When you're shopping for a software design course textbook, the hard part is choosing a guide that actually walks you through the software without skimming over the essentials. If your class uses Adobe Flash CS3, you need a thorough reference that matches the course structure. This review looks at one specific option: New Perspectives on Adobe Flash CS3, Comprehensive by Luis A. Lopez, a trade paperback.
Quick Verdict
This is a substantial 520-page course textbook. For a learner following a syllabus, the comprehensive approach is exactly what you'd want-think full lessons rather than quick tips. The listed price of USD 23.95 makes it an accessible way to get that kind of depth.
Who It Suits
This book suits anyone enrolled in a software design course that uses the New Perspectives series, or a self-studier who prefers a structured, textbook-style progression through Flash CS3. The trade paperback dimensions are 8.25 x 0.75 x 10.5 inches, so it's a bulky desk companion rather than a pocket guide. If your course gives weekly reading assignments, this fits.
What Stands Out From the Listed Details
The strongest point is the "Comprehensive" scope. With 520 pages and an author, Luis A. Lopez, this is not a thin overview. The publisher is Course Technology, and the ISBN is 9781423925392, which helps you match it to your class materials. The publication year is 2008, so it's built around Flash CS3 specifically.
The used-good condition is also clearly communicated: the cover and pages may show normal wear, with possible underlining, highlighting, or writing from a previous owner. For a low-priced course text, that's a realistic trade-off.
Meaningful Trade-Offs
The biggest limitation is the software version. This textbook is tied to Adobe Flash CS3, a 2008-era tool. If your course has moved to a different animation or design platform, this won't match. Also, the book may not include supplemental materials, such as a CD or online resources, so your learning materials might be limited to the printed pages and exercises.
Condition also matters beyond the price: a used-good copy will have visible wear, and the possibility of handwritten marks is real. That's not a drawback if you just need the content, but it's not a pristine reference.
Bottom Line
New Perspectives on Adobe Flash CS3, Comprehensive gives you a deep, course-oriented foundation at a reasonable price. The depth of coverage is a solid value for the USD 23.95 price. Just go in knowing that it's strictly for Flash CS3. If that fits your course, this textbook is a dependable choice.
New Perspectives on Adobe Flash CS3, Comprehensive
New Perspectives on Adobe Flash CS3, Comprehensive by Luis A. Lopez is the product in focus. The ISBN is 9781423925392. The substantial page count provides enough material for a semester-long class. The main reason to choose it is the thorough, comprehensive structure that matches a formal course. The limitation is that it may not include supplemental materials, so you're relying on the printed text and exercises. If that matches your expectations, this textbook delivers what a Flash CS3 course demands.
