Jul 15

Selling Academic Edition Software

I’m trying to find a good deal on Dreamweaver MX 2004, since I don’t want to drop $400 on it (I’m cheap). I head over to eBay to see what I can find, and see lots of dealls for $200 - $300.

However, every single one of these deals is for the academic version of the product — the one where students and educators can use it at a reduced price. I emailed one of the guys to ask how he knew I was a student. His response:

I don’t know and I don’t care. That’s between you and Macromedia.

Nice. This must be a huge problem for software companies, because there’s a lively business going on selling academic versions as the “real” thing. Since there’s nothing but the honor system standing between a buyer and some cheap software, I’m sure a lot of people suddenly become “students” for the 15 minutes it takes to make the purchase.

Being the stand-up guy I am, I passed. Anyone know where I can get it cheaper than $400?

by Deane   July 15, 2004 5:05 PM   |
  tags: 
Dreamweaver

Comments

by dave,   July 15, 2004 5:20 PM  

If the purchase can be tied to a 503C non-profit organization, you could buy the license and installer media through an outfit that specializes in that; like http://www.1computerbargains.com/ They sell Dreamweaver for $99 to charitable and religious organizations. I've dealt with them a few times; they require you to jump through some hoops to verify you are buying for a non-profit, but a decent company to buy from.

by Owen,   July 15, 2004 11:57 PM  

The last time I tried, you could actually buy the academic edition of Macromedia Studio MX 2004 directly on their own web site without offering any proof beyond clicking "I am a student." That's how I got mine -- but I actually qualify as a student, so that's kosher.

Also, the academic edition says "EDUCATIONAL EDITION" in the splash screen, so there is at least that minor difference. Of course, that's probably tied to the serial number. Which need not be the one that they provide you with.

I've got an old unused copy of Dreamweaver that I'd offer for an upgrade, but I think it's only version 3. But if you can find a copy of 4 for cheap (< $200), you can save a bit and still be legit.

by kartooner,   July 16, 2004 7:19 AM  

I bought my copy from http://www.buy.com for $369.95. Not a huge savings, mind you, but still better than paying $400 up front.

URL: http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=20358993&loc=101&spf=1&sp=1

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