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mac128k-1984 · Apr 16, 2007, 09:34 AM

So is anyone purchasing CS3 from adobe and choosing to download it (legally)?

The web premium upgrade is over 2 gig and while its nice to have instant gratification I think I want the discs in hand.

I can get CS3 now from adobe (and download it) or if I order it from amazon I wait until the 20th but I have the discs in hand..

chabig · Apr 16, 2007, 09:38 AM

I think it might matter if you plan to resell the software at some later date. Otherwise, I don't think it matters. You will, of course, back up your download.

jmelrose · Apr 16, 2007, 12:28 PM

Anyone know if there is a difference between the download version and what you get on disc(s)?

I figure at 3.2GB, it might be much easier to backup to a DVD and be able to install off of just ONE disc as opposed to the 4-disc-shuffle a CS2 install currently entails.

mac128k-1984 · Apr 16, 2007, 12:51 PM

I would assume that the disc version of CS3 is on DVD

Mithras · Apr 16, 2007, 12:57 PM

If the download version were a "license to download it again whenever you need to" then that'd be great.

chabig · Apr 16, 2007, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by jmelrose

Anyone know if there is a difference between the download version and what you get on disc(s)?

It has to be the same. How could it be different?

cgc · Apr 16, 2007, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by jmelrose

Anyone know if there is a difference between the download version and what you get on disc(s)?

I figure at 3.2GB, it might be much easier to backup to a DVD and be able to install off of just ONE disc as opposed to the 4-disc-shuffle a CS2 install currently entails.

Why would there be a difference?

jmelrose · Apr 16, 2007, 08:37 PM

Well, I don't know what's on the hard disc, but I just downloaded the full Web Premium Suite.

It comes as a set of disc images, and here is what the EDU Web Premium Suite comes with:
Creative Suite 3 Web Premium-Content.dmg
Fireworks CS3 Content.dmg
Dreamweaver CS3 User Guide.pdf
Installation Instructions.pdf
Flash CS3 Professional Content.dmg
Install CS3 Web Premium.dmg
Photoshop CS3 Professional Content.dmg
Illustrator CS3 Content.dmg

I backed everything up to a DVD, but it seems I can re-download whenever I need to. There's no listed limit on downloads, nor a "download by" date. In fact, all my old Macromedia downloads are still in my account, and list as being able to download today if I want to again.

I'm guessing the ability to re-download etc is a benefit of the activation process. Clearly it doesn't matter how many times I download, I can only run and install it so many times. Nice to know that besides my backup, I can get the suite from the Adobe servers. I wonder if, as the suite gets updates (X.01-type ones), the main download image gets updated as well as individual updaters/applications.

Overall, a smooth process. No problems here. Glad to have a Universal version of Acrobat!

mac128k-1984 · Apr 17, 2007, 10:53 AM

Well I just opted for CS web premium myself and the puppy is downloading. I guess my worries were allayed by the fact we don't seem to have any limitations on downloading and I also can burn it to a dvd

The last question I had regarding this was purchasing the upgrade flavor of CS3 and using the edu version of CS premium. It took two days for me to get a hold of adobe and countless transfers but they seemed to tell me my Education CS serial number will work. Not being an active student at the moment means I don't qualify

I'm not a 100% convinced it will work, but once it finishes downloading I'll find out.