I'm making the decision to switch from PS7 to one of the the CS's. I'd like some insight from people who've had a chance to experience either CS2 or CS3 or both.

I tried to google some info, but it didn't really help me since I got conflicting results. Apparently (on a mac) CS3 loads faster than CS2. But other people say CS3 takes longer to load (though these people tend to not say what computer they use.)

On a professional review, I simply gathered that CS3 has a few minor improvements over 2 but is overall the same product. If this is true, then at this point I'm concentrating on loading speeds.

So from someone who's experienced it first hand... which one's more worth it?


My specs: Windows Vista (...gross, I know :()

Loading times? CS > CS2 > CS3 in my experience. The most effecient version is without a doubt CS. CS2 has a few features that make it more convenient, and CS3 is Adobe's bid for more money. No REAL improvements, just a few trinkets for vector artists and a small interface change (which I dont personally like). Stick with CS or CS2 imo.

I'm using CS2.
It's nice and quick on my G5 but surprisingly slow on my Macbook Intel chip.
Must be because of Rosetta.
So I am thinking of upgrading to CS3 as well.
Anyone using a Mac with CS3?

I think I'll give CS2 a try.

Most Photoshop version are much the same... Acadia has great advice there. :)

Really, PS7 was a great version

CS2 for the win, definitely. You'll find more software stores willing to sell you CS2 at a reduced price, when compared to CS3, and you're pretty much getting the same program, capable of delivering professional images. That and the differences are so insignificant, that you may regret the purchase of CS3.