version, student version or an older version? I'm looking into getting Photoshop. I would use it for school and hobbies. I'm not in design school or anything so I don't NEED the latest, greatest for that.

So... what do you think is best for my money? Student, full or older version?

Older version is cheaper and I can buy an upgrade, but by then it's not much cheaper than the full, new version. But I wonder if I really need the newest version? Maybe an older version has everything I need?

Student version is cheap but can't be upgraded. Do you think this is vital for the future? (Obviously it depends on the person... but if you were spending gobs of money for software, would you get one you couldn't update?)

Full version. Self-explanatory and expensive.

Which would you recommend? Which would you buy if you were me?

Cs3 is the latest. But I would recommend the older version because more people are more familiar with it. If you get into the design area, Go with the latest versions because you will be working with it in the future anyways. Might as well. Buy the new one, because your more up to date with things. If you want cheap buy the previous version.

Cs3 is the latest. But I would recommend the older version because more people are more familiar with it. If you get into the design area, Go with the latest versions because you will be working with it in the future anyways. Might as well. Buy the new one, because your more up to date with things. If you want cheap buy the previous version.

My proffesional opinion will be to just get an old version. All Adobe really does and release a new version with some bells and whistles but nothing major. I have CS3 at work just to keep up to date with things. When I was younger and started out I would illegally download the software but I used the older versions and they suited me just fine for the little fun things I would do. I would also recomend Adobe Illustrator you can do a lot more and some real interesting stuff with it when you learn the program. I hardly touch photoshop now. I would say dont go too old though. Consider Cs1 your best option

I use Photoshop quite often, good program, no matter which version you use.

I'd go with an older version. It's cheaper, the bugs are already worked out, and there is a ton of support to go along with it. Plus, unless you're intending on using it for professional reasons, the older versions will have everything you could possibly need. I use mine for recreational purposes, so obviously I never needed the latest and greatest version of Adobe Photoshop. I've been using Photoshop 7, just for reference.

Truthfully, it all depends on what you ultimately want it for. Student version is crap, straight up, and simply not worth it.

I've got the older versions.... 5 then made it up to 6. I just do fun projects and simple graphics. PS has actually let me do more than anyother program out there.
I would get the older inexpensive one... if you were to like it you can always upgrade later. Good program though!