Where can I find used versions of Premiere that are legit?
February 19, 2013 7:55 PM   Subscribe

I have been using Premiere Pro 2, the really ooooold version, but I just upgraded to a new Mac Mini and it isn't compatible with my hardware. Some dude on Craigslist was going to sell me the full CS6 suite for $30, but after looking at prices from Adobe, I realized it was definitely illegal and probably malware.

I don't need CS6, and I don't need Pro, Elements will do. I just need a version that will work on a 2011 Mac Mini... and isn't malware. Or a way to use CS2 on my new Mac.

But I don't want to buy a new version from Adobe... is it possible to find a used copy that is legitimate?Which of these can I trust?
posted by brenton to Computers & Internet (8 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
It is all but impossible to buy used software that's actually legit in a way that you can *know* it's legit. Plenty of people will do things like make copies of their CS5 discs, and then sell you the originals while they continue to use the version they've already installed, or they'll buy CS6 at "upgrade" pricing and then sell you the old disks. There are a million shady variations here.

If you actually care about making sure your license is free and clear, pay $99 for a copy from Adobe. If you're not concerned about legality, just malware, just get one off the pirate bay, it will work fine.
posted by tylerkaraszewski at 8:10 PM on February 19, 2013 [1 favorite]


Response by poster: I just discovered that I can download trials from Adobe and then activate them with a valid serial number. So all I really need is a serial number that works--it can't have malware, and I'll know right away if it works or not.

There are older versions on eBay that include serial number, but the CS6 ones are pretty pricey, still. Does anyone know where I can find a trustworthy download source for trial versions of CS5, CS4, etc? I guess that trial versions are less likely to be pirated/malware, but still, a trusted source would be good.
posted by brenton at 8:20 PM on February 19, 2013


Elements goes on sale from time to time if that helps.
posted by GuyZero at 9:21 PM on February 19, 2013


Personally, I don't recommend downloads for Adobe software (even from their own site) because if there's a problem with your serial number or activation, their customer support is simply atrocious. I also prefer having my physical cds nearby in case of a catastrophe like hard drive failure or a need to re-install.

From the first link you posted, of your eBay choices, I'd go with Adorama. They're a reputable company and I've had good dealings with them in the past. If you prefer to avoid eBay, Adorama's own website is here. I've also seen some Adobe software at places like Costco, Staples, and Best Buy, so you should check them out too if you prefer to buy locally.

FYI - There isn't any way to get CS2 to work on your 2011 Mac Mini because CS2 is a PowerPC app that runs on Rosetta; your 2011 Mac Mini doesn't support Rosetta.

In the olden days before eBay became so infested with scam artists, it was possible to buy used Adobe software there without getting burned. Basically, you'd contact the seller before purchase and if s/he was amenable, ask them for the serial number before purchase (if they wouldn't provide it, that was a good clue that their software was illegal); you'd then contact Adobe and verify that the serial number was legit, and if it was, you'd buy from that seller. Adobe required sellers of their used software to complete a type of transfer of ownership paper with your info and the seller's info on it which would register you as the new owner. You'd then mail that in and from then on, you were the legit owner and entitled to tech support and all that jazz, but like I said, those were the good old days and both Adobe and eBay's customer service have degraded considerably. I avoid dealing with either one as much as possible.
posted by LuckySeven~ at 12:51 AM on February 20, 2013


Oh, and if you (or someone who's using the computer) are a student or an educator, you should qualify for academic pricing on expensive software from Adobe, Microsoft and others. Just make sure you purchase from a legitimate academic software vendor like Journey Ed or Academic Superstore. That's the only way to save a bundle and know you're getting legit software.
posted by LuckySeven~ at 1:02 AM on February 20, 2013


If you have the original CD and the serial, it may be that the seller copied it and is using the copy, but HIS is the illegal one, not yours.
posted by Obscure Reference at 5:14 AM on February 20, 2013


It might be that the seller torrents software, then installs it onto people's computers via craigslist for money. Am I alone in making that assumption? Don't people do that? I guess we're not on the same page with our definitions of malware.
posted by oceanjesse at 7:35 AM on February 20, 2013


brenton: "I just discovered that I can download trials from Adobe and then activate them with a valid serial number. So all I really need is a serial number that works--it can't have malware, and I'll know right away if it works or not. "

Here's the problem with this approach: you could obtain a working serial number in various ways, both legally and illegally, but what if, after 30 days or so, your serial number stops working? This happens to people all the time. You now have to contact Adobe to resolve the issue because re-installing doesn't work. If you bought your software used and the seller never transferred ownership to you, Adobe is under no obligation to help you. Most likely, they'll blithely recommend that you purchase the software again via their website. It will be past the return period if you bought the product online and the seller will get to keep your money. If you obtained your serial number by not buying it, you're in the same boat.
posted by LuckySeven~ at 9:47 AM on February 20, 2013


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