SLOB  Been using this for years - interesting to see the development. Budgeting charts nice & informative, reports quite good for categories, importing works within limitations and sometimes obscurely, but still some other issues:

The 3D charts are glossy and fancy, but too much so with 'lines', which look like spaghetti & are hard to decipher. The 2D equivalent is really basic. Something in between, Numbers style, would be better, imo.

Multi-currency works well for the left panel overview. You can change the main currency in the prefs (nice if there was a more accessible way & even a choice to list more than one at the top summary) but you still can't combine currencies for chart readouts, which most other programs do. Baffling.

If you want to redefine several beneficiaries you'd normally select them all and do so, but that option disappears leaving you to do them one by one. Again, frustrating.

I'm using this mostly so far for account and budget overviews. Looking forward to more flexibility.  
(Version 3.0.9)

SLOB  Like other reviewers I've been through several alternatives (giving up on iBank along the way for the same reasons), and am now using iCompta along with Moneywell for their varieties of output and insight. (I imported everything from a Moneywell QIF then spent some time manually sorting out categories & transaction info).

What I'm mostly getting out of iCompta is good multicurrency & overall chart view when selecting various accounts and imo great historical reportage over various time frames. There's a fine filtering system too for more detailed readouts. This has helped set up budgets for future time frames, which also read out well and quite flexibly.

It has its oddities - only basic default menus, meaning you have to be ready to mouse through all the icons dotted around the window, & limited preferences, but overall it responds very well & quickly to my large amount of input (incl 4 years of daily cashflow along with a couple dozen account records over 7 years).

Good reception from Cyril, the developer, who replies that folders or binders will appear in v.4. It also has been syncing very easily with the iPhone version.

What I find really astounding about iCompta is that it's free. I donated 20 euros and still feel slightly guilty compared to what other programs are charging. Anyway, it's a deal. Don't overlook it just because it's nominally free.  
(Version 3.3.5)

SLOB  Developer - get your versions right. The download results in version 4.1.2. So the 'upgrade' results in a hang.  
(Version 4.1.3)

SLOB  @ HALEAKALARI

This site is supposed to be about software. Good luck with their religious causes, really, I mean it. But their software looks and acts like junk, imo, and that's a loser for us & them.  
(Version 1.5.8)

SLOB  It's not a bug. It's the normal method for any program. If you want to make changes to how your system runs then log out and back in as admin. That's normal too.  
(Version 1.2.5)

SLOB  That's what I like about macUpdate. I really want a program like this, got disappointed with IBM ViaVoice years ago and waited - and having been tipped off by these comments will keep waiting for some other developer to put out a fair deal, including the upgrades.

I do appreciate software development and have spent quite a bit over the years, but these especially larger outfits so blatantly creaming the buyers I've had more than enough of.

Thanks guys, and thanks to the honest working developers out there too.  
(Version 1.5.1)

SLOB  Thanks. I didn't know about that.  
(Version 1.0)

SLOB  Yes, you can follow that procedure - if you know about it which most users won't - but why should anyone have to do that? The point is Google's become a big corporation with an increasing reach into areas of computer use, and this update mechanism is a demonstration of arrogance. It's like a rat sneaking into users houses & making nests. If that's tolerated what's next? 'Free' adverts on relaunch? F••k em. Where's my pussycat..?  
(Version 3.0.4)

SLOB  Woah, ease up there @emel - no need for defensive/aggressive republican propaganda or whatever it is over a software issue. 'fearmongering', 'conspiracy theory' ... (sorry, still make me laugh, corny as they are ;).

Slow down on the coffee, have a beer, & read again. It's simply about annoyance, the getting-in-yer-face, and maybe some disk clutter. Worse than those crappy pop-up windows before the browser enabled turn-off.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

SLOB  If you search your HD for 'google' you'll find a lot of stuff scattered about, including, in your main Library/Cache a folder called 'com.google.UpdateEngine.Framework.0' with a no entry sign on it. Also the uninstaller didn't work for me, maybe because it only deals with Google Earth and not Google Notifier? I don't know but I do know Google have crossed a line into no-trust land from now on.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

SLOB  I completely agree with the comment below. Well written. I can't update to this version and have trashed their Picasa - annoyed with the update reminder - the independent iPhoto plugin works just fine anyway. Watch it Google, don't try and commandeer.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

SLOB  This company is confusing. There's an iPod touch app at $5 which I'd like which apparently requires MacGourmet 2.4 or MacGourmet deluxe 1.1. I happen to have registered the latter which says I have the latest version - 1.05. No further info on the site.  
(Version 2.4)

SLOB  I can't really test this without qif import from another program.  
(Version 3.0b3.10)

SLOB  Ok, update from the last comment:

The developer replied to my issue & I gave it another shot. It took 20 minutes but the file finally imported on my 10.5.6 Mini. Another reimport was needed to resolve duplicate issues with the Moneywell export, and then the good stuff started.

Prospects has a configurable learning aspect which is customisable, meaning the more you use the program the more time you save on input and readjustments. So after 3 days it's as easy as any program I've ever used before, and easier than most.

But the main thing (at least for me, a non-expert finance recorder) is the breadth of feedback and the ease of instigating it - click on any account or category and the graphing instantly changes; drag the graph sliders for an easy time-scale; make a report, easy to set up & an instant summary with it. The feedback is what I've been missing since giving up on the spinning wheel buggy iBank a month or two back.

There are issues (including for me at well as others currency recognition & flexibility) but the developer is truly responsive and I've no doubt they'll all be resolved over further updates. For me Prospects is worth using right now and I happily registered today. (And no, I don't work for the guy. ;)

I'd like to give it a 4 and a half star right now but I'm pretty sure it'll hit the 5 in a while. Anyway, a real lift after some of the other turkeys I've used & paid for. Moneywell is fine too - I just needed broader feedback, and here it is.  
(Version 1.2.1)

SLOB  Yes, interesting. But then I downloaded the trial license after trying the 100 record demo & tried to import a qif from Moneywell - so, it's a 6 year record including daily cash expenses, but Moneywell's ok with that - and Prospects hung on each attempt, even when trying just a cash import (the main bit for me regarding budgeting).

Looking forward though to further developments. Looks very interesting indeed for input & feedback.  
(Version 1.2.1)

SLOB  An iPod touch app with syncing would really help the user - plus, I'm sure, increase registrations for the developer. I'd love to use this on-the-go.  
(Version 2.7.6)

SLOB  Server port 587 also works in Mail.

Really, $25 for something like this denigrates shareware. Switch to Windows, developer.  
(Version 1.61.4)

SLOB  First off, this seems to be a full price upgrade at no reduction. Next, you have to download, via a browser, Adobe Air to your system. This so you can then download the Earthbrowser software.

I put up with this out of curiosity, launched and found all my favorites unavailable with no obvious way to access them, no 'import settings' or anything I could find in the windows type menus.

Back to 2.11 and that's it from now on I guess.. but at least 2.11 still works.  
(Version 3.0)

SLOB  I agree with DONKEYOTAY - after years of being registered and then giving up on it a while back, this is the best version I've ever used.

No crashes after days of heavy use, unlike Safari (for me anyway); no need for any add-on plugins, good configuration as has always been, and most of all - great performance.  
(Version 5.7 beta 1)

SLOB  If you use other plugins like SafariStand on Tiger, as I do, then Inquisitor will casually disable them by renaming the user library inputmanager folder to 'InputManagers-Tiger'. Delete the '-Tiger' bit (& Inquisitor of course) and you're ok again.  
(Version 3.0v52)

SLOB  GAOSHAN wrote "Anyone care to compare this to Vienna?"

- You'll really have to compare for yourself (they're both good) - but I switched to Vienna from a reg. NNW when Newsgator took it over & started dickin' around with their extra profit angle on it, and found Vienna very satisfactory in comparison.

I switched back though because Newsgator wisely backed off enough and also because I happen to like the few extra visual aspects - viewing options and so forth.

One thing it lacks tho is an update preference setting. Some people reckon NNW is a bit faster but I haven't noticed. But anyway they're both now very good.  
(Version 3.1.1)

SLOB  It's not pretty, and I don't mean that in an icon lover sense - the scroll bars are less the width of what we're used to so mousing is more fiddly, the columns are quirky..

But in use it's now a load better than v.1. Very fast even with a 3 year import of daily cash flow items from v.1. There's now a built-in transfer option which on the import from v.1 needs setting up one by one (changes on a multiple selection are needed) but once done it's a big advantage in seeing what's been going on.

There's a big selection of charts in the default doc. They may need renaming but they're configurable and already give lots of feedback. Weird menu commands (eg. New item, or 'booking' as it's called here - Cmd opt E..?). No Export option yet either, so you'd be stuck with it if you go for it.

If they'd redevelop this in Cocoa it'd be a sweet deal for $20, and even now just for the speed & charts it's a good bargain item. Let's hope it gets worked on more than v.1 did.  
(Version 2.0rc1)

SLOB  For GTDers this beta is worth following. I used iGTD quite happily and tried most others before that but have to say OmniFocus already gives a clarity of vision I've never seen before.

Interaction with iCal is good though not yet as customizable as iGTD (can't yet select, say, just flagged items, afaik).

But the main deal is in the actual viewing. For example, click the 'View' button and in that bar set Projects mode to 'start' and then 'due' and then in Contexts mode to 'due and 'due' and then switch between the modes, and (from Dec 14 beta on) you get a very clear choice of future views.

The Inspector palette is now better & Perspective switching an added bonus (though it doesn't always remember both views), but as said a very interesting and definite beta development going on - well worth checking out. It's a keeper for me.  
(Version 1.0r96122)

SLOB  A review? Excellent widget. Simple as that.  
(Version 1.4)

SLOB  Still my favourite (tho recent data guardian looks nice, but doesn't have the same flexible notes frame, which now won't open on the icon click btw), except..

still brushed metal!?.. And could be nice to doubleclick on a record (or that same icon) and have it open in its own window - easier for editing imo.  
(Version 1.1.7)

SLOB  Works ok on an intel though the installation was slightly clunky (T4me not reading my default file until it was pointed to it) - but on my g4 pbook.. oops, blank pref screen even after machine restart. Lucky the previous version was backed up which still works fine. So be careful with this, looks like late beta.  
(Version 3.2)

SLOB  I registered this partly as a gesture of appreciation for Doug's iTunes scripts - always useful - and partly of course to dupe more powerfully than iTunes allows.

So far it's better but not by enough. Specifically I'd like some kind of fuzzy logic for, say, the time length of songs because otherwise identical dupes often show a second or three difference from each other. I wouldn't mind that for names too, eg. ignoring brackets with contents.

Whatever, much appreciate Doug's scripts and look forward to Dupin's further development.  
(Version 1.1.1)

SLOB  Yes, it connects to Spotlight (see the prefs).

Took a quick look and for a v.1 beta it looks like excellent software. It's fast in every way, easy for tagging, and gives great visual feedback, especially with the loupe addition (opt key). They also have a deal on their site while it's still in beta to buy Yep and get Leap included in the price, & I couldn't resist. And I don't think this is a loser by any means.  
(Version 1.0b4)

SLOB  Couldn't agree more. Best break timer I've ever used, in every way. My shoulders say 'thank you!'  
(Version 1.5)

SLOB  Add my stars. Excellent, especially for freeware. Just try it and compare it to spotlight. This really does spotlight.  
(Version 0.5.2)

SLOB  KIT makes a lot of promises and it looked useful - and indeed is - as a precursor of Apple's new QuickLook - click on a file and for generic formats a preview appears in the pane below. And it was quite fast at importing. Nice, so I registered it on MacUpdate's half-price promo a while back and started linking some messy Finder folders to it and categorising things.

That's about as far as it got though. The problems came when those folders changed their contents and KIT didn't dynamically update to reflect that. Even the 'smart' groups weren't on the same par as iTunes smartlists.

Also the tagging system doesn't gel with Spotlight, nor the coloring with Finder labelling, so in effect KIT works separately from the rest of the system - it's in its own little world.

Maybe that works if you transfer your stuff into KITs own folder - I didn't want to do that - but for those who want the promised 'magic' they need to look elsewhere, imo.

I emailed the developer politely requesting dynamic linking and smart updating of original linked items and received no reply, so maybe it can't be done (?)

Now I use it in a crudely dynamic way - emptying the database and redragging folders in to preview the contents, and that's it. Of course any categories, colors, tags are gone, though they do remain as ghostly references in KITs evergrowing library index files.

But it is pretty..  
(Version 1.3.6)

SLOB  It's fast and smooth & I'd switch from Safari right now, if only..

1. it'd save selected text in rtf into, say, Devonthink, to maintain formatting and embedded links

2. it had the Acidsearch and Stand plugins or something similar (or maybe there already are, I dunno)  
(Version 1.5)

SLOB  I have to revise an earlier criticism I made about syncing: Chronosync does sync - accurately and effectively once all the options are configured.

My earlier problem (and I bet I'm not the first or last) was in using Apple's Migration Assistant to save time & trouble but keeping the old machine on in what became a schizoid network. Once the new machine was reinstalled from scratch and apps and docs imported permissions, or whatever it was, no longer conflicted.

This should be of note to the developers because as said others have suffered the same unresolved issues. I'm sure they shook their heads at my complaint but I have to repeat - these things happen and registered users are usually not experts or programmers, which is why we write in with sometimes exasperating problems, so please - don't brush us off too quickly eh?

There are a lot of configurable options which is good, but the program needs some time to go through all those choices. Take your time there - it's usually worth it. There do remain a few conflicts in syncing, maybe to do with dates, it seems, which offer no obvious solution except to delete one of the offending files and resync.

Chronosync works over the personal file sharing protocol which is sidestepped by other syncing programs like Slingshot and iGet I'd turned to before sorting this out, so it has to actually mount and then dismount network volumes which other protocols don't have to. A bit clunky but no big deal. The others have their clunky sides too.

I also like the background scheduler so that Chronosync doesn't have to actually be running for jobs to be done.

So to sum up - once it's set up with all its options there's no better deal, imo, for backing up on a single machine and/or keeping a desktop and very mobile laptop in sync.

.. at least until Apple unties iSync from the lousy dotmac for its multi machine purchasers.  
(Version 3.3.5)

SLOB  I have to add to the stars here - this really is the gtd app to use right now.

For example, synchronizing with iCal is now even better - you can change the pref to 'sync with flagged items' and cut down a full todo list to something more practical when isyncing to your phone.

No stability issues at all. Simple but comprehensive customization options, a good range of prefs, and it looks good too (ok, the icons could use some pro input..) - but this is a 5 star app all the way.

I've become a lot more cautious with paying for software over time but donated with this update ($20) and consider that a fine deal, and the developer is obviously putting a lot of good work into iGTD.

Go for it.  
(Version 1.4.1.1)

SLOB  It certainly is fast. Stability: crashed 3 times today omm but so what? it's beta & they'll fix it - restart (fast, right?) and it's ok again, and various other use enhancements make it worth running. Looks good too.  
(Version 3.0a8)

SLOB  Quite a review from Lord Lightning but I agree. Scrivener is easy to use from the get-go but there's also a lot under the surface. Just follow the instructions included with the 'extras' folder and install them - you'll get an example of how comprehensive this app is.  
(Version 1.02)

SLOB  This is one of those great programs that makes the Mac what it is. I know how pompous that sounds but too bad - it ranks with VoodooPad, OmniOutliner, Scrivener, Devonthink, Textmate - all of which I've registered with no regrets at all and am happy to do the same now with Journler. In fact relieved - I was actually feeling guilty using such a fine piece of software for free - it's way beyond that in value. Problem solved. And a lovely program.  
(Version 2.5)

SLOB  It seems ok on my Intel Mini even with iTunes 7.1 but a PPC Powerbook loses it with iTunes, even after an uninstall - had to restore from a clone. Naughty.  
(Version 1.3.2)

SLOB  Still checking it out but for freeware I can't see any reason to complain about iGTD. Its iCal syncing works well both ways (unlike Actiontastic which can mess up iCal) & it's easy enough to get around. Due dates need more, but so far so good.  
(Version 1.0.7)

SLOB  very nice. keyboard shortcut would be nice, though you can set one easy enough with a Quicksilver trigger.  
(Version 1.0)

SLOB  Superb. One of the truly useful widgets out there. Total access to iCal todos without even having to open iCal. Perfect.  
(Version 2.5)

SLOB  I'm beginning to enjoy Asram's posts. Shareware already available for free with OSX (calculator, mp3 player etc), icons designed with breathtaking quality, developed exclusively for PPC.. and he never gives up.. Helps me realize what I'm missing on windows.   
(Version 1.1.3)

SLOB  The developers emailed quite some time ago they were working on iTunes album artwork - which would work around the annoying fact that deleting an album in iTunes doesn't delete the folder because there's an image inside it, put there by iT Catalog.

Still not done. Neither are one or two other hangups. I'm beginning to feel this is just another of those shiny vaporware products I sucker myself into buying every now and then..  
(Version 2.2)

SLOB   - or try here for a simple Terminal hack (down the page):

http://www.macobserver.com/columns/justathought/2007/01/25.1.shtml  
(Version 1.4.4)

SLOB  I've been happy with a reg version of Sizzling Keys for some time and never thought it could be improved on. But if you're an iTunes enthusiast and play stuff all day you should try this.

Very nice piece of freeware and maybe a foretaste of the next OS upgrade in style.  
(Version 8.4.7)

SLOB  Wow. What a great start to the year for laptop users. I can use this for teaching, never mind studying, and wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't useful for other tasks as well. Perhaps there might be an option for separately saved project files in the future?

Anyway, loads of scope for this already and a broad selection of note taking & review options, graphs and so on, along with it. Excellent.  
(Version 5.0)

SLOB  Superb. Took a look, set it up and it immediately went into my dock and login items. Absolutely great piece of freeware, especially for a laptop.  
(Version 2.4.2)

SLOB  "high "piracy" rate of their software" - lamentable, I mean it, but now it looks like you can only order a CD via US mail - no online download. And if I got it how would that prevent my friends using the CD? Not exactly a convenient or cost friendly solution for non US upgraders either.  
(Version 4.0)

SLOB  Just download and use (the free) 'The Unarchiver'. Works just fine omm. http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/22774  
(Version 11.0.1)

SLOB  I can't say what this version is like but the price definitely is an issue here. I bought v.1 in '03 for $20 and then came an upgrade fee... At the same time Onyx appeared for free which pretty much covers all my needs since.

I'd give it another look if the developer would honour his original registration deal and stop trying to do a Norton when the OS gets updated or whatever excuse he uses.  
(Version 3.3)

SLOB  I agree Omniweb is a fine browser - it's stopped crashing and now runs a lot faster. It's worth a fee, except for one thing - you can't run it on 2 networked machines simultaneously.

This is ok with a tool like OmniOutliner (which I've also registered) but is not ok for a browser imo. I have a browser running on each machine for different & quite valid purposes and have to run Safari on the second box. It works ok of course but I can't help resenting the fee for such an unusually tight limit. I'd feel better paying for, say, a bookmark synching system between machines for example.

How about Omni at least doing what other developers do - single machine or single user?  
(Version 5.5.1)

SLOB  I first registered Chronosync in '02 and have upgraded and used it for backing up quite happily since. I looked forward to realising the promise in its name eventually and recently bought a 2nd mac, and that's where I discovered Chronosync is a misnomer for the average but reasonably competent user (like me) - it should be named ChronoBackup.

Like the previous reviewer the first sync worked well enough and then what I knew to be identical files got error messages every time. Other files got unexplained error messages too and sometimes even updated files wouldn't be correctly transferred.

I wrote to Customer service and got a file back with instructions how to give Chronosync admin priveleges to get over what I thought (as another reviewer found) were permissions limitations. That didn't work either and I had to trash and reinstall CS to get rid of the hack, and I was passed onto another assistant who curtly informed that my home folders should sync with no problem. I've heard nothing from them since.

Take this with a pinch of salt or whatever, but I haven't been this disappointed in a piece of paid-for software since MS Office.

No doubt others have resolved these issues in some way - I'd like to know how cos I sure won't find out from customer service. Right now this for fairly simple backup (and the excellent Superduper for cloning plus Transmit for the serious lan stuff) is ok, but still not what I paid for in name.

I hope they can move on with this. I know I will be.  
(Version 3.3.3)

SLOB  An excellent piece of software. After speaking with a lawyer or bank manager, or running M$Office, there's nothing quite as satisfying as opening a can of beer and sitting back with this widget.

I could gas on but you get the point.  
(Version 2.0)

SLOB  "You can also use iSync Public Beta to synchronize two or more Macintosh computers, using the Internet (.Mac membership required)."

aah, dotmac. Having finally bought a second Apple machine to go with my pBook, Apple rewards me by offering to sync the two through it's $100 a year service - halfway round the planet and back in my case. I've used dotmac before and I know how slow that can be.

Machine syncing should be built in for the buyers convenience, and this is the first time I've considered Apple to be a shabby M$ type company for not doing so.  
(Version 2.2)

SLOB  Well, for anyone interested, this little program can work very well in overcoming iTunes' multi library deals.

The way to go is to set it to switch the prefs and the two library files, do it and set that up, then switch back and make whatever changes you need to the original and so on. Those 3 files get switched very nicely.

I used it having put my compilations folder back onto a laptop. I left the vast bulk on an external 2.5" HD and pointed iTunes at the new compilations location. Then built a new library with prefs just for the compilations for when traveling without the HD.

It's fiddly but it's doable, and this app makes it all work just fine now. Back up and go for it.  
(Version 1.0)

SLOB  It's something like this that Apple could use for their multi iTunes library option, which switches the library but not the prefs.  
(Version 1.0)

SLOB  I agree with D9. I installed onto a 1Ghz G4 powerbook with a mere 768 Mb Ram and the library updating went fine while iTunes continued playing, and that's for a full compliment of album covers over more than 10,000 tracks. The iPod update is so much better now too.

I'm even more convinced iTunes is one of the best programs Apple have ever come out with. Maybe other users troubles are down to various plugins and sloppy tagging, who knows? but for those keen and serious about their music collection you need to at least try this upgrade.  
(Version 7.0)

SLOB  watch out with beta 4 - it may not suit some. By default it refuses to recognise javascripts of which I have quite a few, and my home page is a nice swf file of a clock. beta 4 just opens the finder window containing it now. Oops.

I didn't mess with it, just reverted to the previous beta.  
(Version 5.5b4)

SLOB  "Lists all songs and plays them one after the other. (Shareware)" - hmmm.. you mean like iTunes but without the extras? Wow! where's my credit card?Gorgeous icon too. Next please..  
(Version 1.3.1)

SLOB  I was getting fed up after paying for this and getting spinning wheels and outright crashes almost daily with admittedly heavy use (but that's what browsers are for, for some of us, right?) - and then switching to Camino just to get some good clean speed (but only plain text copy paste from the pages :(

This version is already right back in the race again. A big relief. Keep it up!  
(Version 5.5 beta 1)

SLOB  .. but the import eventually gets there .. and 'Publish Catalog' is very slick - check it out. Overall this is a serious update and worth the upgrade price, imo.  
(Version 2.0)

SLOB  Overall v.2 is better organized but the v.1 artwork import isn't working well - the menu import command ramdomly vanishes and there's no feedback or progress bar to show if anything's really happening or not.  
(Version 2.0)

SLOB  Wow. Software design at its finest! Now this oughta get those windows users flying out the door to buy a mac..  
(Version 1.0)

SLOB  Are the previous reviewers using iPulse itself to read CPU load? In which case, yes, it reads 15 to 20% (omm, a p'book with Tiger), but check Activity monitor and it's only using around 2%.  
(Version 2.1.5)

SLOB  Thanks. I easily reset the default 'open page with safari' script to use Omniweb and put a key command with it and can now default to Camino (much faster and now more stable) and just load Omniweb for copying rich text from a page, which Camino still can't do.  
(Version 2.0.2)

SLOB  Sorry, not this version. All previous settings disappear - too much of a pain to start again, so back to v.4. And I did donate a while back and would like a serial number or something to stop being asked again with every update.  
(Version 5.0)