Pre Buying PS Elements Questions

Good to ask before!

I have a MacBook and a PC. If I buy a copy, will I be able to use it on both devices under that single license?

Yes, but only if you buy the 'boxed' version via a reseller. The downloaded version from Adobe's site is single platform license.

What are the basic pros and cons of image editing with PSE vs PS?

See:

FAQ: Why is Photoshop Elements cheaper? What's different about Photoshop?

Also note that Photoshop is available via the subscription model (renting) whereas Elements is perpetual license.

Tell us more about your own requirements for more precise or up-to-date answers.

I want to be able to create images (ie with shapes), edit images (ie with magic wand and colours), mask and crops things. Can I do this in PSE?

Elements and Photoshop are pixel (bitmap) editors and only have limited vector drawing tools (unlike Illustrator), especially Elements. You can work with shapes, magic wand and colours (also with layers and masks...) as well as you can paint.

To summarize:

- download and test a trial version for one month in one of your computers.

- If you are satisfied, buy a box from a reseller. You won't have to reinstall the software for your trial version, just register with the license key provided in the box.