Web design software options like....

[Nethfel]

Hi all,

I'm having a heck of a time finding a web development package I like and can afford...

Rapidweaver - cool, but restricted to templates (ugh)
iWeb - more restricted then Rapidweaver, some functions only work if hosted on a site like MobileMe
Kompozer - great if I want to do all design myself - including menus and such - but limited for website plugins or user created plugins for websites (like java scripts, etc)
Freeway - looks neat, but freeway express (within price range) seems to eliminate a lot of functionality (including it seems actions) and freeway pro is way beyond my price range.
Amaya - no.
Dreamweaver - umm, way beyond my price range.

What I'd love to find, but don't know if it exists - is something like:
WYSIWYG Web Builder - reasonably priced, quite powerful for a wysiwyg, has many pre-built scripts, ability to use custom scripts, theme support (but development of a given page doesn't require the use of a theme), nice advanced menu support (dropdowns, etc. without a lot of hand work), etc. for the Mac.

Yes, I could just run that web builder in a VM, but honestly, I'd prefer a Mac native solution rather then using a VM/bootcamp/additional computer

 

[Ernestkarelia]

If I were you i would find something that can make the job done with not have to spend that much money. I use Sandvox and Dreamweaver.

Sandvox for some fast work and Dreamweaver for some legit professional work

 

[cuhnool]

Ironic, I just made a post about installing CMS Made Simple.

 

[Nethfel]

I saw your post the other day... I actually already know how to install/use a CMS, but, honestly, I don't want to use a CMS system for this website - at least not one quite like that one - if I were to use a CMS, at this point, I'd do the overall design and my own PHP to integrate into a back end that was just designed for creating content (ie: using PureEdit CMS PureEdit, Making content management purely simple. ) - I've never been good at building templates for CMS systems (whether it be CMS Made simple, joomla, drupal, etc.).

To Ernestkarelia: Unfortunately, Dreamweaver is a tinsy bit beyond my financial means Sandvox may be interesting, but I'll have to try it out.

 

[chas_m]

Although I agree that iWeb isn't right for the OP, I do have to point out that you can build an iWeb site from a totally blank page -- no template required.

 

[MacHighway]

If you haven't seen them there are a lot of third-party templates for RapidWeaver. Plus, if you dig into the CSS with a text editor and any image editing application you can heavily customize an RW template.

Hopefully that was helpful to you.