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Viewing Single Post From: Scrapbook MAX!
waxingsteve
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I've just received a copy of this digital scrapbooking software for review :thumbup; So here goes :lol:

When you place an order at http://www.scrapbookmax.com you will get the opportunity to get started right away by downloading the program immediately. You will still get a CD-Rom through the post, which includes a host of extras, including templates, scrapbook "kits", and such. Two flavours are available - the Classic and the Wedding versions, priced at $39.95 each, or $68.95 for the two. Shipping costs $4.95 in the USA and Canada and takes about 2 weeks, or just $6.95 to anywhere else, taking 2 to 4 weeks.

The CD will, of course, autorun if you have that feature switched on. From the first screen you can install just the program or the program and the additional "content pack". You can also view the user's guide (in PDF format) or watch the tutorial video. But help doesn't stop short! By visiting the site mentioned above, you can also join the dedicated forum and obtain free technical support. Downloads of new scrapbook kits, templates and embellishments start at a very reasonable $2.95 each. There are also more video tutorials online.

Now to the nitty-gritty ;) The front cover is very retro, reminiscent of 1950s America, but don't let that put you off! The software is first rate, if a little sluggish in some parts, and actually creating your first scrapbook can be very simple if you use the designs provided on the CD ;) All the elements on a page can be altered and photos can have a good variety of effects applied to them. It took me about twenty minutes to put together a five page scrapbook, without referring to the help system or video tutorial! That's my personal "acid test" - can I use the software without knowing anything about it and without referring to documentation ;) Of course, using the documentation will allow better use, but Scrapbook MAX! passed with flying colours :thumbup;

You can publish your scrapbook in several ways, including PDF, printed yourself, as a video and even burnt to CD for playing on a compatible DVD player or your computer :) The only let down is that you can't order prints online if you're outside the USA/Canada :(

Mac users, sadly, can't use the software, but it's fully supported in Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP and Vista.

If you're interested in trying Scrapbook MAX! you can download a free trial too :thumbup;

Personally, I found the software much easier to use than several others I've tried, with no assumptions made about your computer abilities. I'm a firm believer in software being intuitive to use and Scrapbook MAX! succeeds on that score. It's left entirely up to you how deeply you want to go into more advanced aspects of digiscrapping :thumbup;

All in all, I'd give it 9 out of 10! A little better speed performance would definitely push it up to a 10 :D

Steve :)
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Scrapbook MAX! · Scrapbooking


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Elements of this Board are Copyright © Steve K. Smy, 2005. Members posts and images are Copyright © the posting Member!