Too good to be true Photoshop for cheap.

A friend of mine brought this to my attention, and it seems there are

other sites as well doing the same thing.<P>

 

Obviously somebody is exploiting a 'grey area' in software licensing,

but I'll be'damned if I know what it is. So, what's the catch?<P>

 

<a href="http://www.ibackups.net/index.php?

main=products&sub=showproduct&id=3">'Too good to be true'</a>

From their "Terms and Conditions" fine print:<p>"<i>9. Terms of Software Use<br>9.1 You understand that in order for iBackups.net to make you a copy of any software, <b>you acknowledge that you are the legal owner of this same software, and are looking to just make a new copy for archival (backup) purposes only</b>."</i><p>Looks like a major scam. If I already own the software, why do I need to pay them to make a "backup" copy? Is the "backup" eligible for Adobe registration, or future upgrades? <b>Does it have a serial number?</b> I doubt it.<p>I recently saw an eBay auction in which the seller was including full Photoshop CS in a $99 auction. A quick email question to the seller got me the reply that all the seller was supplying was the link to Adobe's FREE 30 day evaluation copy of CS. (Adobe lets anybody download the evaluation copy for free themselves.)<p>Morons and thieves everywhere.<p>Caveat emptor!

Ahh, "Backups". My friend downloaded a "Backup" of PS6 and many other programs from Kazaa, for free. That upset me after spending a fortune on it. I make "Backups" of my DVD's using DVD X Copy. Of course in my case I only use them for backups....:).

I see that they're offering Photoshop CS for $99-95. Doesn't that have to be activated by Adobe. I can't imagine them activating the same copy more than once.

Kazaa and Ebay are 'back alley' pawn shops and we all know that.

 

This site however seems pretty brazen in what they are doing. That's my curiousity - not that I'm tempted to buy, but why they are implying it's legit.

A Google search of their physical address, including the "Suite" number (probably one of those anonymous mailbox places), came up with an identical match to the <a href="http://www.priceamerica.com/PLG/contactus.html">"Price Law Group"</a>.<p>Lawyers - would YOU trust any of them?

Hi -

<br><br>

Don't know what exists for Photoshop, but you can sometimes buy inexpensive "OEM" versions of software. They're supposed to be sold only with hardware, so the vendors include some sort of tiny part - like a stick-on cellphone antenna - to meet the qualifications. The savings can be substantial. Look at pricegrabber.com, which will list full, upgrade and OEM version of software. <br><br>

Heller<br><a href="http://hollywoodscriptanalysis.com">HollywoodScriptAnalysis.com</a>

Not long ago I commented on the same subbjet and Bob Atkins was not very keen about it and he gave his reasons ,I totally agree with his points of view and I apoligize for making this type of comments.

 

Although I did not read anywhere that we were not supost to disscus this type of things, thefore he problaby needs to post it so we all know the rules and abide them .I fully understan that this is his website and I am greatfull for it and if he does not mind me becaming a member (when financially able) I would highly like to be Ho and I have also bought some lens using Photo.net's link that should some how make me points .

 

the tread went like this http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0074LZ

 

I did not mean to encourage anyone to do something illegal or tried to pratonize terrorism.

Assume for the moment you can actually do this. The thief in the equation is you. It always amazes me how ready people are to copy software. Would you walk into a store and steal a $600 coat? It's the same. Why do so many people feel entitled to do this?

Suppose I could go into the store and <i>duplicate</i> the coat?<p>

 

Gee, I want to buy an upgrade! Could someone direct me to the place on the Adobe site where I can upgrade my CameraRaw plugin to process new RAW files from my new camera? Oh, I have to upgrade the whole application? For <i>two hundred dollars</i>? After I already <i>bought</i> the plugin?<p>

 

How about the current model CDRW drive I bought. The one that came with software that was not compatible with the current Mac OS (9.04 at that time). Gee, need a free update for that one. Oh, no free update? I have to buy the "Titanium" version of the software? For eighty dollars? To be able to use the drive <i>at all</i>?<p>

 

Can't understand why anyone would buy pirate discs of software. Damn thieves!

Probably because they don't know better in the case of software. Look at how wildly the price varies for older pieces of software.

 

Like I said, Kazaa and Ebay are one thing, but sites like this seem to imply it's legit.

My guess is that they probably haven't been doing this for long and that the Adobe lawyers (of which I'm sure there are many) will shut them down pretty soon.

 

Unless they're supplying serial numbers (or "cracked" versions of the programs), the software is usless.

 

I'd guess you could probably haul in enough suckers in the time before you get shut down to make it profitable.

I love the little timer in the upper left-hand corner, telling you how many minutes you have until this "great deal" expires. In other words, don't think about it too long.

Besides the legality issue (which is no small matter), if you buy Photoshop CS from this 'outfit', there is no way that you will be able to activate your serial number with Adobe. Therefore, the software won't work for very long, and then try to get your money back (LOL)!

Even funnier....

 

2.4 After product delivery, we cannot issue a refund. The software file(s) are on your computer and we cannot be sure it would be destroyed should you "return" the software title(s) to us. We must ensure that the companies/publishers/programmers receives the proper royalty for their work and ensure that their intellectual property is protected.

 

 

 

Intelectual property protected? They don't even give royalties to Adobe!

Under certain circumstances, you can get a legitimate copy of Photoshop CS for about $300. The version of PS Elements 2 that came with my Epson 3170 had an upgrade coupon for that.

 

Even if iBackup manages to prove it is not breaking the law (a big if, MP3.com got busted for providing pre-ripped MP3s to owners of CDs, and at least MP3 went through some measures to verify the person downloading did own a copy of the CD), that would cover only them, not you, as iBackup purports to sell backups, and you would not have the original license that entitles you to a backup in the first place.

 

If you are going to pirate software, there's nothing I can tell you that will dissuade you, but at least don't pay these profiteers on the way.

This is hilarious! They don't provide a S/N because you are warranting that you already have one! Hence, the software is exactly what you can download from Adobe.

 

What a classic! That's why they don't have any problems from the vendors - they are not providing any activation codes, or a cracked version.

My tuition subsidizes Photoshop CS for $211, Illustrator for $99, etc. Microsoft site

license -- any product for $7. Of course, the savings are lost on my linux-only setup.

Although I do use Mathematica 5.0 ($7).

Yeah, then when you realize you've been shamed, who you gonna sue :-)

 

It's like the guy who gets pissed when he pays $100 for what he thinks is a stolen rolex out of the back of a van, and then takes it to be appraised and realizes it's a plastic fake worth $20 and then calls the police.

My experience with Ebay has been quite different. Although there are many dark-alley personas lurking there, I have encountered countless honest sellers.

 

I recently purchased Photoshop CS legitimately for pocket change.

What the seller offered was a legal unopened version 6 along with

a legal unopened CS upgrade box. I never even had to install version 6 to be able to load CS. I only needed the serial number. So, in effect, I got a full verion of CS at much less than the normal cost of the upgrade.

 

The key to Ebay is patience. If you don't find the right offer, dealer, or price - wait and check back often. Many fine sellers only offer 3 day auctions. If you check back every couple of days, it may take you 10 days to find the right deal but it may save you hundreds of bucks. Besides that, read all of the fine print, ask questions before bidding, and besure to check the seller's feedback rating perecentage and feedback comments.

 

I've gotten a lot of my digital arsenal on Ebay with no problems. Including CS, wacom tablet, profiling software, RAM, and new photoshop books all at a fraction of the retail price.

 

I used to sell rare books on Ebay. With over 4,500 auctions behind me, I've only had 2 bad experiences. My satisfaction record with mainstream stores like Adorama doesn't come close.

 

Good Luck Folks!

If you are purchasing a second, third, or other hand version of Photoshop, ask the seller to go through <a href="http://www.adobe.com/support/salesdocs/1086a.htm">Adobe's license transfer</a> process. That gives you assurance that you are purchasing a legit copy of the software.

The "too good to be true" offer went up from $100 to $150 in less than 24 hours. At that price, I wonder how stupid you need to be to give them your credit card when you can get the real McCoy for $169 (upgrade).

 

BTW, for those wondering how to get an activation code or serial without adobe's help, there are dozens of "black alley" sites where you can download a keygen or find a serial. Most are located in countries where the long arms of Microsoft and the rest don't reach, like Sri-Lanka, Albania, Romania, you get the notion...

I'd like to add that someone who can't afford the full Photoshop, and might be tempted to use pirated software, should consider getting Photoshop Elements instead... at least giving Adobe some support.

Somewhat OT:

 

Here in Singapore, the regular retail price in the local discount computer mall for PS CS is $ 670. The "academic" price Adobe charges is $260. To qualify, you need a student I.D.; any ID, even your neigbour's kids. And you get a full blown, legit, licensed version of PS CS. Go figure.

 

The same type (or larger) of discount applies to legitimate versions of Microsoft Office Pro as well as many mainstream apps.

Just so you all know how ibackups works (I was unfortunate enough not to read the fine print):

 

1. Purchase the software at an extremely discounted rate (first warning)

2. You are sent a download username/password combo and a link to a license key

3. After retrieving the license key, ibackups instructs you NOT to activate the product but to run their license "utility" instead. This utility strips out the programming within Adobe for the license activation process and makes the product function as though it is working off a legitimate license.

 

Reading the fine print as others have noted - this download/install legally requires that you own Photoshop. So this is definitely a well executed scam.

 

We are documenting the process and sending our information/experiences to Adobe for their investigation.

 

I had an instructor in college that said, "If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it IS a duck." Lesson learned!