Old copy of Adobe After Effects to upgrade? Do it now!

Dear_Mr_Echo

Hi
I know this is going to be of very limited appeal, I'm guessing that there aren't too many motion graphics people knocking about here, but if its something that you are interested in then there's savings to be made. Also it's a little complicated so forgive me if it doesn't make a lot of sense.

For a while now the cheapest legal way to get hold of the latest Adobe software was to buy an old, original copy (with license) on eBay and upgrade it. Adobe upgrades are usually significant and good value (IMO). They are currently rolling out the CS3 versions of their software packages with After Effects CS3 (effectively version 8) coming in the late summer. If you wait until it is released you will, according to the Adobe website, only be able to upgrade from from Version 5. However if you upgrade your old copy to Version 7 between now and August 28th, not only can you go back as far as Version 3 but you will also qualify for a free upgrade to the CS3 version when it is released.

Even if you are running version 6 or 6.5 and plan to upgrade it is worth doing the upgrade to 7 because there is a nearly £50 difference in the upgrade price if you choose to skip 7 and go directly to CS3.

Confusing I know but here's my particular situation which will hopefully clarify things...

I bought After Effects 3 Production Bundle from eBay for around £40.
I can upgrade to Version 7 Professional now for £198 and I will get a free upgrade to the CS3 version when it's released. So that's a full, legal copy of AE CS3 for under £250 (compared to the full price of the new CS3 version which will be £1075).

As another example of a 6 or 6.5 user - upgrade to 7 + free CS3 = £198.
After Aug 28th upgrading from 6 or 6.5 to CS3 will be £245.

Adobe store for full details

Like I said this isn't going to be of interest to many but I just thought I'd pass it on.

cheerio

Dear_Mr_Echo

Probably talking to myself again but here goes anyway

This offer has now been removed from the Adobe website as the CS3 version has been released in the last few days. The upgrade dates and details in the above post still apply but you will have to get the V7 upgrade from another seller and then pass on your details to Adobe to get the free upgrade to CS3. I checked a few this morning and most retailers don't actually have it in stock. Only place I could find with a 7 Mac upgrade was Amazon.co.uk. and they have only one left.

cheerio

horsenailbucket

Thanks for your help and a clear and clever post.

Cheers

Spikey_2

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Mathers_2

If only I saw your post earlier!! I do tv motion graphics and have been thinking of upgrading from 6.5 for ages. If you see any other offers post them up as I as it's definately of interest to me.

crandy07

Also, Adobe do amazing student deals if that applies to you.

Like the £2,140 Master Collection for £410 with a valid student card. You might be able to borrow someone elses, or just book yourself on an evening course at a university and not go to them but keep the student ID.

Dear_Mr_Echo

Yes Adobe's education deals are incredible. The only problem with them is they aren't upgradeable but at that price it's a very minor quibble.

Dear_Mr_Echo

Mathers wrote: »

If only I saw your post earlier!! I do tv motion graphics and have been thinking of upgrading from 6.5 for ages. If you see any other offers post them up as I as it's definately of interest to me.

You can still get the upgrade offer - it's just can't get it directly from Adobe anymore. If you can find an upgrade to 7 before August 28, like here at Amazon, and then talk to Adobe you will then get a free upgrade to CS3 and save £50 over doing a direct upgrade. Worth noting that the Amazon link is to the "Professional" edition and not the "Standard" Edition of After Effects. Also the price from Amazon is £8 cheaper than Adobe's was - so the saving would be nearer £60.