The multitude of complaints are primarily comparing the Mac version to the PC version. Let's just focus on what this program offers. It is the simplest and most elegant program if what you need is a very good checkbook program with some budgeting capabilities. I was a Quicken for Mac user for many years and hesitated to upgrade to Quicken Essentials because of all the bashing it was receiving in user reviews. I noted that there are a number of professional reviewers that give it very high marks. In any event, since the new Mac OS X Lion will not support Quicken for Mac, I was forced to make a change from Quicken for Mac. I decided to buy Quicken Essentials and try it out (there is no trial version, but Intuit has a pretty liberal return policy). The program exceeded my expectations in virtually every area. Importing of my old Quicken for Mac file was flawless and fast. So, if your needs are like mine, take the plunge. I still believe you won't do better elsewhere. (BTW, the current version of Quicken Essentials is v1.5.4, which added a number of new features and supports check printing, unlike most of the other Mac finance programs. References elsewhere to Quicken 2011 are for the PC version).

I like the new features, but it still takes forever to start up.

Serial number just arrived. Merci, mon amis.

Downloads incorrect (version v6.0.7, not 7.0.0) which is incompatible with Snow Leopard.

Too early to tell whether this program is more beneficial than simply checking MUMenu each day and manually upgrading. The automatic feature would justify the upgrade, but it's not clear how it works. I have my preferences set to automatically download and install new versions, and archive the old version. When does MUD automatically scan for new versions? Only on launch, or periodically while the program is open?