I have been searching for a post I think I remember seeing here that answered this question, but can't find it.
I have been having a play with neat image (trial version) and it seems to have a nice effect on portraits in particular, but I am not sure when I should be doing it. I know the general consensus is to sharpen last, but what about noise reduction, when should I be doing that?
I am using ACR, and CS3.

I have tried the CS3 noise reduction filter but am not sure if that is good enough compared to using a dedicated program.
The other one I am considering is the Dfine software, as part of a Nik software package.
Also , which version of Neat Image do you use, there is a home edition, and pro, some with the plug-in version, which I assume would be more workflow friendly?

sorry for going off on a tangent from the original question.