Guess I could post this over in "Photoshop Forum"... I've used Photoshop since V3, [So, at initially $600, plus 4 upgrades at $140 each, yipes!] There is likely not a better program for manipulating photos. But with all the separation, prepress, pantone, etc., stuff that makes this a "professional" product, which I never use, causes me to ask for something cheaper. [I'll stick with Photoshop; but what can I recommend to others, or buy for newbees at Christmas?] I've been frustrated with versions like "Photoshop LE," (no Channels!). What are your favorites, combining useful features at a reasonable cost? [Does anyone use GIMP?]