Which version of Adobe Photoshop should I purchase?

[tell meh]

I want to be able to edit/retouch my pictures, and do some real crazy things just for photography purposes...

I don't need any special facebook/myspace apps

or any video software

strictly photography...

Thank you very much for your time and concern!

[d332.com]

Photoshop CS3 Extended with After Effects. And get the real thing. Trust me, I have tried cracked versions years ago, and nothing beats the real thing. Constant updates and the thing runs like a hummingbird and the computer is chipper and fast. No viruses, no malware, no stolen password. OEM is ok. You will be able to get updates and upgrades IF you are not one of those who needs a lot of phone support.

[DCReed]

All depends on really what you need. Photoshop CS3 is $649 retail. Photoshop Elements is under $100 and does about 90% of what Photoshop will do.

Personally, here's what I'd do: Get Elements, see if it does everything you need. If it doesn't, Adobe.com has an upgrade path for moving up to CS3 at a discount, essentially giving you credit for buying Elements.

[Kachoozie]

You should wait CS4 Photoshop is releasing soon!

[Nick vanderwaarden]

Buy the latest version of Photoshop (CS3) if you're in a hurry. CS4 is coming out very shortly and you might want to wait for that.
Don't bother with Photoshop Elements if you're serious about photography. So much is missing.

PS, I saw that one can buy Photoshop for around $600,- in the US. That's cheap. I paid well over $1600,- Australian for mine but still think it's worth every cent.

Easy to learn and you'll be exploring its many possiblities for years to come.

[bell.fish]

PC or MAC = photoshop CS3
also for a MAC = Aperture.