i just got photoshop elements 4 and it seems pretty good, much easier than the normal photoshop c2(or what ever it is). i have nero photosnap which i like better than arcsoft( came with my camera, nero came with my dvd burner) but i think i like the elements 4 the best...you can probably get it for around 50ish on ebay, some online stores were about that too( i got it cheaper, 30 but it was from someone who was suspended...i could send you his email if you want it, i didn't have a problem with him and it registered and stuff ok so i don't think it's pirated but i'm always nervous dealing with a person rather than established store)
i downloaded free trials from microsoft, corel and adobe websites and picked the one i could use the best which was photoshop for me