Photoshop sucks the GIMP's left nut.
No, really - I loaded up the GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) on the laptop (they make a Windows port.)
Say all you want, but an image program that does everything P-shop does (but better) _and_ doesn't cost a dime has simply got to rule.
www.gimp.org is your one-stop home of imaging nirvana.
/P