Photoshop CS2 Vs CS3

I am currently working with photoshop cs2.9 and am thinking of upgrading to cs3, is it worth it?

The main difference I am aware of is that CS3 has a 3D preview built-in, so you can see the texture on a model while you work.

There are a few interface differences in terms of palettes, but as a whole the differences for my own workflow have not changed that much. Since none of the hotkeys have changed, if you like using hotkeys to make your work go faster, you should make the transition just fine.

The fact that the palettes only show up one at a time and are hidden off to the right is a bit of a space saver, but you can adjust that a bit yourself if you don't like the default configuration.

wow, I'd no idea about that...amazing...how you can learn something new on these forums almost every day...

FYI: 3D model support is only in the extended version of PS CS3. The standard version does not include it. So if you want that feature, make sure you get the extended version.

Other improvements of note in CS3 over CS2 are smart filters (super useful), much better vanishing point tools, some improvements to cloning & healing tools, new tools for compositing, analysis, and measurement, plus significantly faster startup and performance. There are also some great new tools for motion graphics and video (extended version only), if you do that kind of thing. That's just for starters, though. There are lots of other improvements as well.

You might want to read this PDF for an overview of what was new with CS3: http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressmaterials/pdfs/cs3_photoshop_whatsnew.pdf

For someone who's just a very casual user, the upgrade price might not be worth it. But for anyone who's even half way serious, the improvements and additional features are fantastic.