The Book Icon Community

Hi guys, no icons to post but a question which when answered and I have enough money saved will be followed by uber awesome icons. I've been using MS paint and been mostly content up 'til recently when icon making suddenly took over my life and I was introduced to Paint Shop Pro by a friend. What kept me from running out to buy it ASAP (besides the lack of funds) was the thought of Adobe Photoshop. I wondered which one was easier and more preferred by icon makers. So replys and any advice would be much appreciated.