Photoshop Elements sale: $59 Aug 28 only

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:15:00 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 19:58:44 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:41:46 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 17:23:20 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:43:28 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 15:29:51 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:02:02 -0400, wrote:

On Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:43:47 -0400, Alan Browne
wrote:

I received an advert via e-mail that Elements 10 is $40 off.

Code is: ELEMENTSDEAL (online or call center).

US and Canada (except Quebec for reasons that escape me).

Sorry this is so late - just opened my mail;

That's nuthin!

I got an offer for CS 6 for $300!

Here, in New Zealand, I have to pay over $1000. :-(

US$ ?????
If so why?

Because Adobe retailers in the USA are not allowed to sell it to me
here in NZ. The retail price quoted in NZ is quoted in AU$ at AU$1186
which is US$1270.

So there is some sinister profiteering in the "Land of OZ"?

I note that Adobe will sell from their web site, and will deliver via
download 1.1 GB CS6 for the US price of $699. If you want a hard copy
there is this note:

"What are Asia Pacific and Brazil shipping times and costs?
Shipping time is 3-5 days, and shipping costs are calculated
automatically when you place your order.*You can view your total
shipping charge at the time you place your order.
• Australia: Shipping is A$25. *
• Brazil: Shipping is US$25.
• Other countries:*The total weight of all items, shipping method
selected, and destination of the order determines the shipping cost.
Note: If you live in South Africa, New Zealand, Hong Kong, or Brazil,
the carrier (FedEx or UPS) charges you for any required taxes. The
carrier then pays them to the appropriate authorities. This tax doesn't
appear on your order during the checkout process.*"

With my NZ email address it directs me to the "Adobe Store - New
Zealand" where it (today) quotes me "A$1,061.82". This converts to
US$1,096.83. That's a better price than the last time I looked but it
still contains the 'Australian Tariff'.

Again, is that for CS6 standard, or CS6 Extended?

CS6

There is a big difference both in features and price between the two.
That US$ 1,096.83 seems in line with US$ 999 for CS6 EX + the AUS
tariffs. Making it about a 7.8-10% markup on the US price.
If the same is true for CS6 with a US price of $ 699, then I would
expect to see a US$ 754-$ 770 (AU$ 728.59-774.05) for the Australian
retail.

...but then that might be wishful thinking on my part. ;-)

I'm afraid so.

Amazon won't/can't sell it to me. B&H hasn't got it in stock so I
can't tell their attitude. As far as I can see Adobe has got their
distribution chains tightly sewn up.
--

Regards,

Eric Stevens

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:23:54 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 19:58:44 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:41:46 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 17:23:20 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:43:28 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 15:29:51 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:02:02 -0400, wrote:

On Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:43:47 -0400, Alan Browne
wrote:

I received an advert via e-mail that Elements 10 is $40 off.

Code is: ELEMENTSDEAL (online or call center).

US and Canada (except Quebec for reasons that escape me).

Sorry this is so late - just opened my mail;

That's nuthin!

I got an offer for CS 6 for $300!

Here, in New Zealand, I have to pay over $1000. :-(

US$ ?????
If so why?

Because Adobe retailers in the USA are not allowed to sell it to me
here in NZ. The retail price quoted in NZ is quoted in AU$ at AU$1186
which is US$1270.

So there is some sinister profiteering in the "Land of OZ"?

I note that Adobe will sell from their web site, and will deliver via
download 1.1 GB CS6 for the US price of $699. If you want a hard copy
there is this note:

"What are Asia Pacific and Brazil shipping times and costs?
Shipping time is 3-5 days, and shipping costs are calculated
automatically when you place your order.*You can view your total
shipping charge at the time you place your order.
• Australia: Shipping is A$25. *
• Brazil: Shipping is US$25.
• Other countries:*The total weight of all items, shipping method
selected, and destination of the order determines the shipping cost.
Note: If you live in South Africa, New Zealand, Hong Kong, or Brazil,
the carrier (FedEx or UPS) charges you for any required taxes. The
carrier then pays them to the appropriate authorities. This tax doesn't
appear on your order during the checkout process.*"

With my NZ email address it directs me to the "Adobe Store - New
Zealand" where it (today) quotes me "A$1,061.82". This converts to
US$1,096.83. That's a better price than the last time I looked but it
still contains the 'Australian Tariff'.

Would you be able to hide your physical location behind a gmail address?
Then use one of our physical US addresses, preferably one of the Texas
brethren as I have a 7.25% California sales tax to deal with, for drop
shipping. I am not sure of the Sales tax issue in Florida.

You might even be able to get one of us to buy it via Amazon and have
it shipped as a gift.

I can buy it myself from Amazon as long as I give a US shipping
adress.
--

Regards,

Eric Stevens

On 2012-08-29 20:31:47 -0700, PeterN said:

On 8/29/2012 10:59 PM, Savageduck wrote:
On 2012-08-29 19:16:00 -0700, tony cooper said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:29:36 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 18:10:35 -0700, tony cooper
said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:03:23 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 15:46:38 -0700, "Russell D." said:

On 08/28/2012 05:43 PM, Alan Browne wrote:
I received an advert via e-mail that Elements 10 is $40 off.

Code is: ELEMENTSDEAL (online or call center).

US and Canada (except Quebec for reasons that escape me).

Sorry this is so late - just opened my mail;


GIMP is still free.

Free, and after making the comparison with PS, it still sits unused on
my computer.
GIMP does a reasonable job for those who deny the functionality of
CS5/6, or those who insist of "free". You do get what you pay for.
After making the basic comparison and saying that they are both
capable
of editing and adjusting image files, there is no contest. CS3/4/5/6
are all far superior to GIMP.

...but GIMP is "free".

I don't know how you can really compare Photoshop with GIMP.

You can't.

It's horses for courses.

Yup!

Anyone who has used both will tell you that GIMP is extremely limited
compared to Photoshop, but that's only a problem if you want to go
beyond the basic edits. Even GIMP is over-kill for some people.

Undoubtably.

Photoshop only becomes superior to GIMP when the user wants to
progress to more than GIMP can do.

No. It has always been superior. The tools have been there regardless
of the user's ability to deal with the program.

That's true, but I think you're ignoring the meaning here. If the
user isn't aware of what the tool can do, and doesn't get training on
the use of the tool, it's as if the tool isn't there.

I think that if some malware went
out to all Photoshop users that crippled every function in Photoshop
that is not present in GIMP, that 90-some percent of the users would
be able to do exactly what they're doing now. (Professionals
excluded)

The same can be said for dslrs. Sneak in and superglue the cameras to
the AUTO setting and a majority of users would be producing the same
output they were when using A,S,P, and M...if they ever did.

Unlikely what ifs.

I thought you might have got my point.

I'm not talking about you, Duck. You're in the 10% because you
understand and use the tools in Photoshop.

I have made my attempt at GIMP and found it lacking for me. Others
might find it adequate, but those who tout it as a PS replacement are
delusional. There is no comparison.

It's a replacement for the people who use just the tools in Photoshop
that are present in GIMP. There are an awful lot of people in that
group. That's my point.

...but it can edit and adjust image files, and most importantly for
many, it is free, and open source for the Linux crowd.

...and the last time I used "Auto" on a DSLR was the first week I had
my D70 some time in 2004.

Again, this isn't about you.

OK! OK! I get it. I was just pushing the envelope a little bit.

Of course my D300S doesn't have an "Auto" mode, Just "P", "A", "S", &
"M", and those are selected via the rear command wheel.

....and not one "scene" mode to be found anywhere.


Uhm! Why isn't P, with auto WB the same as an auto mode?

First the auto WB is only applicable if you are shooting JPEG, or
RAW+JPEG. The "P" mode in the D300/S and the Nikon Prosumer DSLRs has a
degree of auto, but does not function in the same way "auto" does on
say a D70. "P" stands for "Programed Auto". However it allows a degree
of flexibility which exceeds "Auto" in a D70 or such.
For example shooting in "Auto" generally means setting to "Auto" and
letting the camera do its thing. In "P" mode, you have the ability to
adjust aperture via the main Command wheel. The shutter speed will then
balance with the selected f-stop and set ISO to reach a metered
exposure. You might say that "P" mode is "Auto flex" rather than the
hands off approach offered by full auto.

Of course in "P" mode, which also exists on the D70, if you don't touch
anything you have something of an "Auto" mode, but it is more than that.


--
Regards,

Savageduck

On 2012-08-29 20:44:58 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:23:54 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 19:58:44 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:41:46 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 17:23:20 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:43:28 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 15:29:51 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:02:02 -0400, wrote:

On Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:43:47 -0400, Alan Browne
wrote:

I received an advert via e-mail that Elements 10 is $40 off.

Code is: ELEMENTSDEAL (online or call center).

US and Canada (except Quebec for reasons that escape me).

Sorry this is so late - just opened my mail;

That's nuthin!

I got an offer for CS 6 for $300!

Here, in New Zealand, I have to pay over $1000. :-(

US$ ?????
If so why?

Because Adobe retailers in the USA are not allowed to sell it to me
here in NZ. The retail price quoted in NZ is quoted in AU$ at AU$1186
which is US$1270.

So there is some sinister profiteering in the "Land of OZ"?

I note that Adobe will sell from their web site, and will deliver via
download 1.1 GB CS6 for the US price of $699. If you want a hard copy
there is this note:

"What are Asia Pacific and Brazil shipping times and costs?
Shipping time is 3-5 days, and shipping costs are calculated
automatically when you place your order.*You can view your total
shipping charge at the time you place your order.
• Australia: Shipping is A$25. *
• Brazil: Shipping is US$25.
• Other countries:*The total weight of all items, shipping method
selected, and destination of the order determines the shipping cost.
Note: If you live in South Africa, New Zealand, Hong Kong, or Brazil,
the carrier (FedEx or UPS) charges you for any required taxes. The
carrier then pays them to the appropriate authorities. This tax doesn't
appear on your order during the checkout process.*"

With my NZ email address it directs me to the "Adobe Store - New
Zealand" where it (today) quotes me "A$1,061.82". This converts to
US$1,096.83. That's a better price than the last time I looked but it
still contains the 'Australian Tariff'.

Would you be able to hide your physical location behind a gmail address?
Then use one of our physical US addresses, preferably one of the Texas
brethren as I have a 7.25% California sales tax to deal with, for drop
shipping. I am not sure of the Sales tax issue in Florida.

You might even be able to get one of us to buy it via Amazon and have
it shipped as a gift.

I can buy it myself from Amazon as long as I give a US shipping
adress.

That would be the way to do it. Then have it drop shipped to NZ via
FedEx, or UPS, they would add customs & import charges, and probably
your local sales tax to the shipment costs.

--
Regards,

Savageduck

On 2012-08-29 20:53:03 -0700, tony cooper said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:23:54 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 19:58:44 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:41:46 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 17:23:20 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:43:28 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 15:29:51 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:02:02 -0400, wrote:

On Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:43:47 -0400, Alan Browne
wrote:

I received an advert via e-mail that Elements 10 is $40 off.

Code is: ELEMENTSDEAL (online or call center).

US and Canada (except Quebec for reasons that escape me).

Sorry this is so late - just opened my mail;

That's nuthin!

I got an offer for CS 6 for $300!

Here, in New Zealand, I have to pay over $1000. :-(

US$ ?????
If so why?

Because Adobe retailers in the USA are not allowed to sell it to me
here in NZ. The retail price quoted in NZ is quoted in AU$ at AU$1186
which is US$1270.

So there is some sinister profiteering in the "Land of OZ"?

I note that Adobe will sell from their web site, and will deliver via
download 1.1 GB CS6 for the US price of $699. If you want a hard copy
there is this note:

"What are Asia Pacific and Brazil shipping times and costs?
Shipping time is 3-5 days, and shipping costs are calculated
automatically when you place your order.*You can view your total
shipping charge at the time you place your order.
• Australia: Shipping is A$25. *
• Brazil: Shipping is US$25.
• Other countries:*The total weight of all items, shipping method
selected, and destination of the order determines the shipping cost.
Note: If you live in South Africa, New Zealand, Hong Kong, or Brazil,
the carrier (FedEx or UPS) charges you for any required taxes. The
carrier then pays them to the appropriate authorities. This tax doesn't
appear on your order during the checkout process.*"

With my NZ email address it directs me to the "Adobe Store - New
Zealand" where it (today) quotes me "A$1,061.82". This converts to
US$1,096.83. That's a better price than the last time I looked but it
still contains the 'Australian Tariff'.

Would you be able to hide your physical location behind a gmail address?
Then use one of our physical US addresses, preferably one of the Texas
brethren as I have a 7.25% California sales tax to deal with, for drop
shipping. I am not sure of the Sales tax issue in Florida.

No sales tax charged to Florida residents by some vendors. If the
vendor has a physical location in Florida, they do. B&H, no tax.

However, Photoshop requires online registration to activate and "calls
home", doesn't it? I don't know how that magic works, but I'm sure
gmail won't fool 'em. I may be wrong, here, though.

That shouldn't be an issue. I am sure there are a fair number of
travelers to the US who buy a copy of CS? here, return home return home
with a disc to install and will have absolutely no issues at all.

The download delivery might be problematic.

--
Regards,

Savageduck

On 2012-08-29 20:54:28 -0700, tony cooper said:

On Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:01:33 +1200, Eric Stevens
wrote:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:23:50 -0400, Alan Browne
wrote:

On 2012.08.29 20:23 , Eric Stevens wrote:

Because Adobe retailers in the USA are not allowed to sell it to me
here in NZ. The retail price quoted in NZ is quoted in AU$ at AU$1186
which is US$1270.

Send me a cheque in Canadian funds, I'll purchase it locally and ship it
to you. If you want to do that we can discuss it by e-mail.

Thank you very much. I might yet take you up on that offer.

I suggest you check out the registration requirements and "phone home"
thing. I'd hate to see you get something and not be able to use it.

When I took my trip to South Africa in 2009, I took a D90 and a copy of
PSE 9 for the daughter of an old friend. We made a standard install on
her Windows machine without issue. The Product Number was accepted
without question, and the registration completed in Johannesburg, South
Africa for a new copy of PSE bought in the USA.
....and I have had no news of any problems.

So I don't believe Eric would have any problem with registration,
regardless of where his actual purchase was made.

--
Regards,

Savageduck

On Aug 29, 10:31*pm, PeterN wrote:
On 8/29/2012 10:59 PM, Savageduck wrote:









On 2012-08-29 19:16:00 -0700, tony cooper said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:29:36 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 18:10:35 -0700, tony cooper
said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:03:23 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 15:46:38 -0700, "Russell D." said:

On 08/28/2012 05:43 PM, Alan Browne wrote:
I received an advert via e-mail that Elements 10 is $40 off.

Code is: ELEMENTSDEAL (online or call center).

US and Canada (except Quebec for reasons that escape me).

Sorry this is so late - just opened my mail;

GIMP is still free.

Free, and after making the comparison with PS, it still sits unused on
my computer.
GIMP does a reasonable job for those who deny the functionality of
CS5/6, or those who insist of "free". You do get what you pay for.
After making the basic comparison and saying that they are both
capable
of editing and adjusting image files, there is no contest. CS3/4/5/6
are all far superior to GIMP.

...but GIMP is "free".

I don't know how you can really compare Photoshop with GIMP.

You can't.

It's horses for courses.

Yup!

Anyone who has used both will tell you that GIMP is extremely limited
compared to Photoshop, but that's only a problem if you want to go
beyond the basic edits. *Even GIMP is over-kill for some people.

Undoubtably.

Photoshop only becomes superior to GIMP when the user wants to
progress to more than GIMP can do.

No. It has always been superior. The tools have been there regardless
of the user's ability to deal with the program.

That's true, but I think you're ignoring the meaning here. *If the
user isn't aware of what the tool can do, and doesn't get training on
the use of the tool, it's as if the tool isn't there.

I think that if some malware went
out to all Photoshop users that crippled every function in Photoshop
that is not present in GIMP, that 90-some percent of the users would
be able to do exactly what they're doing now. *(Professionals
excluded)

The same can be said for dslrs. *Sneak in and superglue the cameras to
the AUTO setting and a majority of users would be producing the same
output they were when using A,S,P, and M...if they ever did.

Unlikely what ifs.

I thought you might have got my point.

I'm not talking about you, Duck. *You're in the 10% because you
understand and use the tools in Photoshop.

I have made my attempt at GIMP and found it lacking for me. Others
might find it adequate, but those who tout it as a PS replacement are
delusional. There is no comparison.

It's a replacement for the people who use just the tools in Photoshop
that are present in GIMP. *There are an awful lot of people in that
group. *That's my point.

...but it can edit and adjust image files, and most importantly for
many, it is free, and open source for the Linux crowd.

...and the last time I used "Auto" on a DSLR was the first week I had
my D70 some time in 2004.

Again, this isn't about you.

OK! OK! I get it. I was just pushing the envelope a little bit.

Of course my D300S doesn't have an "Auto" mode, Just "P", "A", "S", &
"M", and those are selected via the rear command wheel.

....and not one "scene" mode to be found anywhere.

Uhm! Why isn't P, with auto WB the same as an auto mode?

--
Peter

P is "Professional" mode :-).

On Aug 28, 6:43*pm, Alan Browne
wrote:
I received an advert via e-mail that Elements 10 is $40 off.

Code is: ELEMENTSDEAL (online or call center).

US and Canada (except Quebec for reasons that escape me).

Sorry this is so late - just opened my mail;

--
"C'mon boys, you're not laying pipe!".
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *-John Keating.

The best deals of the year, for the last several years have been on
Black Friday. That's what I'm waiting for to upgrade to LR4 & CS6.
I'll be sorely disappointed if that doesn't work out, but I have high
hopes, especially with the current economy.

In article 2012082920150020094-savageduck1@REMOVESPAMmecom,
says...

On 2012-08-29 19:58:44 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:41:46 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 17:23:20 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:43:28 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 15:29:51 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:02:02 -0400, wrote:

On Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:43:47 -0400, Alan Browne
wrote:

I received an advert via e-mail that Elements 10 is $40 off.

Code is: ELEMENTSDEAL (online or call center).

US and Canada (except Quebec for reasons that escape me).

Sorry this is so late - just opened my mail;

That's nuthin!

I got an offer for CS 6 for $300!

Here, in New Zealand, I have to pay over $1000. :-(

US$ ?????
If so why?

Because Adobe retailers in the USA are not allowed to sell it to me
here in NZ. The retail price quoted in NZ is quoted in AU$ at AU$1186
which is US$1270.

So there is some sinister profiteering in the "Land of OZ"?

I note that Adobe will sell from their web site, and will deliver via
download 1.1 GB CS6 for the US price of $699. If you want a hard copy
there is this note:

"What are Asia Pacific and Brazil shipping times and costs?
Shipping time is 3-5 days, and shipping costs are calculated
automatically when you place your order.*You can view your total
shipping charge at the time you place your order.
? Australia: Shipping is A$25. *
? Brazil: Shipping is US$25.
? Other countries:*The total weight of all items, shipping method
selected, and destination of the order determines the shipping cost.
Note: If you live in South Africa, New Zealand, Hong Kong, or Brazil,
the carrier (FedEx or UPS) charges you for any required taxes. The
carrier then pays them to the appropriate authorities. This tax doesn't
appear on your order during the checkout process.*"

With my NZ email address it directs me to the "Adobe Store - New
Zealand" where it (today) quotes me "A$1,061.82". This converts to
US$1,096.83. That's a better price than the last time I looked but it
still contains the 'Australian Tariff'.

Again, is that for CS6 standard, or CS6 Extended?

There is a big difference both in features and price between the two.
That US$ 1,096.83 seems in line with US$ 999 for CS6 EX + the AUS
tariffs. Making it about a 7.8-10% markup on the US price.
If the same is true for CS6 with a US price of $ 699, then I would
expect to see a US$ 754-$ 770 (AU$ 728.59-774.05) for the Australian
retail.

...but then that might be wishful thinking on my part. ;-)

Geez, Duck, just google "adobe australia" and follow the links and
you'll get to the order page where you'll find that that price is not
for Extended.

In article 2012082920235475629-savageduck1@REMOVESPAMmecom,
says...

On 2012-08-29 19:58:44 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:41:46 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 17:23:20 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:43:28 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2012-08-29 15:29:51 -0700, Eric Stevens said:

On Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:02:02 -0400, wrote:

On Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:43:47 -0400, Alan Browne
wrote:

I received an advert via e-mail that Elements 10 is $40 off.

Code is: ELEMENTSDEAL (online or call center).

US and Canada (except Quebec for reasons that escape me).

Sorry this is so late - just opened my mail;

That's nuthin!

I got an offer for CS 6 for $300!

Here, in New Zealand, I have to pay over $1000. :-(

US$ ?????
If so why?

Because Adobe retailers in the USA are not allowed to sell it to me
here in NZ. The retail price quoted in NZ is quoted in AU$ at AU$1186
which is US$1270.

So there is some sinister profiteering in the "Land of OZ"?

I note that Adobe will sell from their web site, and will deliver via
download 1.1 GB CS6 for the US price of $699. If you want a hard copy
there is this note:

"What are Asia Pacific and Brazil shipping times and costs?
Shipping time is 3-5 days, and shipping costs are calculated
automatically when you place your order.*You can view your total
shipping charge at the time you place your order.
? Australia: Shipping is A$25. *
? Brazil: Shipping is US$25.
? Other countries:*The total weight of all items, shipping method
selected, and destination of the order determines the shipping cost.
Note: If you live in South Africa, New Zealand, Hong Kong, or Brazil,
the carrier (FedEx or UPS) charges you for any required taxes. The
carrier then pays them to the appropriate authorities. This tax doesn't
appear on your order during the checkout process.*"

With my NZ email address it directs me to the "Adobe Store - New
Zealand" where it (today) quotes me "A$1,061.82". This converts to
US$1,096.83. That's a better price than the last time I looked but it
still contains the 'Australian Tariff'.

Would you be able to hide your physical location behind a gmail address?
Then use one of our physical US addresses, preferably one of the Texas
brethren as I have a 7.25% California sales tax to deal with, for drop
shipping. I am not sure of the Sales tax issue in Florida.

You might even be able to get one of us to buy it via Amazon and have
it shipped as a gift.

He can buy from Amazon US directly you know, assuming he has a credit
card that they accept. I've bought stuff from Amazxon UK that was not
available from Amazon US. They won't lie about the contents of the
package though.