In either case, the boxed version will cost you an additional $10. It's well worth it if you aren't in a hurry to purchase a last minute gift, as the printed manual for both applications is well done, nicely illustrated, and very informative. In the case of Paint Shop Pro Studio, the manual is a 122 page "Idea Book" while the User Guide for Paint Shop Pro 9 weighs in at a rather hefty 502 pages.

Bottom line? I'm very impressed with the tools that Jasc has to offer and give it 4 out of 5. They're easier to use than similar products from Adobe, such as Photoshop Album and PhotoShop Elements, and much more attractively priced. With three different versions, there's a good fit for every digital photographer: from those who need only very simple editing tools who want an easy way to share their photos (Photo Album), to more advanced users who still want an easy to use application (Studio), to those who either are (or want to be!) hardcore digital artists, image manipulators, and editors (Paint Shop Pro 9). I'm glad I was introduced to Jasc's products through this review opportunity, and can't wait to see what they offer in the future.

OUR RATING: 4 of 5

Jane Conner-ziser is considered one of the best retouching experts in the field, her clients include Canon, Art Leather Manufacturing Co, Marathon Press, Kodak, many of the nations largest professional color labs, and numerous studios of fine portrait and commercial photography. She is a featured trainer for Software Cinema who is a strategic partner of Adobe Systems focused on interactive learning for the digital imaging industry. For more information visit http://www.software-cinema.com.