Well the alternative is right here:
http://www.pixelmator.comPixelmator 2 is modern, smooth, quick, has a good look, and very easy to figure out. I now use it to do all my tasks and I am still learning a lot more.
Oops it is a MAC ONLY software.
Photo Impact is still a great program as I use it to design my websites. This is my website which was created with Photo Impact 12:
http://www.reallivebliss.com