Adobe Elements 3 provides a lot more effective tools than the previous 2.0 version, and include Camera Raw conversion almost completely the same with a few esoterics left out that is in the full version CS. CS2 Photoshop has some really neat and powerful new features. But, it is really not worth the cost unless you are producing photographs professionally for publication, and also have need for other components in CS2 like InDesign and Acrobat 7.0. If your needs are purely photographic and are an enthusiast, Elements 3.0 offers a very complete environment and set of tools sufficient for most. I find I am using Elements 3.0 more than CS out of choice.

Mr. Brooks,

I've gotten conflicting info on this (go figure), but you like elements. Can you do actions, or can you use a program like QuickKeys, to create macros, to do what computers should... be automated! That is the major reason for me to keep upgrading. I process photos for my worklog, and due to their similarity, I have automated much of the process, with actions.

Bron

Thanks for the info David and Bron. Bron, I have never heard of QuickKeys, what is it, do you like it, and would you recommend it to someone who is somewhat computer literite like myself?

Thanks again for the information!

Anon,

QuicKeys is a Macro program, available for both Macs and Windows. It let's you automate certain processes that you repeat often. An example; I open my letterhead, click on one of the buttons in a floating toolbar = QuicKeys enters the date, spaces down, enters the name and address, spaces down and I'm ready to write.

Bron