I was quite disappointed earlier this month when I read reports that Adobe will not support CS2 under Windows Vista. Although there have been reports of some issues with CS2 applications and Vista, I had a hard time with Photoshop under Vista which is another reason I had to keep dual-booting with XP. I am very happy with my investment in Photoshop CS2 and I really did not want to upgrade, especially since CS3 offers really nothing new that I need.

Today, Adobe officially unveiled the CS3 lineup and pricing, and upgrades for Photoshop start at $199. Now spending that much for an upgrade I really don’t need is hard to take, so I’m at the point where I’m not sure what to do. I could always go with Photoshop Elements or Paint Shop Pro XI for a much cheaper price, but I have never been completely happy with either of those products.

However, I really don’t plan on upgrading to Vista full-time for at least another 6 months, so I guess I will just wait and see what develops between now and then.

Tags: photoshop, adobe, cs2, cs3, vista, graphics

Since Windows Vista has been out for a few months now the urge to get rid of the Aero “look” has seemed to increase. It seems like everyday I see questions posted on user forums asking how to change the standard look of Windows Vista. Recently, Stardock released WindowBlinds 5.5 which will allow you to change the look and feel of Windows Vista.

It uses a technology called “Smartskinning” which allows skins that were created for XP to be used Windows Vista. If you were a user of XP .msstyles then you can use SkinStudio to convert those existing themes over to WindowBlinds 5.5 for use on Windows Vista. I have tested several popular .msstyles using this method and the results have been impressive.

Being able to change the Aero theme is a welcomed change. While I do like the new look of Windows, after a few months of use I just need some change. With the great amount of Windows XP skins that already exist and the Vista specific themes soon to come, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding one that fits your style.  Be sure to check out the video tour for a visual guide of what WindowBlinds can do for Vista.

Tags: windowblinds, skins, themes, customize, desktop, vista, xp, stardock

Digitimes is reporting Apple will delay the much anticipated launch of Leopard until October. Why is that you might ask?  Well “industry insiders” are claiming that Apple wants to wait until Vista is fully supported with an integrated version of Boot Camp.

I personally find this hard to believe, but then again it would not surprise me.  If Apple wants to attract new computer buyers then waiting for full Vista support is a wise move.

Now Apple still maintains it’s shooting for a Spring release, but analysts have been doubtful that Apple will be able to meet that deadline.  It will certainly be interesting to watch over the next couple of month.

Tags: apple, mac, leopard, os x, vista, operating systems, microsoft, tech, software

Well this is my first post here so I thought an introduction would be the best way to go.  My name is Spencer but many know me in various communities as “Island Dog”.  I write a lot about customizing desktops using various applications such as WindowBlinds to change your desktop to something more personalized and to your liking.  So that is some things you will see from me.

Thanks for the welcome, and I’m happy to be here!