I am an artist and I would like to start working with some of the computer programs out their. I would like use an Adobe product, but I am unsure what the differences are between Illustrator and Photoshop. With the name illustrator, I would assume this would be the logical choice, but from what I gather, alot of artist seem to prefer Photoshop. Can anyone recommend which would be better in my case? Please don't recomend one mainly based on price, only it's merits. I am willing to spend any amount of money, but if possible I would only like to purchase one product.

I use photoshop. To put it simply It is more like drawing on paper, if you are using the brush tool.

Illustrator is used more for vector work, and shifting the lines to your liking isn't going to happen.

In my opinion, drawing in Photoshop takes a little "getting used to" compared to Illustrator. I do, however, prefer Photoshop over Illustrator since I am a genetically artistic and can incorporate photographs of my own fine art work into my computer art.
If you have free time, click the link below to find tutorials on both programs. The tutorials are availble all over the internet, but I really like this one. You can look through some of the tutorials for "effects" to see what fits your own personal style. Then, by looking at what others have created, you can decide which one to buy. They are both excellent programs but if you aren't looking to make a career out of graphic design you will need to decide which program has the biggest potential to benefit your own, natural style-it will more than likely be Photoshop.

Type is a real issue between the two softwares. Use of type for design in photoshop is a no-no, as they do not come out as sharp as in Illustrator or InDesign.

Photoshop is mainly for use with photographs, Illustrator for drawing and graphic design.

InDesign is the industry standard now for graphic layout work, replacing old school Quark software.

I personally, still use photoshop more than any of the other softwares, because of it's color correction features, filters, opacities, styles and brushes. I just find it more versatile. I only use the other two mainly for type.

I hope this helps.

I use both and like both. If you do painterly type work then go with Photoshop. It is the best out there.
Illustrator is great if you are doing more graphic work.
I suggest you got to adobe and download there free trials of each software.
If you want one that does it all I would suggest going with Photoshop.
And if money is no object get both!
http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/
You get it all and more in that package!