Studio MX is a bundled package of Web development and design tools featuring the updated MX-versions of Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks, plus FreeHand 10. Think of it as the MS Office-suite for making cool Web sites.
FreeHand is a vector-based graphics and planning tool that allows you to develop the basic layout and functionality of a Web site before getting down to business. I found this to be a good tool for 'fleshing out' projects before putting hours into features that may later turn out to be redundant. While this is the one non-MX product in the bundle, it plays nice with the other components. The additions in Version 10 include seamless Flash-integration, enhanced drawing and brush-tools, and the ability to define a print area in case you want a printout of your project. On the downside, a lot of the features in FreeHand are covered by the other products, making it the least 'necessary' component of the bundle.
Dreamweaver is a WYSIWYG-style Web development tool, enabling even novice users to handle advanced HTML-functions and scripts. Many features are simple drag-and-drop actions, but you also have the option to tweak the HTML code manually when needed. The most notable improvements over previous versions are the easier access to new, neat tools and a slew of handy templates and wizards. Overall, the MX-overhaul helps Dreamweaver inch ahead of tough competitors such as Adobe's GoLive.
Flash is an advanced animation tool with tons of options for presenting anything from movie clips to data-driven applications just the way you want them. However, in spite of the ever-increasing complexity, the product doesn't become overwhelming, thanks to the ingenious simplicity of the user interface. You can micromanage to your heart's delight or let the computer do the footwork for you. It's your choice. The biggest improvement is the timeline management, which allows you to manage multiple, related events with ease. Another important point in favor of Flash is its widespread acceptance on the Web. If you are adding Flash 5-compatible features on your site, you can be sure the vast majority of Web surfers out there will be able to view it properly.
Fireworks is the tool of choice for creating and optimizing interactive bitmap-based graphics. While I didn't see many new features compared to earlier versions, there has been some beefing up done to the existing features. One area in which Fireworks stands out in my mind is the creation of the navigational framework, especially the pop-up menu wizard.
Studio MX is a very powerful package that actually fulfills the promise of working seamlessly together. If you are planning to make a truly dynamic Web page or Web-based application, this is the toolbox you want.
