop Elements (Mac OS) 6.0, 4.0, or 3.0 Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended US$899
Adobe Photoshop Elements (Windows�) 7.0, 6.0, 5.0, or 4.0 Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended US$899
Upgrade to Adobe Creative Suite 4*
You have You want You pay
Adobe Photoshop CS4, CS3, CS2, or CS Adobe Creative Suite� 4 Design Premium US$1,399
Adobe Photoshop CS4, CS3, CS2, or CS Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Standard US$799
Adobe Photoshop CS4, CS3, CS2, or CS Adobe Creative Suite 4 Web Premium US$1,299
Adobe Photoshop CS4, CS3, CS2, or CS Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium US$1,099
* Upgrade pricing is available only for products listed above and requires a qualifying previous product on the same platform, with serial number. Upgrades for volume and education licensing are handled separately.

reps say same after 3 hours on hold and such still same

[Scott_W...@adobeforums.com]

How dead is the horse at this point?

[Buko]

I think every time it gets hit now, maggots are spraying about.

[Wade_Zi...@adobeforums.com]

Sue if you are just an enthusiast why did you buy extended in the first place.

Ok that is not important but when everyone i also doing video because high definition video is possible on your DSLR and lots of people are doing things with sketch up and the like and you now want the extended version and you go back to adobe and tell the but its not fair that you have to pay a higher fee for the extended version after al I use t own the the extended version s I should not have to pay yet again.

See what I mean. And you will change your mind. At that point I think Adobe should say no, you had your chance.

[Sue_Th...@adobeforums.com]

No - I am not interested in videos. I am a still photographer and I wish the features of ACR 5.0 as these have been upgraded considerably to enable adjustments that are not global. So I only want CS4. I purchased CS3 extended when it came out because that was the only PS available for a considerable time in this country. CS3 standard came out later.

[john_c...@adobeforums.com]

Wade,

Why should a current CS3 extended owner be forced to pay the same upgrade to cs4 extended as a CS3 non extended owner.

Would it not be fair to give some kind of discount to current owners who have already paid a higher price for their version

[Buko]

So you don't think the engineers should get paid for creating photoshop?

[john_c...@adobeforums.com]

Of course they should be paid nobody is asking for a freebe all one is asking is to price the upgrade according to what version you currently own.

By your standards we should not be able to upgrade but pay for a full version each time they redo

[Buko]

I never said that.

but you want a upgrade price on your upgrade price.

[Scott_W...@adobeforums.com]

I actually see John's point and basically agree with it. After all Creative Suite Premium users get discounts on new Creative Suite Premiums. They aren't forced to pay the same price as Creative Suite Standard owners who now want a premium suite.

If you paid an extra ą$200 for Photoshop CS3x, then the upgrade to PSCS4x should be the same price as PSCS3(no x) to PSCS4(no x), not an additional ą$200 again.

[Buko]

design standard is cheaper than Design Premium.

[Scott_W...@adobeforums.com]

But Buko... going from Design Premium CS3 to Design Premium CS4 is cheaper than going from Design Standard CS3 to Design Premium CS4. (as it should be) That's the point. I think John just wants the same consideration for Photoshop standard and extended. I don't disagree with him that it should be similar.

[john_c...@adobeforums.com]

Thank You Scott I am glad somebody gets what I am trying to say.

Cs3 extended is the only tier that does not have a seperate upgrade price from the others.

It is like those that bought CS3 extended never existed and have to take a step back to upgrade to cs4 extended.

[PeterK.@adobeforums.com]

Makes sense. Of course way back when they started the "CS" nonsense, we knew it would be the cause of all sorts of upgrade issues with confused and frustrated users. (What? Now I have to upgrade the WHOLE suite instead of just what I need? etc.) That's what you get when let marketing guide your company. How many more years of this kind of disregard for the users before Adobe Quarks itself?

[Buko]

going from CS3 extended will be cheaper going to CS4 standard.

[Sue_Th...@adobeforums.com]

Does anyone know if the issue of upgrading from CS3 extended to CS4 standard has been sorted out yet. From the Adobe website I do not see any change - just wondered if anyone had had a positive response from the help line recently.

[Ramón_G_Castañeda@adobeforums.com]

Sue,

I suggest you call yourself. It may well depend on the individual customer service rep that takes your call.

Forget about the web store. The Chief Honcho in charge of Adobe fonts has been trying for well over a year to correct some glaring errors at the Type Store (same web site) and can't get anybody to do it for him. I don't see why Nack would be more successful.

[Sue_Th...@adobeforums.com]

Thanks - will try tomorrow and post result

[Corey_...@adobeforums.com]

I own Photoshop cs3 standard. I upgraded to cs4 Extended (bought from macConnection and they swear I got the right version.

But... it will not load, says it can't find a previous version of 'Extended'. So what the heck do I do? Adobe wants me to pay them for tech support. MacConnection wants a 40% restocking fee. Did I just throw away $349?

Corey

[Buko]

Call customer support they will help you. All installation issues are handled free of charge.

[Buko]

from what I read on the Windows side it has not been resolved. So I would think the more people who call the better. and don't forget to ask for a supervisor.

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

Corey,

Installation issue resolution is free from Adobe tech support. If MacConnection sold you the wrong product based upon your request, you are entitled to a full refund within so many days. If they won't comply, then call your credit card company and dispute the bill. That generally gets a good response.

Neil

[Sue_Th...@adobeforums.com]

I called Adobe and they now say it is possible to upgrade from CS3 extended to CS4 standard. You just need to call them up to register.

[R...@adobeforums.com]

Sue, thanks for looking into this. What number did you call? Can you you purchase the upgrade from a reseller and then call Adobe to register? Or must we purchase directly from
Adobe?

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

RSK,

Call Adobe customer service FIRST.

Neil

[Sue_Th...@adobeforums.com]

I was told to go ahead and purchase and then call Adobe. I have purchased CS4 standard upgrade but it has not arrived yet. Will then call the support when I install. Will let you know. The number I called is from New Zealand (0800 447 414) so will not work unless you are from these parts. It was obtained by logging in with an Adobe ID and going to appropriate page for the country concerned.

Hope this helps.

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

Sue,

I was told to go ahead and purchase and then call Adobe.

If that is what a representative of Adobe told you to do, then OK. But, just in case, I hope you have a name and employee number.

Neil

[R...@adobeforums.com]

Thanks, Sue. I'll make sure to call Customer Service before I place my order. I'm in the U.S. Good luck.

[Buko]

I hope you have a name and employee number.

Good luck with that. Last time I called Adobe and needed help I got a call center in the Philippines and each person I spoke with refused to give me a name and employee number.

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

Buko,

Your experience is a most unprofessional attitude. I would've escalated that to a supervisor. At least I've had a bit better luck with names from Adobe. Even the phone company reps treat me better! <g>

Neil

[Buko]

yeah!

[Sue_Th...@adobeforums.com]

Just to confirm I have successfully upgraded from CS3 Extended to CS4 Standard. I called the support number and they unlocked CS4 upgrade for me. Was very simple and they were extremely helpful.

Sue

[Ramón_G_Castañeda@adobeforums.com]

Good to hear, Sue. Congratulations.