Intuit's Quicken Deluxe 2002 - There is a newer version than this, but the 2002 version is the one I use. It's alright, but more than a bit bloated. I don't know anyone who uses all the alleged bells and whistles in this program. If you're up for all the online tricks, money tracking and graphing, maybe this one's for you.
Modeless Software's Liquid Ledger - I downloaded the demo version of this and it just didn't feel right. That's certainly not a fair evaluation, but that's the only way I can describe it. I didn't keep it on my Mac for more than an hour. Plus, $45 is a bit pricey for a newer entrant into the marketplace. If I have $45 to spend, I'd go with Intuit's tried (or is it tired?) and true product.
Splasm Software's Checkbook - Here's another one I used the demo of. I liked the brushed metal (so sue me) look of this, but it was the polar opposite of Intuit's bloatware. It was too simplistic. Basically, you can tell it's a version 1.0 (1.1.3 actually). For one thing, you have to use the mouse to enter debits or credits. In Quicken, you can use the keyboard to navigate your ledger. That's one dealbreaker for me. Also, the demo period allows only 25 entries, instead of a solid month of use... So I couldn't evaluate the reconciling features. I deleted this, too, and went back to Intuit.
Bottom Line
Quicken will prove overkill for some, but is thorough. The interface isn't polished, but it works... Well.
Liquid Ledger was pricey, IMHO, and I just couldn't "get into it."
Checkbook is a little too simplistic, but shows promise. For only $15, it's hard to go wrong if you want just the basics.
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