The main improvement I was hoping for in version 11 (28th of October was the release date I saw on one online store, but from what I read in the link provided, it's gonna be earlier) was better layer handling. I'd like it to be similar to Photoshop's layers, where you can add a new layer with a button on the layer pallet.
I'm still using version 8 because I've seen little reason to upgrade so far. I think I'll be upgrading to version 11 just because it will have docked pallets, but I hope the layer support has been revamped more than the article on DP Review seems to indicate. I remember PI XL coming out and found it's primary new feature was... Drawing moons on your pictures! What a load of crap that was! I think the person responsible for coming up with new features must have been smoking something funny that year.
I skipped PI 10 hoping 11 would have better layer support. Looks like I shouldn't hold my breath. Though I couldn't care less about exporting things as Web pages, any professional Web developer/designer shouldn't be using PI to create sites, only the graphics for them.
New Photo Impact Version this Year
To add my 2p worth to this discussion about whether Ulead should update existing versions or produce new versions I see it like this.
Ulead seem to produce new versions of a lot of their software roughly once a year, and many would argue that this is too often and they should concentrate on updating existing versions. However, I would disagree with this and I actually like the model they use for software updates. This is because Ulead software is realtively cheap compared to many of the competition and updating their software once a year allows them to add new functionality and the consumer (me) to choose whether those upgrades are worth it for a reasonable cost. I see it almost as a subscription service to the software. The cost can be particularly low when they have online offers e.g. I picked up PI10 for £9.99 and MF4.0 for £15 this year as upgrades - not bad at all if you ask me.
Ulead seem to produce new versions of a lot of their software roughly once a year, and many would argue that this is too often and they should concentrate on updating existing versions. However, I would disagree with this and I actually like the model they use for software updates. This is because Ulead software is realtively cheap compared to many of the competition and updating their software once a year allows them to add new functionality and the consumer (me) to choose whether those upgrades are worth it for a reasonable cost. I see it almost as a subscription service to the software. The cost can be particularly low when they have online offers e.g. I picked up PI10 for £9.99 and MF4.0 for £15 this year as upgrades - not bad at all if you ask me.
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BitRot
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Redfazer
Heinz-oz
I take your point about comparing like for like but conversely, it is a poor show when a "relatively" modest programme like Photoimpact even on its 10th version, remains unstable and appears (on my machine anyway), to take a disproportionate amount of sheer processing power to function.
I also think its a shame (and quite frankly inexcusable considering again that we are on version 10) that many amateurs like myself who may have purchased PI as a "first time suite," have perhaps been put off because of PI's inadequecies.
I take your point about comparing like for like but conversely, it is a poor show when a "relatively" modest programme like Photoimpact even on its 10th version, remains unstable and appears (on my machine anyway), to take a disproportionate amount of sheer processing power to function.
I also think its a shame (and quite frankly inexcusable considering again that we are on version 10) that many amateurs like myself who may have purchased PI as a "first time suite," have perhaps been put off because of PI's inadequecies.
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2log
re: to Redfazer
The software in itself works fine. The factors where you can attrubute stability problems usually are dependent on a users computer setting or condition.
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Redfazer
2log
I disagree.
In this particular case, Photoimpact has a notorius reputation for instability and other software related issues especially previous versions.
I read a lot of reviews before embarking on purchasing a photoediting suite and in summary, most said that Photoimpact was one of the best but was/is plagued (my words) with software issues.
Obviously I did purchase it and its faults aren't too troublesome to me but I maintain that that the manufacturer should deal with as a priority, the software itself before embarking on any new version.
To give an example, look how many postings there are on this very site asking for advice on the Smart Download function (I was one of them). Its unforgivable that Photoimpact has still not posted a notice on its website advising people this function no longer exists.
I disagree.
In this particular case, Photoimpact has a notorius reputation for instability and other software related issues especially previous versions.
I read a lot of reviews before embarking on purchasing a photoediting suite and in summary, most said that Photoimpact was one of the best but was/is plagued (my words) with software issues.
Obviously I did purchase it and its faults aren't too troublesome to me but I maintain that that the manufacturer should deal with as a priority, the software itself before embarking on any new version.
To give an example, look how many postings there are on this very site asking for advice on the Smart Download function (I was one of them). Its unforgivable that Photoimpact has still not posted a notice on its website advising people this function no longer exists.
I've gone from 4.2 to 7 to 8 to XL to 10, all on a Win98SE machine. No problems. No concerns. The software has worked the way it's supposed to. When I bought a new computer late last fall, PI 10, which I use almost daily, was among to first pieces of software I loaded. Still continues to work....I should point out that I keep my systems clean and updated and don't go out of my way to look for problems.Redfazer wrote:2log
I disagree.
In this particular case, Photoimpact has a notorius reputation for instability and other software related issues especially previous versions.
I don't bother with reviews. Some experts don't take the time to learn what can be done and blame their lack of experience on the the software. If, as you said, "most said...(PI)...was/is plagued...," I guess you don't pay attention, either.Redfazer wrote:I read a lot of reviews before embarking on purchasing a photoediting suite and in summary, most said that Photoimpact was one of the best but was/is plagued (my words) with software issues.
Why should satisfied users, like me, who have no problem not look forward to a new version? I am. Sometimes new features may not be too intuitive and may take a while for the user to be comfortable with them. It's all part of the learning experience.Redfazer wrote:Obviously I did purchase it and its faults aren't too troublesome to me but I maintain that that the manufacturer should deal with as a priority, the software itself before embarking on any new version.
Perhaps you have a point here. I recently had a problem with Smart Download in VideoStudio9. I asked here at the forum, got a response, tried it and carried on. No big deal (for me). Improvement is warranted to make SD the positive experience it should be.Redfazer wrote:To give an example, look how many postings there are on this very site asking for advice on the Smart Download function (I was one of them). Its unforgivable that Photoimpact has still not posted a notice on its website advising people this function no longer exists.
I am looking forward to PI 11. Based on my previous experiences with Ulead software, I don't anticipate any problems. My VISA card is at the ready.
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2log
re: smart downloads
Actually, if you buy the software online, they include a note for this on the confirmation email where the download link is also indicated. Most people just don't bother to read.To give an example, look how many postings there are on this very site asking for advice on the Smart Download function (I was one of them). Its unforgivable that Photoimpact has still not posted a notice on its website advising people this function no longer exists.
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2log
re: download version of PI11
It's already advertised on the website so it should come out in a couple of days...
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Friendlyvn
But I can't download it , anybody know why ?Please click on any of the following links to begin downloading Ulead PhotoImpact 11 English Trial Version :
FTP SITE 1 : http://ftp.ulead.com/pub/esd/pi11/e/upi11_tbyb_e.exe
FTP SITE 2 : http://ftp.ulead.com.tw/pub/esd/pi11/e/upi11_tbyb_e.exe