While there
are other choices available, some are only going to be useful if you want to go a proprietary route, such as software that is camera brand specific. Non proprietary software is also available such as
Lightzone,
DxO,
Bibble,
RawTherapee.
You'll see most people talking about Lightroom or Aperture though, since those are the most popular of the commercial bunch. Lesser known ones as linked above might be good for what they do, but also likely have fewer engineers (unless we're talking open source) and a much tighter budget.
Comparing Aperture and Lightroom is where I have the most experience, as well as with Photoshop. The thing about PS, is that it very well may be overkill for a lot of purist photographers. However, if you want to work in a studio setting and process work for an fashion publication and such, then Photoshop is an absolute necessity.
So far, the things you've mentioned that you'll be using software for all point to being able to use either Aperture or Lightroom alone. I've been using Lightroom almost exclusively for about 3 years, though when I started out, I also tried Aperture, and just didn't like it.
Aperture has changed in leaps and bounds since then, mostly in terms of being efficient when editing, and as well as adding really nice features. (selective editing with brushes)
Lately, I've been spending a lot more time with Aperture for the sake of my own education, and because I'm doing a comprehensive review of both it and Lightroom, since they both are at a level now, where it's easier to compare their feature sets. Prior to version 3 of Aperture, I wasn't able to do this because it would constantly hang and force me to shut down. It's SO much better now, thanks to Apple's great efforts, and I really applaud them for keeping at it.
I do however still like Lightroom better for a few reasons, and will likely not make Aperture my default editing program. I'll list my comparisons and reasons in a bit... I've got to go and help the wife with something first. So, hang in there if you can. I'm sure others will have something to say about this subject as well, and hopefully they'll be able to give good reasons as to why they like what they do. I'm guessing most will say Aperture, since this IS an Apple centric forum, and most here aren't very fond of Adobe for various reasons.
Doug