As the first major Photoshop update since Adobe revamped its product line in 2003, this is the release you’ve been waiting for-and this is the guide that will get you up to speed on it fastest! Rather than sift through hundreds of pages detailing every last Photoshop feature and function, you can go directly to the new features that interest you most and get the explanations you desire in classic Ben Willmore style-intuitive, crystal clear, and in-depth. By focusing on a single topic-what’s new in this version-the award-winning  author provides precisely what experienced Photoshop users like yourself have been clamoring for, in exactly the depth you demand. Including just enough information about older features to make the new ones understandable, Ben shows you not only which buttons to push but why.

As the first major Photoshop update since Adobe revamped its product line in 2003, this is the release you’ve been waiting for-and this is the guide that will get you up to speed on it fastest! Rather than sift through hundreds of pages detailing every last Photoshop feature and function, you can go directly to the new features that interest you most and get the explanations you desire in classic Ben Willmore style-intuitive, crystal clear, and in-depth. By focusing on a single topic-what’s new in this version-the award-winning author provides precisely what experienced Photoshop users like yourself have been clamoring for, in exactly the depth you demand. Including just enough information about older features to make the new ones understandable, Ben shows you not only which buttons to push but why.

A senior engineer from NASA once said that this man gave the best technical seminar he ever attended. That same year a computer-phobic who had been struggling with Photoshop for years proclaimed that ?He takes the Boogie Man out of Photoshop!? This seems to be Ben Willmore’s special gift; he has an uncanny ability to connect with users of every level and mindset; whether it?s first-timers taking their first sniff of Photoshop, or razor-sharp nerds and nerdettes who are on the fast track to technical illumination. The common echo that Ben leaves in his wake seems to be ?Aha! I finally GET Photoshop!?

To date, Ben has personally taught over 45,000 Photoshop users on three continents. His descriptions of Curves and Channels are thought to be the best in the industry and his breakthrough teaching style of ?not-just-how-but-why,? has made him the in-house instructor of choice for companies such as Mercedes Benz, Adobe Systems, America Online, the U.S. Airforce, Lexis Nexis and Fisher-Price Toys. His award-winning, best-selling book, Adobe Photoshop Studio Techniques is said to be ?Arguably, one of the best Photoshop books ever written.? by Photoshop User?s publisher, Jim Workman. His latest book ’Photoshop CS2: Up to Speed’ is a new concept in books and is the only book focused exclusively on the new features in Photoshop CS2. He is also co-author (with Jack Davis) of ?How to Wow: Photoshop for Photographers?, and creator of the best-selling Master Series videos.

He continues to be a featured speaker at publishing conferences and events worldwide, including Photoshop World, American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and the Royal Photographic Society of England. He’s a member of the Dream Team for NAPP and writes for numerous digital imaging and photography publications, including a monthly column for Photoshop User magazine. In 2004 he was inducted into the Photoshop Hall of Fame. His reputation as the ?expert’s expert? prompted NAPP’s president, Scott Kelby, to say, ?When we get stuck, we call Ben!?

Ben sold his house in the mountains of Colorado in early 2006 and started to live a mobile lifestyle. His home is a 1997 40’ Prevost bus (often referred to as a Rock Star Bus) that was converted by Liberty coach into a motorhome. The bus is pretty much a one bedroom apartment on wheels. Ben spends his time driving to speaking events and photographing National Parks and small town America.

Ben Willmore is the founder of Digital Mastery, a training and consulting firm specializing in Photoshop. He is also the author of several books, including Photoshop CS2 Studio Techniques.

As the first major Photoshop update since Adobe revamped its product line in 2003, this is the release you’ve been waiting for-and this is the guide that will get you up to speed on it fastest! Rather than sift through hundreds of pages detailing every last Photoshop feature and function, you can go directly to the new features that interest you most and get the explanations you desire in classic Ben Willmore style-intuitive, crystal clear, and in-depth. By focusing on a single topic-what’s new in this version-the award-winning author provides precisely what experienced Photoshop users like yourself have been clamoring for, in exactly the depth you demand. Including just enough information about older features to make the new ones understandable, Ben shows you not only which buttons to push but why.

 

As the first major Photoshop update since Adobe revamped its product line in 2003, this is the release you’ve been waiting for-and this is the guide that will get you up to speed on it fastest! Rather than sift through hundreds of pages detailing every last Photoshop feature and function, you can go directly to the new features that interest you most and get the explanations you desire in classic Ben Willmore style-intuitive, crystal clear, and in-depth. By focusing on a single topic-what’s new in this version-the award-winning  author provides precisely what experienced Photoshop users like yourself have been clamoring for, in exactly the depth you demand. Including just enough information about older features to make the new ones understandable, Ben shows you not only which buttons to push but why.

 

As the first major Photoshop update since Adobe revamped its product line in 2003, this is the release you've been waiting for-and this is the guide that will get you up to speed on it fastest! Rather than sift through hundreds of pages detailing every last Photoshop feature and function, you can go directly to the new features that interest you most and get the explanations you desire in classic Ben Willmore style-intuitive, crystal clear, and in-depth. By focusing on a single topic-what's new in this version-the award-winning  author provides precisely what experienced Photoshop users like yourself have been clamoring for, in exactly the depth you demand. Including just enough information about older features to make the new ones understandable, Ben shows you not only which buttons to push but why.

If...
I’d bought this book first then I’d be singing its’ praises. As I bought books by Martin Evening and Scott Kelby for CS2, these other authors have produced superior books by far.

If you want a clear easy read on CS2 then the Kelby book is the best one available imho. If you want a detailed view of CS2 then the Evening book is superb.

Outstanding primer for the Photoshop user
Most books go over all the essentials. Even Deke McClelland’s find ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS2 ONE-ON-ONE is great at introducing the NEW features and changes. But Ben’s book is a quickie, one-day overview of what’s new and improved and changed. For the price, there is no better book for someone buying PSCS2 to upgrade from any older version (like I did, from quaint old Photoshop 5.5). Full color pictures and clear typography -- making it easy to go back and review -- just make this book a steal at Amazon’s discounted price. Get it!

CS users - Buy it, read it!
Title: Photoshop CS2 : Up to Speed
Author: Ben Willmore
Publisher: Peachpit Press
Number of pages: 171
ISBN: ISBN: 0321330501
List Price: $24.99

Photoshop CS2 - Up to Speed was written for users of Photoshop CS (v8.0)who plan to or have just upgraded to CS2. The longer you have been using CS the more you will appreciate and benefit from this book. Expert Photoshop user/author/teacher Ben Willmore had access to the Adobe Photoshop design team to review chapters and technical issues which resulted in an in-depth
and accurate detailed description of the changes made in CS2(v9.0).

Each chapter starts out by providing an overview, and a section called "Where’s My Stuff". From there each topic in the overview is explained in detail. Visually the book is well written and easy to read - using bold colored text, and colored screen
captures (with additional descriptions below each screen capture). Occasionally the small screen captures can be difficult to read. There is an overwhelming amount of information contained within each chapter. Ben covers all types -what’s new, what’s changed, what’s been removed, changes to menus and keyboard shortcuts.

The 1st chapter provides lots of details on Bridge but may be better served from a DVD based video explanation. Bridge is a very visual application. The 2nd chapter on General Tweaks covers numerous miscellaneous tweaks that is a must read for
CS2 upgrade users. Chapter 3 covers the new Layers palette in fine detail. Chapters 4 and 5 on Smart Objects and Variables respectively are worth the price of the book alone - well done Ben. Chapter 6 covers small gems (WYSIWYG Font Menu, Smart Guides, Animation Palette, Swatches, PDF-X, Adobe Stock Photos) sufficiently. From here the next chapters cover photographic related topics (Camera Raw 3, - High Dynamic Range imaging, Retouching & Filter Enahancements, Small Gems). These chapters are clearly explained through a thorough use of screen captures and photos.

Summary: If you are a long time photoshop CS user then this is the 1st book you should buy and read. Ben covers every area (except ImageReady which had esssential no changes and Version Cue) in great detail and leaves no area untouched. Since there is an overwhelming amount of information (changes) described in this book (that’s a good thing) I would suggest while and or after reading each chapter to bring up CS2 and go over the information just covered. Also, you do not need to read the book in the order in which it was written. Choose the areas you are interested in most first then come back to the other chapters. Finally, if there is one suggestion I would make to the author for the next version of "Up to Speed" consider creating a DVD based visual guide to describe the changes going from CS2 to CS3 to accompany/supplement the written book.
Overall I highly recommend this book for the target audience just described and the price of the book with an online discount is a bargain.

CS users - Buy it, read it!
Title: Photoshop CS2 : Up to Speed
Author: Ben Willmore
Publisher: Peachpit Press
Number of pages: 171
ISBN: ISBN: 0321330501
List Price: $24.99

Photoshop CS2 - Up to Speed was written for users of Photoshop CS (v8.0)who plan to or have just upgraded to CS2. The longer you have been using CS the more you will appreciate and benefit from this book. Expert Photoshop user/author/teacher Ben Willmore had access to the Adobe Photoshop design team to review chapters and technical issues which resulted in an in-depth
and accurate detailed description of the changes made in CS2(v9.0).

Each chapter starts out by providing an overview, and a section called "Where’s My Stuff". From there each topic in the overview is explained in detail. Visually the book is well written and easy to read - using bold colored text, and colored screen
captures (with additional descriptions below each screen capture). Occasionally the small screen captures can be difficult to read. There is an overwhelming amount of information contained within each chapter. Ben covers all types -what’s new, what’s changed, what’s been removed, changes to menus and keyboard shortcuts.

The 1st chapter provides lots of details on Bridge but may be better served from a DVD based video explanation. Bridge is a very visual application. The 2nd chapter on General Tweaks covers numerous miscellaneous tweaks that is a must read for
CS2 upgrade users. Chapter 3 covers the new Layers palette in fine detail. Chapters 4 and 5 on Smart Objects and Variables respectively are worth the price of the book alone - well done Ben. Chapter 6 covers small gems (WYSIWYG Font Menu, Smart Guides, Animation Palette, Swatches, PDF-X, Adobe Stock Photos) sufficiently. From here the next chapters cover photographic related topics (Camera Raw 3, - High Dynamic Range imaging, Retouching & Filter Enahancements, Small Gems). These chapters are clearly explained through a thorough use of screen captures and photos.

Summary: If you are a long time photoshop CS user then this is the 1st book you should buy and read. Ben covers every area (except ImageReady which had esssential no changes and Version Cue) in great detail and leaves no area untouched. Since there is an overwhelming amount of information (changes) described in this book (that’s a good thing) I would suggest while and or after reading each chapter to bring up CS2 and go over the information just covered. Also, you do not need to read the book in the order in which it was written. Choose the areas you are interested in most first then come back to the other chapters. Finally, if there is one suggestion I would make to the author for the next version of "Up to Speed" consider creating a DVD based visual guide to describe the changes going from CS2 to CS3 to accompany/supplement the written book.
Overall I highly recommend this book for the target audience just described and the price of the book with an online discount is a bargain.

CS users - Buy it, read it!
Title: Photoshop CS2 : Up to Speed

Author: Ben Willmore

Publisher: Peachpit Press

Number of pages: 171

ISBN: ISBN: 0321330501

List Price: $24.99



Photoshop CS2 - Up to Speed was written for users of Photoshop CS (v8.0)who plan to or have just upgraded to CS2. The longer you have been using CS the more you will appreciate and benefit from this book. Expert Photoshop user/author/teacher Ben Willmore had access to the Adobe Photoshop design team to review chapters and technical issues which resulted in an in-depth

and accurate detailed description of the changes made in CS2(v9.0).



Each chapter starts out by providing an overview, and a section called "Where’s My Stuff". From there each topic in the overview is explained in detail. Visually the book is well written and easy to read - using bold colored text, and colored screen

captures (with additional descriptions below each screen capture). Occasionally the small screen captures can be difficult to read. There is an overwhelming amount of information contained within each chapter. Ben covers all types -what’s new, what’s changed, what’s been removed, changes to menus and keyboard shortcuts.



The 1st chapter provides lots of details on Bridge but may be better served from a DVD based video explanation. Bridge is a very visual application. The 2nd chapter on General Tweaks covers numerous miscellaneous tweaks that is a must read for

CS2 upgrade users. Chapter 3 covers the new Layers palette in fine detail. Chapters 4 and 5 on Smart Objects and Variables respectively are worth the price of the book alone - well done Ben. Chapter 6 covers small gems (WYSIWYG Font Menu, Smart Guides, Animation Palette, Swatches, PDF-X, Adobe Stock Photos) sufficiently. From here the next chapters cover photographic related topics (Camera Raw 3, - High Dynamic Range imaging, Retouching & Filter Enahancements, Small Gems). These chapters are clearly explained through a thorough use of screen captures and photos.



Summary: If you are a long time photoshop CS user then this is the 1st book you should buy and read. Ben covers every area (except ImageReady which had esssential no changes and Version Cue) in great detail and leaves no area untouched. Since there is an overwhelming amount of information (changes) described in this book (that’s a good thing) I would suggest while and or after reading each chapter to bring up CS2 and go over the information just covered. Also, you do not need to read the book in the order in which it was written. Choose the areas you are interested in most first then come back to the other chapters. Finally, if there is one suggestion I would make to the author for the next version of "Up to Speed" consider creating a DVD based visual guide to describe the changes going from CS2 to CS3 to accompany/supplement the written book.

Overall I highly recommend this book for the target audience just described and the price of the book with an online discount is a bargain.

CS users - Buy it, read it!
Title: Photoshop CS2 : Up to Speed
Author_ Ben Willmore
Publisher_ Peachpit Press
Number of pages: 171
ISBN: ISBN: 0321330501
List Price: $24.99

Photoshop CS2 - Up to Speed was written for users of Photoshop CS (v8.0)who plan to or have just upgraded to CS2. The longer you have been using CS the more you will appreciate and benefit from this book. Expert Photoshop user/author/teacher Ben Willmore had access to the Adobe Photoshop design team to review chapters and technical issues which resulted in an in-depth
and accurate detailed description of the changes made in CS2(v9.0).

Each chapter starts out by providing an overview, and a section called "Where’s My Stuff". From there each topic in the overview is explained in detail. Visually the book is well written and easy to read - using bold colored text, and colored screen
captures (with additional descriptions below each screen capture). Occasionally the small screen captures can be difficult to read. There is an overwhelming amount of information contained within each chapter. Ben covers all types -what’s new, what’s changed, what’s been removed, changes to menus and keyboard shortcuts.

The 1st chapter provides lots of details on Bridge but may be better served from a DVD based video explanation. Bridge is a very visual application. The 2nd chapter on General Tweaks covers numerous miscellaneous tweaks that is a must read for
CS2 upgrade users. Chapter 3 covers the new Layers palette in fine detail. Chapters 4 and 5 on Smart Objects and Variables respectively are worth the price of the book alone - well done Ben. Chapter 6 covers small gems (WYSIWYG Font Menu, Smart Guides, Animation Palette, Swatches, PDF-X, Adobe Stock Photos) sufficiently. From here the next chapters cover photographic related topics (Camera Raw 3, - High Dynamic Range imaging, Retouching & Filter Enahancements, Small Gems). These chapters are clearly explained through a thorough use of screen captures and photos.

Summary: If you are a long time photoshop CS user then this is the 1st book you should buy and read. Ben covers every area (except ImageReady which had esssential no changes and Version Cue) in great detail and leaves no area untouched. Since there is an overwhelming amount of information (changes) described in this book (that’s a good thing) I would suggest while and or after reading each chapter to bring up CS2 and go over the information just covered. Also, you do not need to read the book in the order in which it was written. Choose the areas you are interested in most first then come back to the other chapters. Finally, if there is one suggestion I would make to the author for the next version of "Up to Speed" consider creating a DVD based visual guide to describe the changes going from CS2 to CS3 to accompany/supplement the written book.
Overall I highly recommend this book for the target audience just described and the price of the book with an online discount is a bargain.

Ben Wilmore Does it Again
Ben Wilmore is one of the foremost Photoshop trainers in the world. When he has time, he writes articles he sends to his photoshop mailing list (well worth joining). His tips are always on target and have provided me with extremely valuable insights into using Photoshop.

If you are a novice with Photoshop, or have never used a version before CS2, this isn’t the best book for you. Willmore assumes you have substantial experience with Photoshop CS. However, if you are a CS user who is moving up to CS2, this book is an invaluable guide to the many new features in CS2. I have found this book extremely helpful and very readable. As usual, Wilmore’s style is clear, easy-to-read, and the color illustrations very helpful. No, I don’t get a cut of his royalties, I just love it when I find a reference that is truly worth the price!

Ben Wilmore Does it Again
Ben Wilmore is one of the foremost Photoshop trainers in the world. When he has time, he writes articles he sends to his photoshop mailing list (well worth joining). His tips are always on target and have provided me with extremely valuable insights into using Photoshop.

If you are a novice with Photoshop, or have never used a version before CS2, this isn’t the best book for you. Willmore assumes you have substantial experience with Photoshop CS. However, if you are a CS user who is moving up to CS2, this book is an invaluable guide to the many new features in CS2. I have found this book extremely helpful and very readable. As usual, Wilmore’s style is clear, easy-to-read, and the color illustrations very helpful. No, I don’t get a cut of his royalties, I just love it when I find a reference that is truly worth the price!

Brilliant - Covers everything in great detail
This book does exactly what it says on the cover, and it does it extremely well. It has been my constant source of reference for the past three weeks as I have found even the often neglegted Index to be so well thought out.
I have always been a fan of the File Browser and was very sorry to see it be replaced by the Bridge and couldn't quite get my head around it. That is until this book came along. Ben goes through this, and everything else for that matter, in great simplistic detail and I now find it a breeze.
Everything new (including where some things have been moved to) in CS2 is covered in a very well explained and simplistic style accompanied by detailed illustrations. The presentation and layout of the book is absolutely superb, and for anyone making the move from CS to CS2 this must be at the top of their shopping list.
Remember though, it is a book for people familiar with Photoshop, not for someone coming in at CS2

A Must Buy
This book does exactly what it says on the cover, and it does it extremely well. It has been my constant source of reference for the past three weeks as even the often neglegted Index is well thought out.
I was always a big fan of the File Browser and was sorry to see it replaced in CS2 by the Bridge, which I must admit it took me some time to get my head round (where has the Desktop gone?) until this book came along. Ben goes through it in great detail, as he does with everything, and I now find it a breeze.
Everything new, and everything moved or hidden, is covered in a very well explained and simplistic style accompanied by detailed illustrations. The presentation and layout of the book is absolutely superb, and for anyone with a knowledge of Photoshop, moving up from CS to CS2 this book must be at the top of the shopping list.
It is not for anyone coming straight into Photoshop at CS2 level

A Must Buy
This book does exactly what it says on the cover, and it does it extremely well. It has been my constant source of reference for the past three weeks as even the often neglegted Index is well thought out.
I was always a big fan of the File Browser and was sorry to see it replaced in CS2 by the Bridge, which I must admit it took me some time to get my head round (where has the Desktop gone?) until this book came along. Ben goes through it in great detail, as he does with everything, and I now find it a breeze.
Everything new, and everything moved or hidden, is covered in a very well explained and simplistic style accompanied by detailed illustrations. The presentation and layout of the book is absolutely superb, and for anyone with a knowledge of Photoshop, moving up from CS to CS2 this book must be at the top of the shopping list.
It is not for anyone coming straight into Photoshop at CS2 level

Brilliant - Covers everything in great detail
This book does exactly what it says on the cover, and it does it extremely well. It has been my constant source of reference for the past three weeks as I have found even the often neglegted Index to be so well thought out.
I have always been a fan of the File Browser and was very sorry to see it be replaced by the Bridge and couldn't quite get my head around it. That is until this book came along. Ben goes through this, and everything else for that matter, in great simplistic detail and I now find it a breeze.
Everything new (including where some things have been moved to) in CS2 is covered in a very well explained and simplistic style accompanied by detailed illustrations. The presentation and layout of the book is absolutely superb, and for anyone making the move from CS to CS2 this must be at the top of their shopping list.
Remember though, it is a book for people familiar with Photoshop, not for someone coming in at CS2

A must read for anyone upgrading - or thinking of upgrading
The biggest challenge to anyone upgrading to a new version of an application is figuring out what’s new. Willmore makes this easy. In a clear, concise format, he lays out exactly what’s new in CS2, from the relatively mundane to the great new hidden features that you wouldn’t likely find without a tour guide like this.
It’s important to note that this is not a beginner’s guide. The very format of the book should make this clear, but this isn’t a starting point for someone looking to learn Photoshop - it’s a book for people that are already familiar and comfortable with Photoshop who, as the title says, just need to get "up to speed" with the latest release of Photoshop.

A must read for anyone upgrading - or thinking of upgrading
The biggest challenge to anyone upgrading to a new version of an application is figuring out what’s new. Willmore makes this easy. In a clear, concise format, he lays out exactly what’s new in CS2, from the relatively mundane to the great new hidden features that you wouldn’t likely find without a tour guide like this.
It’s important to note that this is not a beginner’s guide. The very format of the book should make this clear, but this isn’t a starting point for someone looking to learn Photoshop - it’s a book for people that are already familiar and comfortable with Photoshop who, as the title says, just need to get "up to speed" with the latest release of Photoshop.

Passed CS2 Test
I had already passed the Adobe ACE exam for CS, and used this book exclusively as a study tool for the CS2 re-certification test. I passed.

If you are already familiar with Photoshop CS, this book is great for learning the new stuff in CS2. Ben not only shows what’s new in CS2, but also where some of the stuff in CS has been moved or how it has been changed a little.

I had used CS2 for a couple of months before I got this book and had used some online tutorials for learning some new stuff. It wasn’t until I got this book that I saw how many new features there were and the more productive ways of doing things.

I have been a fan of Ben’s books since Photoshop Studio 5 and his style of writing and teaching is both informative and casual.

This book is not for people looking for ways to do special effects and cool Photoshop visual tricks. It is for people who want to understand how the new features in Photoshop CS2 work and how those features can be used in your images or creations.(most notable for me; the faster Camera Raw, Smart Sharpen, Vanishing Point, and the new Adobe Bridge)

It was also interesting to read about his frustration with the way Adobe had done some of the changes.


(I have never met Ben Willmore and have never attended one of his seminars....this is just an objective opinion.)

Passed CS2 Test
I had already passed the Adobe ACE exam for CS, and used this book exclusively as a study tool for the CS2 re-certification test. I passed.

If you are already familiar with Photoshop CS, this book is great for learning the new stuff in CS2. Ben not only shows what’s new in CS2, but also where some of the stuff in CS has been moved or how it has been changed a little.

I had used CS2 for a couple of months before I got this book and had used some online tutorials for learning some new stuff. It wasn’t until I got this book that I saw how many new features there were and the more productive ways of doing things.

I have been a fan of Ben’s books since Photoshop Studio 5 and his style of writing and teaching is both informative and casual.

This book is not for people looking for ways to do special effects and cool Photoshop visual tricks. It is for people who want to understand how the new features in Photoshop CS2 work and how those features can be used in your images or creations.(most notable for me; the faster Camera Raw, Smart Sharpen, Vanishing Point, and the new Adobe Bridge)

It was also interesting to read about his frustration with the way Adobe had done some of the changes.


(I have never met Ben Willmore and have never attended one of his seminars....this is just an objective opinion.)

Up to spreed
Very good book give the basic of new parts to CS2,HOWEVER it is a bit short.

Great Book for Photoshop Users!
Ben gets you up to speed on the NEW features in Photoshop CS2. His writing style and examples are easy to follow and you will be using the new features in no time. This book along with his Photoshop for Photographers book are two of the best!

What’s New, Just What’s New
If you already know and are at least a medium skilled user of PhotoShop, this book will be great for you. It just covers what’s new. And with almost two hundred pages of ’what’s new,’ that’s a lot of new things and pretty detailed coverage of them.

The book starts out: ’Just when you thought it was safe to settle in and get comfortable with the File Browser, Adobe pulled a fast one and replaced it with a completely new application called Bridge.’

That sets the tone, if you have no idea what File Browser is all about, this isn’t the book for you. If you do, you’re moving to Bridge, and here’s a quick chapter on what it’s all about.

The rest of the book follows this beginning, here’s what’s new, what’s changed, what you can do now that you couldn’t do before. The rest of the book also follows the writing tone as in the quote above. It’s got a writing style that makes it very readable, not you understand as good as a novel, but for a computer book, damn good.

Great for advanced users!!!
What the critics are saying(see inside cover flap)about Ben’s new book is really good;well written in his understandable style to explain complicated things.
The great advantage of this book is that it focuses only on the new features from CS2 so that you can start immediately with the upgrade.There are three Sections in this book:1)Foundations with two chapters,page 4 till 21 introducing the new Bridge application(one of the best newcomers)and page 22-35 reviewing general tweaks: warping,editing menus,color management,new preferences and other tiny tweaks.
Section II is all about Design (page 44-85) ,4 more chapters about the new layers palette,smart objects,variables and small Gems for Design;Section III is all about photography ,chapters 7 to 10,from page 92-164 and explains Camera raw3,High Dynamic Range Imaging(HDR),retouching & filter enhancements and finally small gems for photography.
Chapter 2 for example cover such an abondance of refinements and new features that the author considers them essential reading for anyone upgrading to CS2.
Like allways with Ben’s books this one is very good structured giving on the beginning of each chapter an overview of what’s covered helping you to find directly what you need.
Every new feature is covered in depth in Ben’s clear style.
In the introduction the author tells clearly that two Photoshop related applications are not covered in his book:Image ready(because there are no essential changes in CS2)and Version Cue(creative suite)because it is beyond the objectve of his book to get you up to speed with Photoshop’s newest features.
The book is edited in a handy format and beatifully illustrated,and lets you learn quickly what’s been moved,renamed or eliminated from the previous version.
This book is NOT for beginners!!!and supposes you have a good knowledge of Photoshop CS;
Since two days I can’t put it away and read chapters on the fly just because Ben’s style is nearly one of the best to explain you complicated stuff.
Again a winner Ben!!!Thanks

A New Concept In Books
I’m the author of Photoshop CS2: Up to Speed. The following quotes appear on the first few pages of the the printed book... you’d see them if you were browsing in a physical bookstore, but wouldn’t see them here unless someone was to post them:

"Hands-down, this is simply the best book for `getting up to speed’ with Photoshop CS2. Adobe should include it with every copy of Photoshop."
-Chris Murphy Co-Author: Real World Color Management

"I’ve been using Photoshop for over a decade, so when I wanted to get up to speed on just the new stuff in CS2, I turned to Ben’s Up to Speed book"
-David Blatner Co-Author: Real World Photoshop

"Ben has a real gift for teaching Photoshop, and the uncanny ability to make difficult concepts seems absolutely simple. I have every book Ben’s ever written, and when he comes out with a new one, I buy it! Ben has a way of cutting to the chase and explaining things in a way that just make sense. His approach to training has won him legions of fans, and this book continues his tradition of making Photoshop easy and understandable. If you want to really dig under the skin of Photoshop CS2’s amazing new features, this is the book to buy! Highly recommended!"
-Scott Kelby President, National Association of Photoshop Professionals

"Learn what’s new, and discover what you need to know without all the fluff. Yet another book from Ben that proves he’s a true master."
-Russell Brown Senior Creative Director: Adobe Systems Incorporated

"At a recent meeting of the BetterPhoto.com instructors, I offered them all a free book. All 17 instructors unanimously requested a copy of Ben’s book. He’s that good!"
-Jim Miotke Founder: BetterPhoto

"This book is a must have! Whether you’re new to Photoshop or a seasoned pro, it will help you get up to speed on the latest features in no time flat. Ben’s conversational writing style makes for an enjoyable read, and the excellent organization of the book helps you learn everything you need to transition seamlessly into Photoshop CS2."
-Tim Grey Co/Author: Color Confidence, Real World Digital Photography

"Ben’s book gets to the heart of Photoshop CS2 - what has changed, what is new, and how you can get the most out of the features as quickly as possible. With `Up to Speed’, you will be taking advantage of Photoshop CS2 in no time at all."
-Katrin Eismann Author: Photoshop Retouching & Restoration

"Ben’s sessions at PhotoshopWorld are always standing-room only. His latest book provides ample reason as to why he’s so popular. He breaks down the complex and arcane side of Photoshop into something that is understandable. And few things are more fun than becoming better at Photoshop. It’s a great book."
-Jim Workman Publisher: Photoshop User Magazine

"Almost every page gave me at least one useful tip... but that was no real surprise. What I liked most, aside from the clean layout, was the way big changes were differentiated from "tiny tweaks". Obviously, Ben Willmore knows exactly which topics Photoshoppers want to learn about, from handling Raw images to understanding HDR, and from working with the new Adobe Bridge to building variable data pages. This is a must-read for anyone moving up to CS2."
-Dan Brill Publisher: Graphic Exchange Magazine

"Ben Willmore’s Up to Speed with CS2 is a must read for every digital photographer who is concerned with speeding up workflow, quickly getting a handle on the new photographic gems and generally wrapping their brains around the great new features like Bridge, the new Camera Raw, Lens Correction and my personal favorite, Vanishing Point."
-Kevin Ames Author: Photoshop CS: The Art of Photographing Women

"Ben Willmore is the world’s foremost expert on the in’s and out’s of Photoshop, especially when it comes to the where’s and what-for’s of all the awesome new features in Photoshop CS2. If you use Photoshop, buy this book. Period. It will save you time, money and (if you are a middle-aged male), hair."
-Jack Davis Co-Author: How to Wow: Photoshop for Photography, Photoshop Hall of Fame inductee

"Ben is a teacher’s teacher. He’s someone I steal from, uh, rather appropriate from freely. When I need to learn a new technique, Ben’s easy-going explanations are just fantastic. His new book hits all the right notes with Photoshop CS2. Rather than rehash a lot of old stuff, he cuts right to the chase, and in that easy-going writing and teaching style of his. Ben has a knack for explaining the complex in plain English. That is the mark of a great teacher and this book just reinforces again that Ben is a great teacher."
-Jack Reznicki Author: Studio & Commercial Photography

"Learning a new version of Photoshop is always a challenge. Ben’s "Up to Speed" is the most efficient way to move forward from Photoshop CS to CS2. All is written in Ben’s unique and easy to follow style. Highly recommended!"
-Uwe Steinmueller Founder: OutbackPhoto

"Up to Speed: Photoshop CS2’ is exactly the book you want to have next to you when moving up from Photoshop CS. Organized into logical, digestible chapters, every change and addition is clearly and patiently explained by one of the most respected Photoshop authors and instructors today: Ben Willmore."
-Jay Nelson Editor: Design Tools Monthly

"Ben’s books are like getting all the answers before you even know what the questions are. I tested this software, and I spent most of my time as I was reading saying to myself `I didn’t know CS2 did that.’ This book is nicely done."
-Vincent Versace Photographer Extraordinare

"If you want a comprehensive and easy to read update on the latest version of Photoshop, then Ben’s book is the one for you. Ben’s writing is clear, concise and packed with all the latest info, and his valuable personal insights. Ben is no shill, he doesn’t just tell you what’s new and great... if he sees a weakness he’s quick to point that out as well. I’ve already made room on my must read-it-all list for the latest of Ben’s beautifully designed, and info-packed books.
-Taz Tally Author: Avoiding the Output Blues

"Up to Speed saved me hours of time acclimating to the new version of Photoshop. Having all this information in one convenient, easy to understand format, eliminated hours of trial and error, reading articles, searching books, and searching the Internet for information. Making the transition from CS to CS2 was a snap thanks to this book."
-Lewis Kemper Columnist: PC Photo Magazine

"Up to Speed is the quickest way to learn how to take advantage of all the powerful new features in Photoshop CS2. Ben does an excellent job at distilling technical information into a book that is highly informative, easy to follow, and easy to read."
-Jay Kinghorn Co-Author: Perfect Digital Photography

"Attention all Photoshop users! Before you launch Photoshop CS2, read Ben Willmore’s latest book - Photoshop CS2: Up to Speed. The book, crisply written in Ben’s easy-to-understand style, not only gets you up to speed, but it takes you to Mach I when it comes to learning and implementing all the totally cool features in CS2, which leaves all other image-editing programs in the dust."
-Rick Sammon Author of 25 Photography Books

"When it comes to taking complex Photoshop procedures and making them easy to understand, Ben is the master. His book is where I turn for answers to my Photoshop projects."
-Jim DiVitale Member: PhotoshopWorld Dream Team

"If you already work efficiently with Photoshop, this is the book for you. Ben presents Photoshop CS2’s new features - and only the new stuff - so that you read what you need to learn, not what you already know."
-Peter Bauer Author: Photoshop CS2 for Dummies

"Ben Willmore is the clearest and most concise Photoshop teacher I know. His book is on the top ten list of Photoshop books I recommend to every beginning Photoshop student."
-George DeWolfe Senior Editor: View Camera and Camera Arts Magazines

"This book gives an in-depth, direct, and thorough account of how to use CS2’s new features, written in Ben’s signature friendly and approachable style. I highly recommend this well thought out piece to anyone wanting to get up to speed with CS2."
-Dave Montizambert Author: Creative Lighting Techniques for Studio Photographers

"Thanks to Ben Willmore’s Up to Speed, the journey from one Photoshop version to another has never been faster or easier."
-George Lepp Columnist: Outdoor Photographer

"What a relief! Thanks to Ben, I can get down to work with CS2 instead of plowing through other manuals that make my head spin. Call it speed-learning or call it common sense. Just make it part of your learning curve for Photoshop CS2!"
-Dan Burkholder Author: Making Digital Negatives for Contact Printing