Photoshop Elements 7

I use Photoshop Elements 7, but I have the opportunity of getting another version.

Is CS3 the best one? It's been years since I've used any form of Photoshop so I'm a bit behind on what's new and what's best.

Any advice appreciated.

You should get the latest version you can afford. Having said that, Photoshop Elements is not an application you should even bother with. It is meant for photograph editing, sharing and archiving. If you're serious about designing, you should get Photoshop CS4, if you can afford it. CS3 is very good as well, and CS2 is good. CS4 has 3D support, meaning, you can get an avatar frame and you can paint your designs directly on top of the avatar.
I believe you can download a trial version before you buy in the Adobe website.

Thanks very much I'm off to the shop later so will have a look at prices.

If you decide to get CS4 for the 3D features, you will need to get the extended version.

Reading some of the threads about CS4 you may need to include an new computer too or some serious upgrading.

CS3 works fine for most needs and can be coupled with other software for checking textures prior to upload e,g, AV Painter

Okay now I don't know what to do! My laptop isn't very high tech...

Whether you go with CS3 or CS4, I'd recommend the extended version over the regular. Both extended versions will allow you to import 3D models, such as the SL avatar mannequin, for texturing. The difference between the two is CS4 allows you to paint directly on the model and see the results in real time, while CS3 only allows for painting on the 2D canvas and then you see the results on the model every time you save.

Either one is VERY useful, but CS4 is much better, if your computer can handle it. And that's a big IF, considering what you said about your laptop. CS4's 3D engine is a resource hog. It needs at least 4GB of usable system RAM to be stable, which means you need a 64-bit OS. If your machine is 64-bit capable, and you've got the RAM, CS4 is the way to go. If not, then CS3 will behave better for you.

I wouldn't recommend my own machine, but since you mentioned working on a laptop ..... When I'm away from my desktop at home, I can run CS3 extended on my little 4-year-old laptop that has 500M of system memory and a 40Gb hard drive. It can be a little slow at swapping out files sometimes, but not annoyingly so. If you have a newer, better-equipped laptop, CS3 should run fine for you.

Thanks so much everyone I now own Photoshop CS3

Sorry to confuse you but i thought it was pertinent to point out CS4's system needs before you bought something you couldnt use.

Hope you have fun with CS3 anyway