Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 (Mac)

Advantages: Fairly easy to use, and has all the features your likely to need for photo editing. Included tutorials. Technical Support.
Disadvantages: It doesn't always work first time! It isn't wildly fast unless you have a very powerful PC. Closing and saving files is a bit torturous.

...My anticipation was high as I loaded the Adobe Photoshop Elements software. After all, all the reviews had been good, and previous Photoshop software worked like a dream. However, my dreams came crashing down when I tried to run the edit option. I waited... and waited... but my system was stuck fast. The screen was frozen, and according to Task Manager, the software was not responding but was using up all my CPU! I tried everything to fix the problem, including reloading Photoshop, removing anything remotely resembling 'photo software', reinstalling Norton, updating windows XP, resetting my screen refresh rate, and reducing my hardware graphics accelerator. Then after a month of bemoaning this waste of money, I called Adobe....... A very helpful tech support person, talked me through some checks, and then asked something very... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent range of features, styles
Disadvantages: Learning curve, price

...Photoshop is the power house of the graphics world, think of any 2D image or effect you'd like to create and Photoshop is more than up to the task normally with its in-built tools and effects but alternatively with 3rd party plugins that extend the functionality even further. However all the power comes at a price both literally and in the fairly steep learning curve that confronts you in mastering both the interface and its tools. For the vast majority of home users Photoshop is over complicated, too sophisticated and too expensive. For 90% of users cheaper alternatives such as Adobe Photoshop Elements or JASC Paint Shop Pro will exceed the functions required. Bearing in mind the steep learning curve and high price thing at least twice before buying.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Multifunctional program for graphic design and photo retouching
Disadvantages: Expensive and complex, an overkill of capabilities for casual users

...III or 4 processor · Microsoft Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, or XP · 128 MB of RAM (192 MB recommended) · 280 MB of available hard-disk space · 800x600 color monitor with 16-bit color or greater video card Minimum recommended system requirements for Macintosh include: · PowerPC processor (G3, G4, or G4 dual) · Mac OS software version 9.1, 9.2, or Mac OS X version 10.1.3 · 128 MB of RAM (192 MB recommended) · 320 MB of available hard-disk space · 800x600 color monitor with 16-bit color or greater video card ~~~~~~~~~~~ Cost ~~~~~~~~~~~ The cost of Photoshop is high, with a list price of £505 in the UK or $609 in the States--taxes not inclusive. Lower prices can be found by the determined and the persistent, but any way you add it up, it's pricey. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Final Thoughts ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Photoshop 7... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful