Which one to use CS2 or GIMP

[aixguy]

Hey, I just bought a Wacom 6x8 tablet that came with Photoshop Elements4
which I had intended to use. However, to my frustration it does not install and run on Windows 2000. So I was thinking of using GIMP2, but I found a box stuffer offer to up grade the E4 to a full blown CS2 for $299.00 (ends NOV 30)
Still a lot of money, but 1/2 price is 1/2 price. Anyone out there know and use both GIMP and CS2? I only want to learn one software package.. and I need it to run smoothly on a PIII. I have installed GIMP2 but it is not intuitive, then again, I have no idea how CS2 will be either..
Thanks in advance

You mean Photoshop CS2 ?
If so it rocks and there are alot ofweb sites out there to help you get up to speed www.photoshopcafe.com being one of them, Colins DVD's are the way to go to learn Photoshop.

[yoda]

Photoshop CS2 is an industry standard. It is multifunctional and can be used with other projects including your digital photo's. Absolutely there is a learning curve but once you master the basics you will be off and running, learning additional functions as needed.

[heartless]

if you can afford the upgrade - DO IT!!! Gimp is ok, but doesnt hold a candle to Photoshop.
I have Photoshop7 on my home puter, but am forced to use Gimp2 at work (boss is too cheap to buy the real thing) Gimp is missing some tools that Photoshop has, is harder to use IMHO (maybe because I learned photoshop first) it just doesnt seem as intuitive as Photoshop as far as where tools are located, how they are used, etc.

CS2 is a version I would dearly love to have, but cant afford.

[vilner]

Photoshop is a good program I use it and Illustrator at work often enough haven't used the pther one you mentioned, personally, I perfer the Corel products but I have found Photoshop runs best with a lot of ram and fast processors and a professional graphics card makes a big difference. If you can swing the money for CS2 grab it, it will take awhile to learn as it has so many features.
John

[JoeyB]

Better yet, use Paint Shop Pro, it can do just about anything PS can do (some even better) and cost much less. My opinion may be biased as I worked for Jasc then Corel for six years, then again I also worked for Adobe (Illustrator 8 programmer)

[egneg]

Codepunk is the guru of Gimp but I have not seen him around for a while. Other than that you may be able to pick up an older version of PS much cheaper. I still use PS7 and it does all that I need.

[aixguy]

Thanks for all the input! I am going to order CS 2 since it is 1/2 price and a friend of mine will buy it from if I don't like it. Guess I can't go wrong with that!

[gixster92]

you are going to love it. I have no doubt.