The Print Shop Deluxe, Version 15
Software Review by Lee RiceIt’s been several years since I used The Print Shop Deluxe, and I must say I am impressed at the powerful new features in Version 15. Installation instructions were included inside the jewel case that housed four CDs; the Installation CD, Programs CD, and Art CDs #1 and #2. I initially installed only the recommended files, but changed my mind and included the two Art CDs. This took a little longer - approximately five minutes each for a total of about 20 minutes.
Unfortunately no manual was included which was a disappointment in that I generally refer to them frequently while relaxing in a comfortable chair, away from the computer. However, though we are tied to the computer, the Broderbund people have provided us an ample Help section, several Wizards, and On-Line Help.
There are many new features in The Print Shop Deluxe 15 including Built-In Movie Editing, File Sharing Options (even when e-mailing those who do not have the program), an Address Database, Events Reminder, Photo Album, Photo Editing, Layering, and Red Eye Correction. A really good feature is the Card Converter that automatically resizes all text and graphics to fit your newly selected layout. Use the Card Converter to switch from a Quarter Fold to Half Fold or vice versa. This useful feature permits you to change the card orientation to match the graphic you’ve selected without having to do any copy and paste functions which I’ve had to do with many other programs.
Included too is Media Manager which organizes images, video clips, and music files located on your computer or Removable Disk Storage Drives, in one easy-to-access fully-searchable location. I set up Media Manager and discovered what was taking up so much of my Hard Drive Space! You are in the driver’s seat when it comes to selecting various options to Sort and View files suitable for you. You do have the option of setting up New Groups, but all Images, Music, and Videos initially have their own groups. Selecting Keywords for each item is time-consuming but worth the effort when you wish to retrieve an item and have no idea what you named it or where to look - extremely useful.
An extremely helpful suggestion to Broderbund - Please show the File Name of the selected object on the Status Bar. Perhaps it is somewhere else, but I was unable to locate it. In other words, I press the Tab Key to move from one object to another and expected to see the File Name of the Object on the Status Bar. There are several very useful features appearing on the Status Bar, but it would be so helpful to have this suggestion incorporated into a Download update.
It is usually mind-boggling when trying to figure which way to insert paper for printing double sided projects. The Print Shop Deluxe 15 has a Wizard that walks you through a printer test, then remembers your printer’s design and directs you in how to insert paper to print the second side - neat. My projects do appear to print sharper and clearer though I am using the same printer (Epson 800) that I’ve had several years and used with similar programs. I am very pleased with the results.
I am especially impressed with the 200,000 on-line graphics and additional 5,500 project templates available to registered users. I found everything I needed to make my cards express exactly what I wanted. My recommendation? You will love it!
Minimum system requirements are: Windows® 98/2000/ME or Windows® NT 4 SP 6, Pentium® 200MHz, 64 MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM, Monitor: 800x600 Display, 16-bit High Color, Video and sound cards and speakers, Internet Explorer 5.0, 33.6 KBPS modem. Windows® XP, Pentium® II 300 MHz, 128MB RAM.
Broderbund, Inc.
500 Redwood Blvd.
Novato, CA 94947
(phone 415-382-4400)
Price $49.99 at www.broderbund.com