Page 10 | See what MNers think of CEWE PHOTOBOOK– Nikon Digital camera (RRP £169.99) prize draw for testers’ feedback!NOW CLOSED

OneFlewOverTheChickenHutch · 04/11/2014 13:19

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?

I like the software used to create the book, it can be fiddly but overall I think it gives more freedom designing a book than other market competitors.

As for the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK, I like the contemporary finish it gives the hardcover, however it lacks a certain punch that gloss of satin/silk gives to images.

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

The software is clunky, I automatically want to be able to keyboard control actions and find the inability to re-size an image in situ irritating. However compared to other photobook creators, not having to upload images before you can start is a major plus.

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?

For the size of the book and matte finish and RRP feels expensive.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

I highly rate CEWE photobooks, for a mid priced photo book they are very good quality.

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

No, it lacks the luxury feel gloss or satin/silk finish exudes.

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, I would. The printed quality is excellent and the software allows me a high level of autonomy creating a book.

WannaSplitAPineapple · 04/11/2014 14:48

Am I the only one not to have received my book yet?? I put the order in about 10 days ago and still nothing.

glenthebattleostrich · 04/11/2014 21:08

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?

It was pretty easy to use, wasn't keen on having to download the software.

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

Very easy to use, I used the wizzard and it produced a nice photobook

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?

I thought it was quite expensive, you can generally find good offers on photobooks online

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Possibly, it is a nice product

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, it's a nice finish not too shiney.

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?

Not used one before.

PickledBrains · 04/11/2014 22:44

Ive just typed my review and lost it. Here's the shortened version.

Q1. The book is nice but the software a bit fiddly. Don't know why you needed to download it when others just run off the Internet. The book is not that large and feels thin. I did not add extra pages but it still feels thin for how much it cost.

Q2. It was a bit fiddly and we didn't use any of the fancy pants stuff, we just made a normal photobook.

Q3. I think it is expensive for what you get, and it's not that large either. I would but use them again.

Q4. I would not recommend, their are easier, cheaper and better looking photobooks out there.

Q5. I prefer a glossy paper. The truematt makes it look like ive printed it off at home.

Q6. Ive used boots and snapfish and they were easier to use and cheaper with a better quality book at the end of it.

trikken · 04/11/2014 23:44

Yes that's the answer PickledBrains . Matt print does look home printed. Glossy looks special

strawberrypenguin · 05/11/2014 07:57

I received my book yesterday so popping back with an update. It's a good looking book and the quality of the paper is lovely, not sure if I prefer matt over gloss but the photos still look good.

Having seen the book I stand by my original assessment that I think it is too expensive. I've made photobooks before with photobox that are comparable in size but were much cheaper. So I probably won't use Cewe again as I found the software difficult too.

Thank you for the opportunity to test though and my book is lovely.

prakattack · 05/11/2014 08:27

Sorry to say I didn't manage to get mine ordered before the coupon code ran out - bit gutted, was looking forward to it! We were on holiday so I took my laptop with me, planning to sit in the evenings and create my book. But I really really struggled to download the software and get it to work, as others have said it kept freezing. I'm afraid I just found it too frustrating and gave up in the end, as I didn't want to spend holiday time ringing helplines etc and getting worked up by it.

Sorry!!

ICantFindAFreeNickName · 05/11/2014 17:28

My book arrived yesterday. I'm very pleased with it, as it is lovely and good quality.
I'm not sure whether I would order from them again, as I found the software very frustrating.
I also think it is quite expensive, although if they are like other photo book suppliers, they probably have frequent offers on.

Thanks very much for the chance to trial the product.

Boobyandthebeads67 · 05/11/2014 17:58

So glad it wasn't just me that had trouble with the download and with using the software - far too complicated. It took me 4 attempts and hours to get a final book ready to order.

Q1. Far too complicated, a web based software would be so much easier to use. Haven't received the book yet so can't comment on the final product.

Q2. OMG took me 2 attempts to download it and then learning how to use it took ages too. Far too many buttons along the top - didn't use half of them.

Q3. Yes it probably is a good price - you can get a lot of photos in the book for that price. However, I probably wouldn't bother ordering one unless it was photos from a special occassion.

Q4. I would recommend the book but not the process of actually creating the book - it was far too complicated to use. Uploading the photos was easy enough but even though I used the assistant it wasn't very helpful and I basically had to fumble my own way through the process. Lost all the photos twice and had to start again because it wasn't clear what to do. It was only by chance that I looked at the photos in the book before ordering because the placement of them was completely wrong on quite a lot of them. I had to spend ages moving and editing. I was expecting to just upload them and it would make sure that the whole of the photograph was showing but no - people were missing, they were the wrong shape for the photo I had uploaded so most of it was cropped off etc.

Q5. Yes I prefer a matt finish to photos - makes them much clearer to see without getting a glare for any lights.

Q6. I have had a much smaller book from Vistaprint before and that process was so much easier. I wouldn't switch to CEWE because the process is just so much effort.

ColdCottage · 05/11/2014 18:14

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?

I liked how once you had downloaded the software it was easier to produce the product offline and it was simple to produce the product and add the images.
I really liked the Matt finish and the quality of the paper.
Ordering was simple and the book arrived a week later.

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I really like it. I found it simple to use once I managed to download. I couldn't get the link to work I was sent so I looked for Cewe on google then for the software which wouldn't download. I emailed for help and didn't feel that the respondent had read what I was asking so I called and spoke to someone who was really helpful. I commented that only being open until 5pm made it hard for a lot of people and he explained they had recently changed their hours until 10pm. He didn't realise that the website had not updated the support opening times.

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?
I think by the time you also include delivery for the number of pages this is a little expensive given that their competitors usually have 60 pages on offer for a similar (promotional) price. I would feel around £25 plus delivery would be a better price in the current market.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would once they have downloaded the software. Also good as uses less download from your data bundle at home as the fiddling is done off line. I found the customer service once I spoke to someone good and the product was generally good. I am sending mine back o be reviewed as some of the images in the book (which were professional ones) came out rather dark which the originals weren't. I called on a Saturday, my details were taken and I received an email on Monday with a free return address.

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I really liked this finish.

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?
I feel they are on a par with Photobox who I usually use. The software once downloaded was easier to use and faster but when I had an issue with just one of 3 books I ordered Photobox just called me and replaced all 3 books without question rather then me having to take the time to return them which although sounds simple with a small baby is taking longer than I would expect to get packed up and to the post office. I think once it is reviewed I will have a good product and hope to buy 2 more for family as gifts with the 25% discount code for this specific book I received on an email.

Babyj2012 · 05/11/2014 19:22

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?
The process of creating and ordering was simple and easy to follow. The overall impressions are good. I order photobooks a lot and was pleased with the outcome

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I was disappointed that it wasn't available to create via a tablet. I downloaded the software for the iPad but couldn't create it that way. This was disappointing as it meant having to upload images and was a lot more time consuming than doing it in a tablet.
The software was more complicated than other companies and there were limited opportunities to edit and change photos. It was difficult to change photos around after an automatic insert. Clearer options and buttons would make it easier to use, even a how to guide.

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?
It is a reasonable price for the photobook and comparable to what is out there. It is a nice looking product so for that reason, I would order again. The Matte finish is attractive though I think I prefer a gloss finish which can look smarter. I would purchase the product again but probably only at a special offer price. A lot of the photo books I order come from reduced prices and offers in Groupon, for example.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes. The product is nice and if it is simple to create from a tablet then it would definitely be something I would recommend.

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I prefer more of a gloss finish which I think looks smarter and more professional. The True Matte is nice and can look smart but gloss is preferable.

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would switch to CEWE with the right offers and easy access from a tablet. Some other photobook providers seem simpler to make with easier software but although this ism ore complex, it adds the more professional feel and that it is more exclusive.

Thewonderyears1 · 05/11/2014 20:38

Q1. Overall the finished product is good quality and we were pleased with it. The creating process was intuitive and easy to use and ordering very straightforward including very quick turnaround time (especially compared to some other photo books we've used).

Q2- software was easy to use without instructions. There were a couple of niggles in terms of scaling and improving photos with warning triangles.

Q3. We felt the price was on the steep side and perhaps not quite value for money although we didn't use the full quota of pages available this time round. If the price was a bit lower we would purchase a CEWE photo book again especially as the finished product and quick turnaround were impressive.
Q4. Yes, would recommend for the variety of options available and have already mentioned the photo assistant do-it-itself function to a friend who was saying she never has the time to design photo books herself. Would also recommend it for the quick turnaround.

Q5. We prefer matte finishes generally and have gone for this option on photo books in the past so like having this option.

Q6. Have used others. CEWE better in terms of quick turnaround. Other retailer's photobook were better quality for the finished product and the software and were comparable prices so CEWE books would need to be cheaper for them to be our first choice.

DollyTwat · 05/11/2014 20:39

This thread is for the 250 Mumsnetters who tried the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK.

Here’s what CEWE say, “The CEWE PHOTOBOOK is Europe’s no. 1 photo book and recently was rated the UK’s best. With more sizes and formats to choose from than any other, the CEWE PHOTOBOOK offers a solution for everyone for all occasions.
“With our easy-to-use free software, you can create your very own personal book capturing forever those precious moments. You design the book yourself adding text, maps, clip art and even video alongside your images.

“Just recently we have launched our brand new True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK. True Matte is unique in the photo book market and offers a luxurious finish to bring out the very best of your photos.
“Whether you want to chart the early years of your little ones or capture this summer’s fantastic family holiday, there is no better way to display and share your wonderful photographs. We are proud to provide the personal touch with a professional finish, giving you a True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK to treasure forever.”

Testers, please provide your feedback by answering the following questions. Feel free to also add any other comments you might have.

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?

Took ages to download on my Mac, mostly because I didn't realise it had finished downloading and I had to do something else. Most Mac software is more intuitive

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
It was ok to use
I didn't know what to do with the photos with a red mark on them
I couldn't work out the whole adding pages - ended up with blank pages as I couldn't work out how to fill the last pages

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?
It's quite expensive, I'd only pay that for a wedding or special occasion photos.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
I'm not sure if I would, there are cheaper alternatives that are easier to use

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I do like the Matt finish, but I prefer a glossy finish in a product like this as it looks brighter

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?
No it's too expensive and the software is not easy to use

I'm pleased with my book now it's arrived, but I wouldn't have spent this much on just getting my everyday photos printed

sally2489 · 06/11/2014 01:37

I could not install the software either, as it kept stalling/crashing.
I am usually pretty good with downoading various things on my laptop, and I definitely had enough memory!

I would recommend being able to create your photobook online at your leisure, without the hassle of downoading such software.
I thought this was a shame, as I was really looking forward to creating my photobook :(

PepperMallow · 06/11/2014 08:26

I received my book over the weekend so here is my follow-up. First, I love it! Thank you!

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?

Overall it was very easy, the book looks fantastic, ordering was simple.

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

As it was on my pc it was quick to work once it had initially downloaded. Finding photos from my folders was straightforward. I don't think I got as much from the software as I could have though. It was a case of trial and error and I probably missed useful functions and effects. This was because there were no tutorials, that I could see. I am quite impatient though so wouldn't have watched one! perhaps some tips or more information when hovering over a function button would help. Having said that, I went for a simple design with only black backgrounds. It did however take me 5 evenings to complete, so about 6-7 hours, not including initial download. In summary, it was very easy to use but I don't think I got the full potential.

Q3. The RRP for the True Matt CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?

For a special occasion I would purchase again however I don't think it looks as if it cost that much. It's good value for money in that I now have a wonderful book of memories however.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I'd recommend it. Easy to use resulting in a high quality product.

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

I love the Matt cover. It looks modern, classy and professional. I am unsure about the Matt pages, I feel a strange urge to write on them in chalk!

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?

The book looks more professional however cost more. For a very special occasion I would use CEWE.

MildDrPepperAddiction · 06/11/2014 12:38

I've just received an email advising my book is on the way. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?
It was more fiddly than with other companies because you need to download software rather than just go online. Apart from that it was straightforward enough.

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
The software was easy to use and I liked that I could change background on each page etc.

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?
It's in and around the price for other photobooks on the market. I tend to buy them when they are on offer though as I think they are over priced in general.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
What would put me off recommending is that they need to download software, however, they are more customisable then others so that would balance it I think.

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I haven't seen the book yet, but generally I prefer matte photos to glossy anyway.

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?
I've used photobox and snapfish before. Price tends to drive where I order from.

RichTeaAreCrap · 06/11/2014 12:44

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?

I liked the CEWE photobook and found the creating of the photo book something I enjoyed doing.

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
The software was fine for me - it did take a while to download so it isnt something you could do unless you had some time aside for it, but once downloaded it was all fine and worked well.

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from 37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?

I think that is a reasonable price and matches with other photo books I have seen. I would purchase one again if I wanted to use it as I think they are a great idea for presents.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would - I really liked it and didnt have too many problems with it at all once the software had downloaded.

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

Personally I would prefer a glossy finish.

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?

I have used another one before and CEWE was as good as the other retailer so I would have no problems switching now.

WannaSplitAPineapple · 06/11/2014 22:21

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?
Can't comment on the finished product as 2 and a half weeks after ordering my book hasn't arrived. I did contact the live web chat who said they will send another out and it will be with me the end of this week. So far it hasn't arrived. The live chat was extremely slow and time consuming. It took 8 minutes alone for someone to start chatting to me.
Regards ordering it downloading the software was fiddly and it filled my desktop with a lot of rubbish. Actually creating the book was very straight forward and easy and once I had created it I was extremely excited and positive about it. I just feel if I had have spent so much money (I added extra pages) on something I would be even more disappointed than I am now.

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Once I had got past the fiddly part of downloading it was good. I found it very easy to create and alter the book. I liked that there was a lot of choice on the presentation.

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?
At this point in time I would be reluctant to use them again. It all depends if I do receive my book and the quality.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
At this point in time no as it has taken so long to deliver and when I spoke to customer service their response was also slow and not the standard I would expect for such a highly priced product.

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Can't say due to it not having arrived yet.

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?
This is my first photo book.

Starsaboveyou · 07/11/2014 01:59

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?

It was frustrating and time consuming and while I like the end product I wouldn't say that it is amazing.

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

It was very difficult. It took 3 hours to download then I found dining pictures very difficult as there was no way to organise them within the software. It crashed a few times leaving me very nervous that I would have lost a lot of work. I didn't like the fact that you could only add pages in multiples of 8.

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?

No. The book was smaller than I expected and more than I would normally pay. I usually order my books through tesco or snapfish when they have 50% off. Their large books are much bigger.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

No. Too time consuming to make and expensive for what they are.

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

I prefer a glossy finish. I'm not sure why though!

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK?

It was much smaller than I was expecting. Especially given the price.

Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?

No, too expensive and too time consuming.

pigsinmud · 07/11/2014 09:22

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?

I got very angry during the process! It seemed overly complicated. My overall impression of the photobook is that it's not worth the money. I was disappointed with it. I would have been extremely disappointed if I had paid for it!

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

I found it fiddly. I wanted to perform some very straightforward moves - like swapping a photo round with one a few pages on and I couldn't do it. To be honest if it hadn't been free I would have given up.

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?

No way. It seemed quite small. I would not buy one again. I bought one from another company a few years ago and it was much cheaper and the of comparable quality.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

No, I would not recommend it. I didn't think it was worth the money.

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

I quite liked the finish. I like matte and glossy photos equally though so not sure i preferred it.

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK?

I think the other retailer I used was cheaper and as I previously said the quality was pretty much the same.

StainlessSteelCat · 07/11/2014 10:00

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?
The software looked impressive and downloaded/installed well, but was a nightmare to actually use.

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I gave up. I couldn't work out how to reorganize my photos into the order I wanted.

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?
Assuming the printing and binding was good quality, then this is reasonable price for the product ... I can't comment further as I didn't order one.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
No - due to software.

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Can't comment

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?
Never want to try that software again!

Kewcumber · 07/11/2014 11:26

Mine hasn't arrived yet - I have a feeling its sitting in my elderly neighbours house... will wander over later.

Kewcumber · 07/11/2014 11:50

And no sooner do I post that than it arrives in the post! Thats an oddly long time - I got an email on 31 Oct saying it was despatched - not a problem though its for DS's birthday at the end of the month.

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?
See earlier comments really fiddly to use and I could have done with more guidance on what the million buttons did.

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
see above and previous

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?
Like many others I'm not really in the market for a £50 book (I added pages and paid an extra £6. I'd consider it on offer in teh £25 range though

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Maybe - the quality is good but the busy layout of the software isn't very intuitive

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I rather like teh matt finish - I wasn;t sure I would but it does give the book a proper book feel rather than a shiny photo feel.

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?

Not relevant - I haven't tried before.

I should add that normally if I had been spending £50 of my own money I would have spent weeks and weeks (probably months) of my time getting it perfect. Having a a reasonably tight deadline during half term meant I really rushed it and I wish now I'd spent more time adding text and selecting photos more carefully.

Having said all of that, I'm aware that it all sounds a bit gripey because I think they would want to know what the drawbacks are but in turth I am still thrilled with the book and grateful I got the change to test it - I would never have risked £50 without this trial as money is a bit tight. And when the book arrived seeing all DS's photos right from the orphanage when I first met him up to a recent one of him looking so handsome 8 years later, it did make me well up a bit [big sap emoticon]

So thank you MN and CEWE. I hope DS likes it as much as I do.

gemma1787 · 07/11/2014 15:04

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?
I found the process of creating the photobook very time consuming, however, I like the personalisation options available. The ordering was straightforward and quick.

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I am not a big fan of the software. I got a bit frustrated with not being able to manually change the size or layout of the photos and the layout kept defaulting to overlapping photos which drove me mad. It was very time consuming and a bit frustrating.

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?
I think that this is relatively good value, as the product is of a high quality. I probable would purchase another photobook, however, I would not look forward to the software again!

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, because the personalisation of the book is a strong selling point and it is very good quality.

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, I prefer a Matte finish, as I do not like the glare and shine on conventional finishes.

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?
I am not sure, as this process was much lengthier than any other I have done before.

milliemoon · 07/11/2014 19:40

Q1. What are your overall impressions of the True Matte CEWE PHOTOBOOK and the process of creating and ordering your photo book?
I'm absolutely thrilled with the book, it's good quality and I can't wait to show my family and friends. The process took a bit of time to sort out and I had to ask hubby to help me figure some parts out, probably would have got there on my own, but was just quicker that way. I found the ordering part was straightforward

Q2. What do you think of the software you used to design your CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Did you find it easy to use, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I found the software a bit tricky to navigate at first but got the hang of it after a while. My computer crashed while I was doing it and by the time it had sorted itself out the layout of the page was different and there was a different way of creating the book on the screen, so I'm not sure what happened there or what I would press to make it happen again. I actually found it easier once this new layout happened.

Q3. The RRP for the True Matte CEWE PHOTBOOK Large Landscape is from £37.99, do you think that this is good value for money, or not? Do you think you would you purchase a CEWE PHOTOBOOK again? If so, why? If not, why not?
The book was good quality so I think it's worth the money as it's a real keepsake. I would definitely like to get a similar one if I have another baby but because of the price would probably limit it to that, although I know my nan would be over the moon with one so I may consider it for her 80th birthday next year. I would use cewe again as I am happy with the quality.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend CEWE PHOTOBOOK to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would recommend cewe as I'm really pleased with the overall product but I'd advise them to take their time creating it as the software took a bit of getting used to.

Q5. Do you prefer the True Matte finish to more conventional finishes, or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, it's not something id have picked out as would have gone for glossy but I think it gives the book something extra and looks very professional.

Q6. If you had used another photo book retailer before, how does it compare to CEWE PHOTOBOOK? Would you now switch to the CEWE PHOTOBOOK? If so, why? If not, why not?
I have not ordered a photo book before. I hadn't imagined photo books could look so lovely (I'd expected them to be a bit cheap looking or gimmicky so it had stopped me ordering one previously.

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