I've used Adobe Photoshop 5.5, Microsoft Photodraw 2000, Paint Shop Pro, etc.
I agree that Paint Shop Pro is the most bang for the buck ... here in Canada Futureshop has it advertised for $149.99 less $60 instant rebate less $40 manufacturer mail-in rebate so an legitimate copy can be had for $49.99 (and probably less in the US). That's a damn good price for what you get.
Still my personal favourite is Photoshop ... I guess it's what you get used to ;^)
Any of these programs sure are useful for those of us that take digital photos, scan our finds, etc.
HH ... Gord.