Photoshop Illustrator

[Larzar]

Can anybody explain the pros and cons to Photoshop Illustrator to say Elements 5.0 (or lower/higher).

What times is it best used for?
Is it better for vector graphics?
Prices and Computer requirements?  

[godoftherain]

.... photoshop and illustrator are two completely different programs. neutral  

[Larzar]

Illustrator is in the Photoshop Family.  

[GhoSt-X]

Its in the photoshop family .. but it used to be only Illistrator without the photoshop before it .. theres photoshop alot of things now ... elements also is completely unrelated to illustrator .. anyway .. yeah .. illustrator would be used more for page layout designs, specialising in the use of vectors and stuff .. where as photoshop/photoshop elements(basically a lighter version of photoshop with a more friendly looking UI) are for more image manipulation and more brush orientated graphical design...

of course now that adobe took over macromedia .. theres also freehand(which im not sure exists anymore) and fireworks for vectors .. in design is also an alernative for page layouts .. which is more oriented towards making booklets..  

[godoftherain]

I think what you two mean to say is that Photoshop and Illustrator are owned by Adobe Systems. 3nodding  

[SmooBlac]

Exactly. GhoSt-X described everything you need to know.  

[Keiravarutri]

Illustrator is best for vector graphics, yes, which makes it ideal for logos because you typically don't want to lose graphic quality when you're scaling them up or down, which makes Illustrator a great application to be used with Flash since Flash is primarily vector based as well. And if you intend on making Flash based websites, then Illustrator will also be one of your primary tools. You will still use Photoshop for things like improving images.

Generally, whenever you want to create something, but plan to scale it up or down without losing graphics quality, Illustrator is a must.

I personally use it for creating logos (as mentioned above), pdf documents, resumes, reports, page layouts that will be used for print, and Flash web interfaces.

Illustrator works in CMYK mode. This is very important to point out. Photoshop can work in CMYK mode, but mainly works in RGB mode.

Costs $600 for the full program, $200 for the upgrade.
System Requirements (http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator/systemreqs/):

Quote:

Windows

* 2GHz or faster processor
* Microsoft® Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 (Service Pack 3 recommended) or Windows Vista® Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise with Service Pack 1 (certified for 32-bit Windows XP and Windows Vista)
* 512MB of RAM (1GB recommended)
* 2GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on flash-based storage devices)
* 1,024x768 display (1,280x800 recommended) with 16-bit video card
* DVD-ROM drive
* Broadband Internet connection required for online services*

Quote:

Mac OS

* PowerPC® G4 or G5 or Intel® processor
* Mac OS X v10.4.11–10.5.4
* 512MB of RAM (1GB recommended)
* 2GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on flash-based storage devices)
* 1,024x768 display (1,280x800 recommended) with 16-bit video card
* DVD-ROM drive
* QuickTime 7 software required for multimedia features
* Broadband Internet connection required for online services*