TecKMagazine - Macromedia Contribute 2 Review

Macromedia Contribute 2 Review

Written by Don Lee

Sunday, 08 October 2006

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Macromedia Contribute 2 Review
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There IS a difference between Macintosh and Windows versions
Even though the product version is 2.0, this is the first version for the Macintosh. The Macintosh version doesn’t include FlashPaper technology and the ability to include Microsoft Office contents directly into a webpage. Although these features would be very handy to Mac users, hopefully Macromedia realizes this and can find a way to implement them into the next Macintosh version.

FlashPaper technology provides the ability to convert various document formats into Macromedia Flash files that can be displayed inside of a browser window without the need for the original application. For example, let’s say I wanted to display a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet on my website. I could convert the spreadsheet into a FlashPaper file and upload it to my website. Even if you didn’t have Microsoft Excel installed on your computer, you could still view the file from your web browser because the file would be in the Macromedia Flash file format, which would only require you to have the Flash plug-in installed.

The Technical Stuff:
Macromedia Contribute was reviewed using:
Power Macintosh Dual 1GHz (Silver Door)
1.75GB DDR PC2700 RAM
Mac OSX 10.2.6

AMD Athlon XP1800 (1.533GHz)
1.5GB SDRAM
Windows 2000

Macintosh System Requirements:
Power Macintosh G3 or higher
Mac OSX 10.1 or later
128MB RAM
60MB hard drive space

Windows System Requirements:
Windows 98, SE, Me, 2000, or XP
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or later
Pentium II 300MHz or higher
64MB RAM
50MB hard drive space

Here's the final definitive word
While Macromedia Contribute does seem like a stripped down version of Dreamweaver in some ways, the program does offer a lot for such an affordable suggested retail price of only $99. Remember that the Macintosh version doesn’t include the FlashPaper technology BUT Macromedia has informed me that they do intend on implementing FlashPaper for the Macintosh at a later date so you Mac users won’t be left out of the fun. The ease of use and quick updating ability is a very attractive feature for those who don’t want to do anything more than update their website or add a new page quick and easy.

You should be aware that even though the box advertises it as a PC/Mac hybrid CD, that once you install Contribute you're now bound to that platform. In case you come up with other install/uninstall scenarios, you can learn more about Macromedia's product activation program at the following address:
http://www.macromedia.com/software/activation/.
I recommend that you should read the activation information before installing so you understand the limitations and the type of support Macromedia will provide in case activation problems occur.

If you’re still not sure about whether Contribute can contribute effectively for your website, you can try the free 30 day demo (approx. 26MBs) which is available at the Macromedia website.

About Macromedia Contribute
Contribute is currently available on a hybrid CD for Mac and Windows users for the suggested retail price of $99. You can try a 30 day demo of Contribute by downloading it from Macromedia’s website. You can find them on the internet at http://www.macromedia.com .

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