Should I buy used design software?

[Ed30]

Hi,

I'm looking to buy the most recent edition of dreamweaver and flash. I've found various sites that are offering used products at about a third of the normal retail price.
Is it safe to go for a used version? If so where is the best place to get one? Also I am in the UK - does the US software differ in any way from ours?

Thank you.

 

[WebMomentum]

My two cents:

Personally, I'd stay away from used software - especially if you're doing commercial work.

 

[Nexus]

Used software is ok, but you NEED to contact the publisher, and make sure that the license is transferable. If you cannot register it, and take advantage of upgrades you may well be purchasing bootleg software (which you could as well get for free). Adobe has a transfer of ownership form that is required to be filled out if the software was registered already. In better cases, the "used" software was never registered, but you get into nebulous territory quickly.

I've purchased an old (sealed) version of Photoshop from eBay for cheap, and purchased the normal upgrade from Adobe. With a little footwork, you can work out some great deals without necessarily resorting to outright "used" software. --Justmake sure you don't accidentally purchase an "educational" version!

Best,
~ Nexus

 

[Ed30]

Thank you for your helpful replies.

 

[com]

Stay away from sites selling cheap software (currently available on the market) i spoke to representatives of several companies about these sites and the point is: they are not authorized to sell the software and all you are buying is data on a cd, same thing as a copied cd. You do not get a valid license.

 

[Scott]

I have to agree with the others, better to pay the price now for new and own it outright.