Going All Apple

[jjhomes]

I have decided to go all Apple.  Hopefully I can get used to it.  I am not the best computer guy.
Please, I don't want to here the negatives.  The decision has been made and I would like more support at this time.  Thank You.

In the office we have an Apple iMac, with iWorks.
The office manager has an iPad 2.
The office manager, myself and of coarse my wife will be getting the new iphones when they come out.  Too close now not to wait.
And at home, we will either be getting an iMac or MacBook.
For me, I will either have an iPad2 or MacBook for the field.  Depends on the programs I get.  The iphone is too small for me to work from in the field.  But I like that I will have it at all times. 

My Question  What software programs are you guys using on the Mac's for accounting and estimating?
Right now we are old school.  Ledgers/Paper.  We have never used Quickbooks or any kind of computer accounting.  I have heard Quickbooks and Mac do not mesh well.  That is ashame, because I was leaning towards Quickbooks for Contractors. 

I have seen the following and am wondering if anyone has an opinion:
-AccountEdge
-MoneyWorks
-Goldenseal for Builders by TurtleSoft
-My On Line Toolbox

I am looking to keep things simple.  I nor my office manager are all that computer savvy.

By the way, we are a General Contracting Company.
We build new homes but with the economy, we have been doing additions and a lot of kitchens and baths.

Thanks in advance for the help. 

 

[dsweetser]

Been using Quickbooks for Mac for years. It currently doesn't work with Lion, the new operating system. Ipad is a great tool. See Peter's postings about iPad & contracting. Honeydokreg also has some posts about iPads. Go for the iMac 27" at home. Go to an Apple store and seek their advice for the soft ware.

 

[yankee]

i went all apple 4 years ago, never looked back, been using quickbooks for mac since 2007-2008. never had an issue so i do not know where this doesn't mesh thing is coming from. running quickbooks mac 2011 now on the new apple lion operating system with out a hitch. and quickbooks announced yesterday they are going out with quicken for mac 2012 later this month that will have over 50 new features. so if you give quickbooks a try you might want to wait for the 2012 edition. good luck!!!

dont do what so many others have done when switching to mac. don't use it as your main form of doing business until you have played with it. i did a test run on mine before i relied on it full-time and got used to it. nothing worse then now knowing how to use a system when yo u are in the middle of doing business.  take a class at the apple store if you think it may benefit you.

 

[yankee]

Been using Quickbooks for Mac for years. It currently doesn't work with Lion, the new operating system. Ipad is a great tool. See Peter's postings about iPad & contracting. Honeydokreg also has some posts about iPads. Go for the iMac 27" at home. Go to an Apple store and seek their advice for the soft ware.

i hear this but i still don't understand the issue. I'm using quickbooks 2011 and it works fine on lion.

read the following.
http://www.qblittlesquare.com/2011/07/quickbooks-2011-for-mac-now-supported-on-lion/

 

[yankee]

http://www.qblittlesquare.com/2011/09/whats-new-in-quickbooks-2012-for-mac/

 

[Holzhacker]

I started out with an Apple IIe decades ago. Just upgraded from my older white iMac to the new 27" imac last month. The old imac still works great but I wanted the extra size. The bigger size allows me to have a spreadsheet and report open full size next to each other. If you are planning on bidding jobs the extra size would probably come in handy when looking at PDF Plans.
I've never been an iWorks fan and don't use it. Also don't know anything about the programs you listed. MS Office is my standard for everything. Since you aren't too savvy using a pre made program over setting up your own spreadsheets is probably the better way to go.
Wireless keyboard is nice but not a big deal. The trackpad rocks over using a mouse.

 

[fidelfs]

Try Corona, it is a simple but powerful accounting system. You can try it before buying, you won't loose anything.

Corona

 

[fidelfs]

If you don't pay for MS office you could get openoffice or Neoffice (is the same openoffice but improved for mac users).

Neoffice

 

[peter halle]

First, I admit that I have never used the software that you are considering, but I did take the time to look over the information from the each vendor.  Here are my quick thoughts:

AccountEdge - Based on a program that has been in use for decades - MYOB.  Highly respected software.  Go with the expanded version versus the basic.  Their free mobile app looks useable.  Please note that the add ons are annual or monthly licenses.

Moneyworks - not so impressed.  Seems to be more for a supplier application

Goldenseal - most specialized and will probably have the longest learning curve.  Probably overkill now, but maybe later.  Check costs carefully.

My On Line Toolbox - If it were me, I would not want to be tied into a internet based program that is free.  Nothing is free.

I would also recommend that you get the Microsoft Office suite for the Mac.  It will make life easier when you need to share information with others.  It does not contain all the software titles that the full blown Windows version has, but it has what most people will use.

The upcoming Ios update will allow easier syncing between Apple platform devices and I think could be a real changer for those who have multiple devices.

Regarding your choices for field devices.  After having an iPhone for several years, and the iPad for about 15 months, I can only offer this thought.  Whereas I have the 3g version of the ipad, there is a lot of duplicity in the abilities of the phone and the ipad.  I am paying double for the duplicity, yet I will rarely use the iPhone to search the web or email.  When my iPhone contract is up I will look at going to a no frills phone and leaving the bells and whistles to the iPad.

Just my thoughts,

Peter

_______________________________________

Now back to my comments that I made about Quickbooks for Mac.  I looked it up and I started using the Quickbooks or Contractor or the Accountant version since 2000.  My other company has handled the accounting and financial recording for 3 to 9 small corporations annually since 2002.  Note:  the Premier version allows you to install different industry specific modules, but if you install the accountant module you get access to all the modules.  I had been using the 2008 version until last fall.  I decided to go with the mac version which was the 2010 version.  I liked the interface although the reports were not as numerous due to the fact that the mac version did not offer them.  I could live with that.  The software had the ability to convert my 2008 version data files and import them into the 2010 Mac version.  Everything seemed to go ok.  I then tried to print a report as a pdf - which my clients require.  Nope.  3.5 hours later of technical support time it worked, but I couldn't use Adobe Professional version 9 to do it, I had to use the native PDF creator.  Urggh.  I then printed reports thought everything was ok.   Get into a meeting without looking over the reports - I have been using and trusting the software for many years after all - and guess what.  They are all wrong in that information is missing.  Boy was I stupid.  Then spent another 4.5 hours on the phone and there was no explanation for how or why and no fixes worked.  Went out and bought the Windows version and it working great on my windows machine.

Since that time I did set up that version to handle the Fogtainer billing and that worked fine.  So I am sure that there was a bug in the data transfer module.  But still, for my clients I use the windows version happily.

Peter

 

[fidelfs]

Peter is simple to create a PDF in mac, it is a out of the box functionality. Nothing to install.
YOu could use it in all programs running in mac.  Just click on the print menu from the software you are using.  When the print dialog starts, you will see options or a button (I dont't remember, I am not in front of my macbook pro) "Print to PDF"
you click or select that option and then another pop up ask you where you want to save your file.
Save it and then the file is created as PDF, the same as if you printed in paper.
You cannot change it with preview, but preview will allow you to write on top, fill fields, highlight, etc.  All that is stored in the pdf file and when users open the pdf file then they will see your comments (mac or pc).

Let's say your customer doesn't understand one item, then you can add a "call out" or highlight the item in red, yellow or what ever and then you can add text to explain it further.

All that will be saved in the PDF file and if they open it or printed it will be there (mac or pc).

No need to buy adobe standard to modify the pdf file.

You could merge pdf files into one, with "preview" as well, so if you want to send the invoice plus the all the different receitps.  Scan the receipts or download from the web and save them as PDF (USING Preview) then you open the invoice pdf file you created before and the other scan pdf files, and you drag and drop the little icon that shows the page within preview
into the invoice PDF FILE and those other pages are added to the invoice pdf file.
YOu save it and then multiple files become one.

Mac is cool.

Fidel

 

[BMH]

If your going to get a Ipad 2 or 3 (December release?) with 3G, I would consider just buying a regular phone for the job. I carry my Ipad with me all of the time and it has replaced my Iphone. Saves money and if your drop or lose your phone, it is cheaper to replace. If you have an accounting firm do your taxes ask them what type of files they can import, this will save you a lot of headache at the end of the year. You can always run quicken for Microsoft using parallel or another pc emulator on your Imac. The Microsoft version are much better then the Mac version.

Welcome to the Apple world.

Bruce

 

[peter halle]

I do use the built in PDF feature.  But whereas I already owned the adobe product and I have used that for years on windows, I also wanted to use that as well.

I love my Macs.  Mac the computer and MacGyver the dog  [big grin]

Peter

 

[peter halle]

Bruce's post reminded me.  Many of the software titles that you mentioned have a program where once you register your software you can get a free copy sent to your accountant.  I guess that your accountant needs to have a Mac or the program has to either be dual platform or a windows version needs to be available and the data files have to be readable by both platforms.

Thanks Bruce!

Peter

 

[jjhomes]

All great info. so far, please, keep it coming.
Peter, I have always questioned the need for the iPhone if I had an iPad.  Why have both.  If I have both, I will be looking at the iPad for everything, due to the larger screen.
Also, I agree about the nothing is free statement.  I like everyone, am not a big fan of more bills.  I would rather pay once and be done.  And regarding the Goldenseal program.  I am worried it may be too much of a program for me.  Baby steps.
That being said, AccountEdge seems to work with everything Apple.  How would you guys compare it to Quickbooks?

Also, by going Mac, do you guys need to down load Subs. bills into files?  Most of my Subs. use Quickbooks.  Will I have a problem because I am Mac?  I say this not knowing what I am talking about.  Before, I would take a subs faxed quote and put it in the file.  The paper file.  Now, what should I be expecting to do?

Thanks again for all of the help.  The playing nice with others thing has me a bit concerned.  My accountant said they can do any program.  As long as things are documented in credits and debits, they are good with whatever I choose.  I hope this is not famous last words.

Again, thanks so much for the help.  Please keep the advice coming.
Jim

 

 

[mparka]

I have been using FreshBooks for my freelancing gigs.  Mind you I am not in construction but more on the computer and website side but I still need to keep track of time, create bill and keep track of expenses.  FreshBooks allows you to access your books anywhere you have internet access.  Perfect for accessing it via iphone, ipad, PC and a Mac.

It's free as long as you have less than 3 clients active at any given time.  other than that, it's $20/month.  Just simpler for my use since I don't have to worry about losing important data and I can access it on the road.

 

[Sparktrician]

If you don't pay for MS office you could get openoffice or Neoffice (is the same openoffice but improved for mac users).

Neoffice

 

LibreOffice is the successor to OpenOffice, is available for the Mac (OSX), is free, and is very competent as an alternative to MS Office. 

[smile]

 

[fidelfs]

I have both (Iphone and Ipad) the reason is that I can tethering with my ipad, computer, etc.  There are two ways to do it, you pay extra for it, or you jailbroke your iphone and get an apps to do it (free or single payment of $20.00).
My ipad is only wifi enabled so I don't pay for internet service on it only on my iphone.
If I need to use my ipad or laptop on the road and have internet access then I tethering from my Iphone.

 

[jjhomes]

I have both (Iphone and Ipad) the reason is that I can tethering with my ipad, computer, etc.  There are two ways to do it, you pay extra for it, or you jailbroke your iphone and get an apps to do it (free or single payment of $20.00).
My ipad is only wifi enabled so I don't pay for internet service on it only on my iphone.
If I need to use my ipad or laptop on the road and have internet access then I tethering from my Iphone.

That is what I was thinking of doing.  Tethering.  What is your data plan, 200,2,or 4?  If I go 4, tethering is free from ATT.
Thanks

 

[fidelfs]

I have unlimited with Verizon, but I have to pay tethering to verizon.  So, I jailbroke my phone and bought the apps (20 dollars, I know there is another free) and I can tether all I want free of charge.

Jailbroke is legal so no worries there.

 

[jjhomes]

I have unlimited with Verizon, but I have to pay tethering to verizon.  So, I jailbroke my phone and bought the apps (20 dollars, I know there is another free) and I can tether all I want free of charge.

Jailbroke is legal so no worries there.

If you had to guess, how many GB of data do you use.  Should I go with 2GB or 4.  Not sure what I will be using.  No way for me to determine.  They say an Iphone uses more data then a droid or blackberry.