Shooting RAW for 1st time, looking for Photo software for Nikon?

I have a D90 and naturally own the NX post processing software.

Is this adequate, I've read that other programs (Lightroom, etc) are better, less limitations. I'm ignorant of the pros/cons, as to date I normally shoot. JPEG straight out of the camera, but I've decided to take control of my images and shoot RAW for better results. That said, back to NX… Are there better alternatives (I'm sure there are), and why? (LOL, not expecting the long version of PP 101, just looking for insight/comparisons from those more knowledgable than myself.). Willing to pay up to $100-150, less would be better ;-D

Suggestions and expected cost. (D90, Vista OS). Looking for best bang for buck.hey, it may be the free NX, for all I know. Thank you in advance

Added (1). And again, first time shooting RAW and exploring PP possibilities, perchance the nuances of Lightroom and other more $$ software is really moot til I use NX, which may be totally adequate til I get a familiarity with it, utilize it and then get a feel for what I have… Or need?

You won't get an excellent editor like lightroom for that money - it'll probably be in the neighborhood of $200 or more.

If the software that came with your camera handles raw files sure that's enough. However if you want to do extensive editing - probably not.

There's several high quality editors available but you're going to have to pay for what ever you want.
Could be a lot. Shop around.

I have a D90, shoot some raw, have never used NX. I use Corel PaintShop Photo Pro. It costs less than $100, and handles Nikon raw files, then gives you lots of editing options.
http://www.corel.com/...8977106333