Final Cut Studio Academic Version - confused buyer.

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Final Cut Studio Academic Version - confused buyer.

Hello,

I am about to buy Final Cut Studio 2 using the Academic Discount Program. I know that by purchasing the academic version I will not be able to upgrade. When I access the page (viewing it as a student) where I can see the different types of "Pro Design" softwares that I can buy, I see two "Final Cut Studio 2". One is Final Cut Studio 2 and the other one is Final Cut Studio 2 Academic. Both cost the same $699. When I select Final Cut Studio 2 it does not say that this is an upgrade version.
I'm afraid of selecting the one that does NOT have the word Academic because it might be an upgrade version even though it doesn't say.

Help!

Thank you...

A humble confused customer....

Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Feb 28, 2009 8:23 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 28, 2009 8:31 AM in response to Xuxa

If you want the academic version, I'd recommend that you order the one that specifically says "ACADEMIC."

http://store.apple.com/us-hed/product/MA891Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDAzOA&mco=MjQ0MDg4MA

-DH

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Answer 2

Xuxa Author

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Feb 28, 2009 9:07 AM in response to David Harbsmeier

Hi DH,

Thanks for your response. I would easily get the one that says academic, but if I have the option of buying the non-academic version for the same price as the academic I rather buy the non-academic one. I am confused because the website does not say that the non-academic one is an upgrade version, but when I called 1-800-MY-APPLE, the guy told me that is an upgrade version. I told him the website does not say it is and that is why I got confused.

Thanks again... 🙂

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Answer 3

David S.

Level 7

20,630 points

Feb 28, 2009 9:21 AM in response to Xuxa

I just went to the Apple Store for Education.

There was only one choice for FCS2.

$699.00.

They sold non academic licenses at the Apple Store for Education

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Answer 4

Xuxa Author

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Feb 28, 2009 9:24 AM in response to David S.

Hi David,

Thanks for your time to respond. That is very strange because I am able to see two version. Try this link:
http://store.apple.com/us-hed/browse/home/shopmac/software/prodesign?mco=MTM3MDI0Nw

That is why I am confused.

Thanks again... 🙂

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Answer 5

Feb 28, 2009 9:28 AM in response to David S.

When I go to the education store, like the OP, I also see two listings for FCS 2. Only one is marked as "Academic" but both are $699.00.

http://store.apple.com/us-hed/browse/home/shop_mac/software/apple?mco=MzE4NTc3MA

-DH

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Answer 6

Xuxa Author

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Feb 28, 2009 9:38 AM in response to David Harbsmeier

Oh great! At least I'm not getting nuts in here....LOL!!!
That's why I am wondering if I select the non-academic one if I'm getting the "upgrade version from Final Cut Studio". However, it doesn't say it is.

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Answer 7

Feb 28, 2009 9:44 AM in response to David Harbsmeier

strange the product code for the 699 NON edu marked is the same as the regular priced FCS 2 in the non EDU store

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Answer 8

Xuxa Author

Level 1

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Feb 28, 2009 12:33 PM in response to David Slater

Ok, I talked to someone else in Customer Service. This person noticed that the part number for the FCS2 (non-educational version) is the SAME part number of the FCS2 advertised for "regular" customers. The part number for FCS2 is MA886Z/A and the part number for the educational one is MA888Z/A.
I placed my order using the Education Discount Program and got the FCS2 and not the educational version.

Thank you all for your input. I greatly appreciated it.

"xuxa" pronounced "shoe - sha"

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Answer 9

Mar 1, 2009 2:05 AM in response to Xuxa

Hey if you got FCS2 non-academic for $699, that's a GREAT DEAL, thank Apple for their screwing up on the part numbers.

-Brian

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Answer 10

Xuxa Author

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Mar 1, 2009 3:46 AM in response to Brian Kaempen

Hehe! I agree Brian. It's a great deal and big screw up. I got the receipt in my email and it confirms the part number. Now, it's a matter of waiting to receive the shipment and re-confirm it when I get the product.

🙂

-Xuxa

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Answer 11

Mar 1, 2009 7:02 AM in response to Xuxa

I would think the bigger test is if you can upgrade it if/when there is a new version of FCS (FCS3/FCP7)

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Answer 12

Xuxa Author

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Mar 1, 2009 7:14 AM in response to David Slater

I thought about it too. I asked 'gazillions' of time about it. LOL!
The part number of FCS2 is MA886Z/A which is the same part number for the
regular FCS2 full retail version.

The part number for the academic version is MA891Z/A.

I guess once the new FCS3 comes out, I'll risk it and I'll update this thread.

🙂

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Answer 13

Mar 1, 2009 7:25 AM in response to Xuxa

Well, the big question is the serial number. If they gave you an academic serial number in the box, it's academic, regardless. The only other difference is the academic sticker on the box.

I'll be interested to hear what you receive.

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Answer 14

Xuxa Author

Level 1

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Mar 1, 2009 7:31 AM in response to thrillcat editorial

True! I forgot about the academic sticker! I will be on the look out for the sticker when I receive it. I should be getting it this Thursday. I'll be
crossing fingers. Too good to be true even though it has the same part number.

🙂

-Xuxa

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Answer 15

Mar 1, 2009 7:52 AM in response to David Slater

Well, either way, the OP was originally looking for an academic version anyway so if it doesn't work they're no worse off than they were planning to be.

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