[timetracker]

To anyone who may be thinking about buying the Mac version of QuickBooks who does time tracking, think twice! There is no timer application that comes with it (as on the PC version) and you cannot import data kept in any other time tracking tool or even from a tab or comma-delimited file. Time Tracking for the mac in Intuit's mind, means you ahve someone manually enter the date, the time, the activity, and the description for every single line item every single day. If you have more than yourself in your company, this is an archaic solution to getting time tracking entries into accounting software.
MYOB 's "Account Edge" allows very easy import of time tracking data - takes a tab or comma-delimited file that has been exported from any of the many time tracking tools available. We built one ourselves in FileMaker Pro.
If you are a service business or do work by time and materials, QBPro for the Mac is not for you. We had even called Intuit to be sure the Mac version had the standalone timer, and were told "Oh yes - the Mac and the PC version are virtually the same." "Does it include the timer application that imports into the software?" "Yes - install it free for as many staff as you have." This is not true! When I called to complain after purchasing the software, the person first said yes, just look on the CD or in the Applications folder. When I persisted and said I cannot find it, he put me on hold, then came back and said, "Uh, no, that feature is only on the PC version." It's great they have decided to come back and support the Mac...but they have a ways to go before they can truthfully advertise that they are selling comparable products.

[davebarnes]

This is sad.
I have been a QuickBooks user (Windows) for 7 years.
The QBTimer is very important to me as I bill my clients for my labor (to the nearest minute).
The QBTimer in the Windows version is not very good as it is a 16-bit application and has not been upgraded to Windows 2000 or XP standards. It crashes way too often.
I have complained to Intuit every time they want me to upgrade to the latest version of QuickBooks. I don't need any new QB features, but would like a more reliable timer.
I too will look at MYOB as the ability to "collect and import labor activity details" is a MUST HAVE for me.
Adios Intuit.
,dave
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