Access & Protect Your Desktop NowAdobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection
Manufacturer: Adobe Part number: 65023429
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The CS4 Master Collection contains every application in the Adobe Creative Suite. Although priced for serious professionals, it's a relative bargain compared with buying each ingredient piecemeal.
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Where to buy
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| SaveInTheUSA.com | | In stock | as of 05/21/2012 |
CNET editors' review
Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection price range: $1,799.00 - $2,062.50
- Reviewed by: Elsa Wenzel and Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 11/26/2008
The good: The dozen applications in the Adobe CS4 Master Collection sport streamlined interfaces and integration for designing and editing images, Web pages, mobile sites, desktop apps, animation, film, and print layouts, and support the latest digital formats.
The bad: These costly, heavy-duty applications take long to install, are hard to learn, and hog resources; personal tech support can exceed the price of some applications; some apps, such as Photoshop, offer few compelling reasons for most users to upgrade.
The bottom line: The CS4 Master Collection contains every application in the Adobe Creative Suite. Although priced for serious professionals, it's a relative bargain compared with buying each ingredient piecemeal.
Adobe offers Creative Suite 4 professional software in five flavors. Among them, the Master Collection offers professionals the most jam-packed digital toolbox. There are applications for concocting and editing digital pixel and vector graphics, print layouts, video, Web pages, and animation, and then repurposing that content for mobile devices. Those who don't need the whole shebang might consider suites that cost less, such as Web Premium or Standard for Web design, Design Premium or Standard with tools for printed media, or Production Premium for film (scroll down for charts with more details).
The release of Adobe Creative Suite 3 in 2007 was the first to incorporate former Macromedia products, such as Flash. With Creative Suite 4, Adobe has unified the interfaces of all the applications for a more seamless experience. The Flash-based panels within CS4 are more nimble than its predecessors, and handy pull-down menus with preset styles enable you to shift among work space layouts quickly.
The Master Collection will set you back about as much as, say, a Volvo from the 1990s: $2,499 for new or $899 to upgrade. It costs $1,599 for users of other CS3 suites to upgrade, or $1,199 for users with two eligible older versions of the suite. Buying all Master Collection applications individually would set you back close to $6,290, or more than $2,000 if upgrading from CS3 versions. The charts below detail the contents of and pricing for this and other CS4 suites; please click on the images of suites and their individual applications to learn what's new inside of each.
Prices for the individual applications haven't changed since CS3, but we wish that Adobe would lower the costs, or perhaps allow mix-and-match pricing for more flexibility. Artists who access this software from their workplace or purchase it at an educational discount might skip more than a few meals to afford it. Those on a budget who don't need so many tools might consider alternatives, such as CorelDraw graphics suite. The five CS4 packages (see chart below) are a relative bargain if you regularly rely on at least three of the included applications. If so, don't make the mistake of paying full price for the applications individually.
Setup and interface
The Web abounds with complaints about Adobe's installer and updater, and most are justified. Every Windows application installer suggests you close any running applications, but you can usually ignore it and 99 percent of the time everything works out fine. Adobe forces you to close your browser and all Microsoft Office applications, because many of the programs in the suite--primarily Acrobat--spread octopus-like tentacles throughout your working environment. That's pretty appalling in and of itself, but in addition to wasting a large chunk of time installing, you can't do anything else but play Solitaire while it's happening. And as before with the updater, you'll get to relive this delightful close-your-apps-or-else experience on a regular basis. Plus, the installation "progress" bar bears no relation to reality whatsoever, with its two steps forward and one step back movement.
Unfortunately, it took us nearly 2 hours to install the Adobe Master Collection CS4 on Windows Vista and XP machines (we didn't test CS4 thoroughly on a Mac). But that's still less time than with CS3. Adobe's custom installation lets you pick and choose which components to embrace or reject, but there's no mechanism for migrating your settings and all your custom tools.
You'll need powerful hardware to run the heavy-duty CS4 applications: Users of Windows XP SP2 or Vista must have a processor of at least 2GHz, or 3.4GHz for working with high-definition video. Photoshop now natively supports 64-bit Vista, while Premiere, After Effects, Soundbooth, Encore, and OnLocation are certified for 64-bit Vista.
A 1,280x900-pixel display with OpenGL 2.0-compatible graphics card is required, and support for Shader Model 3.0 may be needed, particularly for working with video. Mac users need an Intel multicore processor running Mac OS X version 10.4.11 or newer, at least 2GB of RAM, and free hard-disk space of 26.3GB or higher. Installation comes via DVD. More specifics are available at Adobe's Web site.
Features
If you rely on Adobe software for work, then CS4 could be worth the plunge, depending upon your staple tools. We find CS4 a more worthwhile upgrade than CS3 was. There's not much to wow users of Photoshop who don't work with 3D content, but Illustrator finally manages multipage documents. Flash, on the other hand, takes a big leap forward by slashing the steps required to build animation. Premiere can handle batch encoding and manage footage from tapeless cameras, while it and Soundbooth both convert recorded speech into text.
Workflow improvements to CS4 include autofill searches for timelines and projects in AfterEffects. Adobe aimed to improve the options for making round trips among the applications without rebuilding content. For instance, you can export Fireworks designs as CSS and bring them into Dreamweaver. There's greater integration from one application to the next, with support for the latest formats for Web sites and mobile phones, including desktop Adobe AIR applications. Please find links to reviews of individual applications in the chart below.
Service and support
We almost hate to rate Adobe's tech support as excellent due to the extreme expense of live, personalized help from the company. However, the software industry has been moving away from free customized assistance for years. At least Getting Started help for installation issues and other speed bumps lasts for 90 days. Adobe's comprehensive, self-serve options include embedded and online lookups, tutorials, and excellent videos. Also, the company has expanded its help-yourself and peer support online. The new Adobe Support Portal requires an Adobe log-in and password. Newbies would be wise to get up to speed with the interactive tutorials and maybe even third-party books and Web sites. Web-based forums with other users, as well as the Community Support in beta testing, may be the best bargain for getting hands-on advice.
Don't bother trying to seek extra help without a registered serial number; the days of "borrowing" copies of heavy-duty Adobe software from friends are long gone. Help with a live Adobe representative continues to be expensive. Each year we find the pricing options harder to find on Adobe's Web pages. The Bronze level of support, for five prepurchased incidents, is $175. Unlimited Silver support costs $1,200, three times the price of some applications, like Dreamweaver. Such pricing is clearly set for corporations rather than freelancers.
| Price if bought separately | |
 Adobe Acrobat 9 Professional | $449/$159 upgrade |
 After Effects CS4 Professional | $999/$299 upgrade |
| n/a | |
 Contribute CS4 | $149 |
 Dreamweaver CS4 | $399/$199 upgrade |
 Fireworks CS4 | $299/$149 upgrade |
 Flash CS4 Professional | $699/$199 upgrade |
 Illustrator CS4 | $599/$199 upgrade from CS, FreeHand 9+, or CorelDRAW |
 InDesign CS4 | $699/$199 upgrade |
 Photoshop CS4 Extended | $999/$349 upgrade from CS3/$899 upgrade from 5 or 6 |
 Premiere Pro CS4 with Encore CS4 and OnLocation | $799/$299 upgrade/$699 upgrade from Premiere Elements |
 Soundbooth CS4 | $199/$79 upgrade |
| Price: Full | Price: Upgrade | |
 Creative Suite 4 Master Collection | $2,499 | $899 (from CS3); $1,599 from other CS3 suites; $1,199 from two older suites |
 Creative Suite 4 Design Premium | $1,799 | $599 (from CS3); $599-$799 (from Studios or CS 1-2) |
 Creative Suite 4 Design Standard | $1,399 | Special upgrade pricing available |
 Creative Suite 4 Web Premium | $1,699 | $599 (from CS3); $599-$799 (from Studios or CS 1-2) |
 Creative Suite 4 Web Standard | $999 | Special upgrade pricing available |
 Creative Suite 4 Production Premium | $1,699 | $599 (from CS3); $599-$799 (from Studios or CS 1-2) |
User reviews
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Worsening interface from version to version
by drabelais on May 19, 2009
Pros: Well established vectorial standard. Still some nice legacy features.
Cons: Very few improvements since Flash 4. But once again, in CS4, Adobe actually worsens the program interface as Microsoft did with Office 2007 unavoidable ribbons.
Summary: What is it with those large software makers who turn their back on their loyal users and constantly change the keyboard shortcuts, the menu structure, as if one were supposed ...
Summary: What is it with those large software makers who turn their back on their loyal users and constantly change the keyboard shortcuts, the menu structure, as if one were supposed to relearn every time a less efficient way to get things done. For instance, why oh why would you remove the the "close window" keyboard shortcut ctrl-F4 in Flash CS4. Whether Adobe likes it or not, regardless of whether the program is used in Apple, in Windows, the standard is Ctrl-F4. It's just the way it is. Shame on those programmers who work a whole year to remove efficiency away in the silliest insidious ways. I am uninstalling CS4 and I am returning to CS3. I wasted $700.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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www.bgpictures.com Mostly pullover from Lightroom 2.x
by kaelaria on September 23, 2008
Pros: Definitely a big step up from CS3 for photographers. Many of the improvements are pullover from the Lightroom team, but there are others that are clearly from 3rd parties such as the non destructive resizing and multi focus combine - very neat!
Cons: Pricey for those us of just stepping up from CS3 that already own Lightroom too.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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An excellent purchase
by trompfy on December 7, 2011
Pros: Supports Blue Ray creation
Cons: Crashes frequently
Summary: I bought this so I can do video editing, audio editing, photo editing, create webpages and logos for my websites.
Summary: I bought this so I can do video editing, audio editing, photo editing, create webpages and logos for my websites.
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Premeire Pro SC4 and Encore crashing
by alexcnet11 on January 24, 2011
Pros: Software supports Blue Ray creation.
Cons: Crashes frequently. Premiere on start up of large projects (lot's of effects etc). Encore as soon as I try to start a blue ray projects it locks up the program and the whole system with it. Problem started after the latest updates downloaded.
Summary: I have been using adobe Pr and En for a while now and I with the products were more reliable.
Called support and found out that they no longer give ...Summary: I have been using adobe Pr and En for a while now and I with the products were more reliable.
Called support and found out that they no longer give free support on the phone because now they have CS5 version. That is really bad!!! This makes the software terribly overpriced!!!! -
share Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection
by softwarenumber1 on April 28, 2010
Pros: i've had full collection more efficienct working for my studio, would like to share with all those who are interested in personal experience, and you don't have to pay that sum to buy it, give me answer, and i would like to share with you all
Cons: you may find out yourself after personal experience of it
Summary: share with friend the efficiency and effectiveness that full collection brought
Summary: share with friend the efficiency and effectiveness that full collection brought
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Super Software
by philippinejay on March 19, 2010
Pros: Great functions provided you take the time out to learn- I also am selling a copy that I have for $500 smackers and I'm not firm on it either, you can contact me rosab3th at yahoo you should know the rest.. Reliable, safe!
Cons: Yes Super priced but my loss is your gain
Summary: after all here in Asia and do alot of horse trading so shoot me a email if your needing it or any thing else close to it.
Summary: after all here in Asia and do alot of horse trading so shoot me a email if your needing it or any thing else close to it.
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Master Collection for Sale!
by allan826 on February 21, 2010
Pros: Hi. I'm selling my copy of Master Collection CS4. I have both for MAC and WIN
What I have is a download version. I'm selling it for US$700.00. email me if interested at allande826@yahoo.comCons: first come first serve
Summary: sale
Adobe Master Collection CS4 Retail Version for MAC and WIN
Updated on Mar 7, 2010
FOR SALE! I'm selling my copies for a very good deal! buy 1 ...Summary: sale
Adobe Master Collection CS4 Retail Version for MAC and WIN
Updated on Mar 7, 2010
FOR SALE! I'm selling my copies for a very good deal! buy 1 take 1 for only US$1,100.00 or but 2 take 2 copies for only US$2,000.00 EMAIL ASAP at allande826@yahoo.com
This are legitimate copies! I was planning to become a reseller but didn't work out so I'm selling what i have left.
Updated on Mar 12, 2010Master Collection CS4 for sale. US$500.00 Only! email me at allande826@yahoo.com. retail, new, legit!
Updated on Apr 25, 2010Im selling my copy of master collection cs4
i have both for MAC and WIN
email me at allande826@yahoo.com
price is only US$400.00 -
I cannot see Main Menu and other windows. Cannot use.
by aremkay on February 20, 2010
Pros: I cannot use this application and after about a total of 4 hours with tech suppoet, I was told there is nothing they can do. That's unchangeable. Not even their programmers (after I suggested that.)
Cons: Can't use it and told not likely to get money back.
Monopolies on a market are bad for the consumer.Summary: Stay with what you have, and hope that some large company less arrogant will develop similar products.
Summary: Stay with what you have, and hope that some large company less arrogant will develop similar products.
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sale sale sale
by mykdiaz123 on January 25, 2010
Pros: sale sale salesale
Cons: sale sale salesale
Summary: who wants to buy cs4 master collection for $800.00 im sellinmg my copy. not registered yet. email me at myk.diaz123@gmail.com i can send you the serial ...
Summary: who wants to buy cs4 master collection for $800.00 im sellinmg my copy. not registered yet. email me at myk.diaz123@gmail.com i can send you the serial numberif interested and you can validateit with adobe.
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Worst and most expensive customer support available
by Hazelunderwood on September 1, 2009
Pros: Once the software is installed, it works reasonably well. Components have similar work spaces -- and they integrate reasonably well.
Cons: Heaven help the person who needs customer support. Licensing does not install nor uninstall easily because of the activation tags placed on ALL components.
Summary: Adobe charges to uninstall previous versions. I'm sure pirates can maneuver easily, but amateur paying customers are out of luck -- and out of pocket. Support website does not ...
Summary: Adobe charges to uninstall previous versions. I'm sure pirates can maneuver easily, but amateur paying customers are out of luck -- and out of pocket. Support website does not cover uninstall issues from previous versions.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Adobe
- Part number: 65023429
- Description: Create visually rich, engaging content for virtually any media - print, web, interactive, video, audio, and mobile - using the tightly integrated tools and services in Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection software. Express yourself freely and stay in the creative flow, no matter what the medium for your design, thanks to numerous new features and improvements in Creative Suite 4 Master Collection. Design across media more efficiently and effectively using simpler ways to complete common tasks and innovative approaches to moving from one medium to another. What's more, this software works with enhanced creative professional services that enable you to collaborate online with colleagues and clients, find answers to technical questions, create and share color harmonies, and more.
General
- Category Creativity application
- Subcategory Creativity - multimedia authoring,
Creativity - music or sound creation,
Creativity - desktop publishing,
Creativity - graphics & image editing,
Creativity - video editing & production,
Creativity - animation,
Creativity - web design / publishing - Language(s) Adobe Universal English
- License pricing Standard
Software
- License Type Complete package
- Software Suite Components Adobe Dynamic Link,
Adobe After Effects CS4,
Adobe InDesign CS4,
Adobe Encore CS4,
Adobe OnLocation CS4,
Adobe Premiere Pro CS4,
Adobe Device Central CS4,
Adobe Bridge CS4,
Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro,
Adobe Version Cue CS4,
Adobe Dreamweaver CS4,
Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended,
Adobe Soundbooth CS4,
Adobe Flash CS4 Professional,
Adobe Illustrator CS4,
Adobe Contribute CS4,
Adobe Fireworks CS4 - License Qty 1 user
- License Pricing Standard
- Platform Windows
- Min Supported Color Depth 32-bit color
- Distribution Media DVD-ROM
- Package Type Retail
System Requirements
- OS Required Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise SP1,
Microsoft Windows XP SP2,
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium,
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate,
Microsoft Windows Vista Business - Software Requirements QuickTime 7.4.5
- Min Processor Type 2 GHz or faster for DV,
3.4 GHz for HDV - 2 GHz,
Dual 2.8 GHz for HD (Windows) - 2 GHz,
Intel Multicore (Mac) - 2 GHz,
2 GHz,
2 GHz - Peripheral / Interface Devices DVD-ROM,
OpenGL compatible graphics card,
Internet connection - System Requirements Details Microsoft Windows Vista Business - RAM 2 GB - HD 24.3 GB,
Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise SP1 - RAM 2 GB - HD 24.3 GB,
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium - RAM 2 GB - HD 24.3 GB,
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate - RAM 2 GB - HD 24.3 GB,
Microsoft Windows XP SP2 - RAM 2 GB - HD 24.3 GB
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Adobe products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Adobe
- Address:
345 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110-2704 - Phone: 1800-585-0774
- Fax: 1-408-537-6000
