I'm just a little excited... haha, been waiting for a reason to get back into PS, and I think this is it.
It'll be CS4 with a few new features and a bit more compatibility support. It's never anything drastic. That's why I normally wait 1 or 2 releases before getting the latest version.
CS5 does look interesting. I've been reading about it for a few months now and the new features are pretty impressive. Can't guarantee I'll use them, but they are nice. You can also find more info at this site: http://cs5.org/ There is a video that explores some of the features of CS5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgKjs8ZjQNg
Some interesting new things, such as the heal and clone stamping that's been made easier again. But like inverse said, doesn't seem to hold any drastic changes so I'll probably stick with CS4
I just find it frustrating that they sort of force consumers to purchase these thousand dollar bundles every year and a half. I wish I was made of money (but then Adobe would be claiming an arm and a leg). CB
They hardly force anyone to upgrade. Most graphic designers/firms I know only upgrade every 2-3 releases, and the upgrade packs are pretty affordable if you already have a legit version. The point of regular releases is it allows the community to shape the product they buy. Most of the features added in the last 5 or so releases has had a majority of its changes done so by consumer demand.
To be really competitive where I live, you need to keep all your software current sadly I like the improvements -esp. CS5 Dreamweaver, but I just hate how I've saved up all my cash to buy CS4 and I've got no more cash for upgrades. If I wasn't going the legit route I wouldn't care, but I couldn't sell my services at that point. CB
I pre-ordered Photoshop CS5 Extended the other night. Their older educational license qualifies for upgrades, so I upgraded an old copy of CS2 I got in high school. It only cost me $350, which is pretty good. I've got CS4 Extended, but I want the new painting features most of all (and needed a standard license to work commercially... student licensing is restrictive) Can't wait until I get it
CS5 looks pretty similar to CS4, tabs are annoying but once you change the setting, everything's good. Was pretty excited to get it.