Opinions, Should I go back to Quickbooks for Mac

[michaelk7]

Has anyone moved from Quickbooks Windows to the Mac version? Years ago I tried the Mac version. Did not enjoy it at all. Ended up installing VMWare and have run the Windows with Quickbooks. Would like to run the Mac version if it has been improved.

Thought I would seek some opinions before purchasing Quickbooks Mac Version.
Thank you greatly for your opinions.

 

[James Gryphon]

Not being familiar with the software myself, I'm not qualified to offer a recommendation on it. However, they say that they offer a trial version; you might be able to judge from that.

 

[mj_]

@sgtaylor5 might be qualified to answer that question

 

[Darth.Titan]

My employers migrated to Quickbooks Online years ago. That way they never have to consider compatibility issues.

They've been perfectly happy with it.

 

[sgtaylor5]

@michaelk7, the decision to use the Mac version over the PC version depends on what features do you use?

I liked the Mac version because I prize simplicity and the Mac version fixed all of my personal difficulties with QuickBooks.

1. The Mac version is not built with a Windows MDI (multiple Windows inside of a program frame), but uses separate windows for each report or chart of accounts, etc. That means you have more visibility about how many windows you have open at any given time.
2. It also allowed you to see the complete name (!) and full dollar amount of an editable (!) list of accounts.
   [That was one of my biggest gripes with the Windows version]
3. The Mac version didn't have shipping support, something I never used.
4. The Mac version was faster, too, and didn't have any upselling ads on the Home view. There was an icon on the toolbar, which was easily removed and didn't come back.

I'd get a validation code from Customer Support and KEEP IT for later reinstalls. That code is used with the License and Product codes. Never have to call Customer Support again.

I don't use Payroll, because I'm a one-man business. I don't use Bank Feeds, because I wanted to enter each entry the way I wanted them to be entered. That takes 15 minutes a night, for me. If I see a feature that requires me to buy another copy of QuickBooks, I resolve to never use it.

This is the way *I* used QB, and your needs/wants may be different than mine, which is perfectly OK.

[Thanks, @mj_ for the referral.]

 

[michaelk7]

sgTaylor5
That is one expensive package going by the month or annual.
Were you able to purchase QB for Mac without the monthly subscription?
That is a Bloody racket!

 

[sgtaylor5]

You have that right! I am most familiar with QB Desktop, and you can get that for a one time purchase. They'll hide and deflect you from using the desktop version; you'll have to look for it.

I have over 1000 contacts in my address book, and with the limitations on contacts per plan, I'd have to subscribe to the most expensive QB Online plan. For a one-man business!! No. Way.

That's why I reevaluated my needs and went with Corona, which is a one time payment of $64. It may be too simple for your needs, or it might be just right.

 

[DavidCB]

Hi @michaelk7,

I have just switched back to QB for Mac after using the Windows version for the past 20 years.

(I had started out with the Mac version in 1997 and changed to Windows in 2001 when Intuit had temporarily stopped developing QB for Mac.)

I am switching now so I will be able to seamlessly transition to the ARM platform in the not-too-distant future. Also, my version of QB (2018) sunsets in May, so I would need to invest in a new version of QB plus Parallels (I currently use VMWare Fusion, which doesn't work with Big Sur), only to have to abandon them as soon as I buy an M1 or M2 machine.

The Mac version is of course not as good as the Windows one but it's adequate for my usage, and especially after all these years, I think I am better off with its limitations than I would likely be with an entirely new application.

David

 

[Starflyer]

My employers migrated to Quickbooks Online years ago. That way they never have to consider compatibility issues.

They've been perfectly happy with it.

How do they feel about them discontinuing the desktop App?

 

[mejamila]

Yes, you should go back to QuickBooks for mac.
It's not a bad idea!