BleepingComputer.com: Photoshop Elements 2/Adobe Photoshop CS

I am just starting out in doing restoration. i purchased a canon canoscan LIDE 80 scanner with Photoshop elements 2 and was given the Adobe CS version which I loaded on my computer.
i have just purchased the photoshop 2 elements bible book plus a couple of restoration books.
I have spoken to various people and most of them advise me that this program is all I will really need.
I used to do a lot of video and editing and have decided to get back into my 35 mm pictures which I did as an amateur photographer many years ago.
I thought that I would start out with Photoshop Elements 2 as perhaps it is more user friendly and easier to understand. Any members comments?

Also I understand that there is photoshop elements 3 out. Are there any major changes in this program making it more user friendly than the version 2?

Again I would appreciate comments.
Thankyou.