Jeff Mason wrote:
Shop around for a previous version.  When CS4 came out I picked up a new, wrapped, legal copy of CS3 dirt cheap.

Then you can upgrade it if you want to the current version, or even just leave it as is.

This is the ONLY legal way to do it. I used to work for a company that distributed Adobe product. Our resellers would freak out when a newer version of the creative suite came out and would drastically reduce the price of the older version of the creative suite. What would happen then is, Adobe would have a limited time frame where (with proof of purchase) you could upgrade the previous version to the current version for free.

So wait for CS6 to come out, search your local retailer or online for places that still have CS5 and buy it at a discounted price. Make sure of one thing though, you can upgrade to CS6 for free! Check adobe's website for details when/if this happens.

Jeff Mason wrote:
Shop around for a previous version.  When CS4 came out I picked up a new, wrapped, legal copy of CS3 dirt cheap.

Then you can upgrade it if you want to the current version, or even just leave it as is.

Or make really good friends with your local retail store manager...Previous employment at the local OfficeMax has taught me that all old software, and yes, ALL old software, is opened, razor blade taken to CD's and then is thrown in the dumpster...making friends can be a way to avoid the razor blade step...just saying.

(This also applies to many pieces of merchandise, $300 office chairs, desks, electronics, etc...)

Andrew Iverson Media wrote:
I'm going to be "that guy", and suggest just saving up and buying it from Adobe or an authorized reseller. I've had a ton of bad experiences trying to save a few bucks, and it's just cost me more in the long run. It's honestly not that bad priced anymore, i could tell horror stories from back in the day and 3d software i bought.

/old man rant off.

+1 
You will also find if you are trying to avoid paying what it costs to get the products you need, that others will try to get out of paying you what you need to make for yours.  And you won't for some reason feel you are able to defend your right to charge fair prices.  It's sort of how the game is rigged and we do it to ourselves.

Kevin Connery wrote:

Note that the OP requested legal ways to obtain the software, not ones which are in violation of the licensing agreement.

Please do not promote unlawful activities.

Did not suggest stealing.

My post said research before buying with my method, then edited to say it wasn't allowed after I researched it.

But either way, note taken...

R Michael Walker wrote:

Unless things have changed recently you need to be a full time student at a degree granting institution to be eligible to buy and use EDU versions. And there is no commercial use of that software allowed.

Nope, you are wrong.  You just have to be a registered college student.  It says nothing about how many units you need to take.  You can also be in grade school and high school as well to get the discount.  If you have kids in grades 1-12, you can use their report card to get the student discount.  Technically they are the ones who will use it, but what Adobe doesn't know wont hurt them.

Andrew Iverson Media wrote:
I'm going to be "that guy", and suggest just saving up and buying it from Adobe or an authorized reseller. I've had a ton of bad experiences trying to save a few bucks, and it's just cost me more in the long run. It's honestly not that bad priced anymore, i could tell horror stories from back in the day and 3d software i bought.

/old man rant off.

My factory version of PS7.0 was $2100.00

I still use it today.

Under the Gun wrote:
I didn't read every comment but as a student may I suggest you go to the local campus bookstore and wait for an undergrad that looks like they could use 20 bucks. Get them to buy it for you. I know plenty of people that would.

I will not do no such things.  A student could take your money and say I will be right back and go into the bookstore and sneak out the back room.  Students are known to rip off people.

RacerXPhoto wrote:
Best method in my book without signing up for a class is buy a Wacom Intuos and take advantage of the privileges program to get a full version of Photoshop for half price.

That is sound advice and the best advice.  Some of these suggestions would turn one into a low life.  I rather take the high road and be able to sleep at night.  +10

JWB2 wrote:
That is sound advice and the best advice.  Some of these suggestions would turn one into a low life.  I rather take the high road and be able to sleep at night.  +10

Another advantage is with the full retail version you can upgrade when new products come out.
The student stuff is not upgradable later versions I believe.
http://www.wacom.com/privileges/offer-d … 5&family=2