Update 9/26/2008 - I spoke too soon. Dreamweaver 4 has some pretty compelling features given I am a few versions back: Dreamweaver 4 New Features - Subversion Integration - Live View - jQuery Code Hinting
As much as I hate the idea of parting with $400 to upgrade to Adobe Creative Suite 4 for the new Dreamweaver and Fireworks, it is probably inevitable since I am a few versions behind on Dreamweaver and Fireworks.
Although I don't use the Dreamweaver and Fireworks for anything hardcore, they have become fairly indispensible since I started using them when they first came out with Macromedia. Personally, I prefer Dreamweaver over Microsoft Expression Web 2 ( see Microsoft Expression Studio 2 ), but that is probably based on more familiarity than technology and features.
Although I will say that the FTP Manager in Microsoft Expression Web 2 sucks! Tell me why I don't have a TreeView to publish files back and forth to the remote FTP Server???? ( Expression Web 2 - FTP Explorer to Publish Websites Should be a TreeView )
And, Microsoft Expression Design 2 does not have bitmap tools, only vector graphic tools. Geez... I need bitmap tools as well folks ( Expression Design 2 Needs Some Bitmap Graphics Tools like Crop Lasso Magic Wand Marquee ). Sorry, I digress :)
Anyway, Adobe mentions the new Live Preview in Dreamweaver 4 which is apparently different from the WYSIWYG feature that Dreamweaver has had for years. And, Adobe always mentions product integration improvements, which I take as annoying filler in their feature list and just hear ( blah blah blah ).
Fireworks has some functionality with exporting to PDF as well as a few more Photoshop Blend Modes, but again I don't see much to get excited about there as well. I think Fireworks will always be taking a back seat to PhotoShop, but I really like the ease and simplicity of Fireworks for simple web graphics.
Currently, the free trials for Dreamweaver and Fireworks in Creative Suite 4 are unavailable. However, when they come out, I will have to give them a serious test drive.
Learn more about Adobe Creative Suite 4 here.