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 - Nice, Functional Photo Editing ProgramThis latest iteration of Adobe's consumer-friendly photo-editing software will take some getting used to, as the menu structure had changed dramatically. I upgraded (reluctantly) because I needed the new version to work with Windows Vista. PhotoElements 6 suffers from the same symptoms as all Vista-designed software: familiar icons are gone, menus have become more difficult instead of easier, but once you figure out the changes, the software has a lot going for it. Major improvements have been made to the "Quick" editing functions. But I won't tell you how long it took me to figure out they'd moved the Undo and Redo buttons way over to the right hand side of the banner bar! And so far, I've found no way to customize the menu bars. All in all, I'd still be using Version 4 if it was compatible with Vista (it's not), but if you're willing to spend the time to learn the new navigation -- or you're new to the software, Adobe PhotoElements 6 is a powerful, reasonably priced photo editor. Rating:  - defective programThe 1st Photoshop 6.0 I received from you caused my computer to freeze everytime I tried to open it. The 2nd one could not be opened at all. I've returned both, and am waiting for a 'credit'. The item was defective, but 'Amazon' stands behind their merchandise and is to be commended on their handling of what could have been a very frustrating situation. Rating: - Photo FunI have only begun to use this product. It does a great job removing red eye and cropping images. I am learning to use the clone stamping tool with some success. I think this software is great for anyone who wants to spend time making all their photos better. I would have liked an instruction booklet with explanations of each of the tools and how to use them. Beginners (like me) really could use some definitions of terms. I guess I probably should have ordered "Photoshop for Dummies" when I ordered the software. Rating:  - For Photoshop Elements Users...I love it! It is far better than 3.0! So much fun! It made my christmas card beautiful -- I received over 30 phone calls about my card! Rating: - Wow from a die-hard Photoshop user!I was trying to decide if it was worth upgrading my Photoshop 7 to CS3 (even at the academic price of $300) when I stumbled across Elements 6. I downloaded the free 30 day trial from the Adobe site and I was shocked how good this program is, even compared to its pricey sister Photoshop CS3. I am a photographer and even have a few photography blogs, one where I have tutorials/free actions for Photoshop. I have been an avid Photoshop snob for over 10 years, and I know the program pretty much backwards and forwards. After reviewing Elements for over a month (and editing tons of photos with it) I have to say that unless you are a professional photographer who edits tons and tons of prints and are at a loss for time, Elements will give you spectacular results on par with Photoshop CS3. Even a professional photographer can use this program for editing, but it will be slower for them to get their work done. What it is missing that I love in CS3 is the ability to write actions (not necessary, but it speeds up my workflow) and not being able to batch process prints without auto settings. If you don't understand what I mean with that sentence, then by all means don't bother getting CS3 and stick with Elements 6. There is a learning curve and I would suggest reading up on free sites on the web to learn how to work the program (and Kelby's books are great). It is also much more powerful than most users realize, so dig deep and play with it. There are tons of free plug-ins and actions out there that make your program more like its big sis Photoshop, just do a search. Anyway, Elements is a great powerful program that I would be happy to use to edit my pics on a deserted island. Don't underestimate its power. The people who gave this bad reviews are obviously people who did not take the time to really play with this program. It has "idiot" modes where anyone can get a decent processed print, but if you are willing to learn a bit you can create art. CS3 is a BMW and Elements 6 is a Honda. Sure, the BMW is more flashy and has some bells and whistles you will use and will improve your life a bit, but they are bells and whistles you really did not know you "had" to have. The Honda will get you to the same place at approximately the same time, safely and in an equally smooth ride. Sure, your friends won't be in awe, but the money you save you can spend in gas (or a nice lens for your camera!). Oh, did I mention it comes with the same Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) that CS3 is bundled with to process RAW prints? ACR is great if you shoot in RAW (which everyone should if you have the ability).
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