Time for an upgrade? Adobe Photoshop's newest version - B.E. Reviews - Adobe Photoshop 7.0 - Software Review - Brief Article - Product/Service Evaluation

Black Enterprise, Oct, 2002 by Sonya A. Donaldson

If you're a die-hard Adobe Photoshop user, you've likely been earnestly awaiting the latest release, version 7.0. While those loyal to the product aren't likely to be disappointed, those on the fence will have a lot to consider. Are Photoshop's changes merely cosmetic or do they offer valuable enhancements? Should you upgrade?

Photoshop does offer some useful tools such as the file browser that lets you easily browse images, view thumbnails, and modify them, and the Healing Brush Tool (similar to the Stamp Tool), which can prove invaluable for those who work with digital photographs and need to, say, smooth out wrinkles and fix other skin defects. And Adobe has improved Photoshop's interface capability, making it easier to change brush sizes and save custom tool settings.

But while these improvements are welcome, they are by no means the major changes one would expect in a point upgrade. With Photoshop costing $609, the price seems a bit steep for these few enhancements. Should you upgrade? If you use the application regularly and mostly for digital images, by all means upgrade. Other digital artists might want to wait until a more robust version appears. ($609; upgrade, $149; www.adobe.com)--S.A.D.