The one caveat is that Adobe and Macromedia have always been a little hit and miss on the releases. I’m currently using CS3 as it seems to render fonts better.
This, in spirit, is why I can't use Fireworks. I'm in full agreement that the application is technically far better for web and UI layout than Photoshop, but it's so terribly maintained and unpolished that I can't use it in a production environment.
The core product hasn't really changed in years. Most of the time when I get an upgrade it's only so I can feel more current. I could be content with Fireworks 4 if necessary.
I am going to say +1 million for Fireworks. It's the most valuable graphic design tool I own and I'm completely lost without it.
If you struggle with design tools like photoshop or illustrator, gimp or Paint.Net, download the Demo and give it a try because I think you'll be shocked that such a powerful program exists that is so easy to use.
It's been my only real design tool since version 3.0, and I'm very happy with CS4.
This, in spirit, is why I can't use Fireworks. I'm in full agreement that the application is technically far better for web and UI layout than Photoshop, but it's so terribly maintained and unpolished that I can't use it in a production environment.