I don't use any of the Adobe programs for my photo editing, mostly based on price and the steep learning curve to the programs.

I use Corel Paint Shop Pro X2. I think the price is down to under $75 at most places now.

On their website you can download a free trial version of the full program to try for 30 days. That's how I made up my mind that's what I wanted to get.

I find that it does almost everything my dad's full $600 version of Adobe Photoshop does, but mine is alot easier to learn (at least for me, and even my dad admits it sounds easier) and cost a heck of alot less.