scott, in brief

So I have failed. In order to deal with this I tend to ignore it for a while then generally buy something as a treat. I know this to be true but stilll I am surprised when i do this.

To this end....Adobe have released their new software collections, Creative Suite 3. Adobe owns Macromedia so it is a real top notch software selection.

individual software packages such as Photoshop and Dreamweaver are all released with the CS3 branding. but the big money comes for the joint packages. There are three main CS3 Design, CS3 Web, CS3 Production. The desing and Web version come in Standard and Premium versions. which all retail for different prices and have different software components.

I thought I could do with The Web design Premium it has
Photoshop CS3 Extended
Illustrator CS3
Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional
Flash CS3 Professional
Dreamweaver CS3
Fireworks CS3
Contribute CS3
+ plus +
Bridge CS3
version Cue CS3
adobe Stock photos
Adobe Acorbat Connect

The problem is the price.
the web premium retails for around £800 on the web.
but with my student status that price is about one quater. nice
but on reading more about the packages and seeing the student discount availablemy eye was then drawn to the Master collection. It is shiney and big and contains almost everything , including...
Indesign CS3 (quark rival)
Photoshop CS3 Extended
Illustrator CS3
Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional
Flash CS3 Professional
Dreamweaver CS3
Fireworks CS3
Contribute CS3
After Effects CS3 Professional
Premiere Pro CS3
Soundbooth CS3
Encore CS3
+ plus +
Bridge CS3
version Cue CS3
adobe Stock photos
Adobe Acorbat Connect
Adobe Dynamic Link

with a list price around £1600 and the student price around a quater it thought this may be a good time to purchase. The only decision is what and when to purchase.

The student discount works like this
you buy the stuff pay the money. You get the box with a DVD and a leaflet. You attach you student ID to the leaflet and send it to Adobe. They confirm your ID some how and send you a serial code.

All reletively clear so far.

Except for my stduent status.
Do I still get a stdent discount in July. Technically after my course has finished, yet I will still have a dissertation to hand in so technically still be a student?

this is because Adobe don't release the Master collection until the 3rd of July.
Bummers.

They do offer that if you buy the web or design packages at premium level you can then upgrade to the master edition for the difference. meaning i can get the software now, but the other nice stuff later.
The slight draw back is if i get student discount on the web premium I may not ge tthe student discount on the master collection. leaving a huge mark up on the price.

I don't know.

Perhaps I should just e-mail adobe and ask about it.

if I do I will let you know the answer.