Hey guys. I have a few questions about low-end editing software for macs. I just got a macbook pro for a graduation present from my family (college) and since all my other editing software is on PC, I need some advice about the switch.

I've used Photoshop Elements 5 on the PC for a little while now and version 4 is a significant downgrade from that since version 5 isn't on macs. I'm not really too willing to go out and buy version 4 when I already own version 5. Does anyone know if there are plans to port PSE5 to macs in the future?

I don't have the budget to consider buying the whole photoshop suite.

I hate iPhoto. It's far too basic for the needs I have.

I hate The GIMP way worse than I hate iPhoto.

I'd really like a very cheap, or free, photo editing program that can do some decent touchups and stuff.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

PSE probably wasn't updated to 5 for mac because iirc 4 is powerpc native, and releasing an universal elements would have cannibalized future CS3 sales.
I would expect the next version will take csre of that...

For my editing I use:
Nikon Capture NX- in my opinion the best quality raw converter for Nikon, but with really cool effects and features built in. I was an extremely early adopter of NX and despite a clunkier interface than capture 4, it offers so much more.
Canon DPP is more for conversions.
Photoshop CS3 academic: i know, not the answer you wanted to hear, but PS is PS.
CS3 really was a nice update, as is Camera Raw 4.1. Considering what you need you can wait and see the next PSE or just get PS CS3 standard.

Most of my others are for RAW coversion and basic editing only... Aperture, Canon DPP, etc.

I wonder if it'll be wise to wait for PSE6... I can stick with something a lot simpler for the time being.

You could always download trial versions of CS3 or Lightroom for the time being.

I would also suggest talking to Adobe Support. Explain the situation, ask their reccomendations, maybe even see if you can get some credit for Elements to apply to an upgrade to one of their other products. Hey, they can only say no.

Also, check E-bay. I upgraded from Photoshop 6.0 to CS2, and offloaded my 6.0 ver. dirt cheap there. It's worth a look anyway.

- Joe U.

Medley-

Thanks for the insight. I think I'll ask adobe if they can do anything for me.

The trial editions might work for me too...

http://www.kanzelsberger.com/pixel/ what do you guys think of this?

I'd hold off on that for the moment. It's in beta and there's been no updates since the end of May.