What's better for a beginner?

I have been looking around the net (and this site) and my head is now swimming. What is better at doing a little digital darkroom work (lets assume these are all the latest, most up to date versions available): Lightroom, Elements or Paint Shop Pro Photo XI? What are the pro's and con's of these.

I know everyone will have a different opinion on which one is the "best" but I have tried CS2 and was completely overwhelmed and gave up on it so I wanted to start more basic while still having the functionality to learn and grow as I become more adept with software editing. They are all right around $100 so it should be a good comparison price wise. Thanks in advance for your input!

What is it you are looking to do for editing? Just some basic color balancing and contrast adjustments or more serious editing like cloning, etc? Not sure where you found Lightroom for $100 but I would say it's a scam at that price. Lightroom will run you around $300. I would say Elements would be your best bet in that price range but, I have never tried PSP

Well, I can actually get all 3 for free, but thats not the point. I would like to do some noise reduction, color balancing, contrast adj. and basic cloning (to remove unwanted blemished in a pic). Nothing really fancy just an organizer, adjuster, RAW converter/uploader etc.. :)

I need to start shopping with you than...LOL If that's what you're looking to do, Lightroom definitely gets my vote :thumbsup:

I was leaning towards Lightroom and your recommendation has sealed the deal. I think I might pick up a copy as I liked the interface better than elements anyway. Seemed more intuitive to me for some reason. Go figure!

When you get Lightroom, I highly recommend also getting the Luminous Landscape Lightroom Tutorial. It's only $14.95 and will walk you through all of the features of Lightroom. It will save you a lot of time.

Will do cause I just downloaded it and installed it....already confused, haha! Thanks again for your help!