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To Switch or Not To Switch? That is the question

I run QW2015 on a Mac with Parallels and will need to update to 2018 soon as support ends early 2018. I tried to use QM2016 about a year+ ago but found it too different from the Win version to be useful (at least for me). How similar is the new QM2018 to the QW2018 version so that; a. I don't loose much historical data, and b. the navigation/interface is similar so that there is a shorter learning curve. The only reason I'm running Parallels is to use QW.

Comments

  • Dick NiemiecDick Niemiec Member
    edited November 2017
    I'm in a similar situation to you. I run QW2016 on a Mac with Parallels. About ten years ago as I switched from a Windows PC to a Mac I tried QM. I considered QM to be a very, very poor alternative to QW and dropped it. Thus, I've used QW with Parallels ever since. Despite occasional quirks it does the job. I won't even consider QM until I hear from users like you that the QW functionality isn't lost with QM.

    Good luck. Please keep posting. Thanks.
  • Quicken KathrynQuicken Kathryn Administrator admin
    edited October 2018
    Hi Ron Heiber,
    It'll be up to you if Quicken Mac suits your needs, but just to let you know, if you purchase 2018, you will get both versions of the product (Windows and Mac) for the same price; so, you can always try the Mac product and see if it works for you; if not, then you can use the Windows product.  Both Mac and Windows Quicken versions will convert existing data files, though you may lose some more advanced investing information when you convert from Windows to Mac.

    Hope this helps,
    Quicken Kathryn
    Quicken Kathryn
    Community Administrator
  • smayer97smayer97 SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 2018
    If you decide to migrate your data, you do need to convert. Since your data is from QW2010 or newer, the mechanics are quite simple...copy data file over to Mac. Open data file with QM2018. The built-in conversion process will step you through but there are a few things you need to know; here is the entire process:
    https://getsatisfaction.com/quickencommunity/topics/faq-converting-from-quicken-for-windows-includin...
    In your case, you can skip steps 1 and 2 but review all the prep and background info before:
    https://www.quicken.com/support/things-do-converting-your-data-quicken-mac-2016

    NOTE: Be aware that at this time, it is very difficult to convert back from Mac to Windows, as there are many problems with the reverse conversion process.

    I also suggest that you make sure that Quicken 2018 for Mac will meet your needs, since it was re-written from the ground up (starting in 2010 with Quicken Essentials) and is not the same product as the Windows version, so there are some features that are still not there e.g. full loan amortization*, 2-line display, QuickMath, or are not as fully developed yet, e.g. Customized Reports, some investment performance reports and stats  (therefore some data may not carry over). You can start here:
    http://www.quicken.com/mac/compare

    *NOTE: Support for fixed rate loans has been released as of  QM2017 v4.5.x but there is no announced timing for support for variable rate or simple daily interest loans.

    You may want to review the List of Obstacles and Hindrances for Migrating from QM2007 or QWin to Quicken for Mac. Add your vote to any features that are missing for you. Your VOTES matter!

    Be aware of data that will and will not carry forward: 
    https://www.quicken.com/support/what-data-gets-carried-over
    Then look at the updates since the original release here:
    https://www.quicken.com/support/2018-release-quicken-mac-release-notes
    You will also want to look at a more detailed comparison done by a SuperUser which also identifies nuances not mentioned elsewhere (and read on for comments from other users too on that same discussion thread): 
    https://getsatisfaction.com/quickencommunity/topics/can-anyone-who-has-switched-from-2007-to-2015-he...
    Take a look at the following videos to give you a better idea:
    https://www.youtube.com/user/QuickenMac

    Note that there are many differences that are rather subtle, that are not necessarily identifiable via documentation, for example, the 12-month budget feature does not allow including transfers, including investment income, selecting specific accounts,  or have rollover capability.

    If you find that QM2018 does not meet your needs, the alternative is to run Quicken for Windows in a virtual machine on your Mac. There are 5 popular products you can use: Parallels, VMWare Fusion, Oracle VirtualBox, Bootcamp or CrossOver. The first 4 require you to also buy a copy of Windows. The first 2 cost $50-80, the third and forth are free. CrossOver also costs about $50-$80 but does NOT require you to buy Windows.

    If you plan to keep your PC & Mac, you could also run Quicken on the PC and use remote access (several free options, e.g. NoMachine and Teamviewer) to access Quicken from your Mac  (or even a tablet or phone) (see this great article for complete review of many options (most are free): http://machow2.com/rdp-for-mac/ ).

    (If you find this reply helpful, please be sure to click "Like", so others will know, thanks.)
    Have Questions? Check out these FAQs:COMPLETE list of Product Ideas - Quicken for Mac to VOTE on

    Object to Quicken's business model, using up 25% of your screen
    ? Add your vote here:
    Quicken should eliminate the LARGE Ad space when a subscription expires


    (
    Canadian Q user since '92, STILL using QM2007)

  • John_MJohn_M Member ✭✭✭✭
    edited November 2017
    I think it's great that Quicken will let you have both the Windows and Mac version for one purchase. That seems to be a good answer for you – you can start with Windows and run Mac in parallel and determine if the Mac version suits your needs. If not, you can just stick with Windows.

    I was in a similar situation to you until a few months ago – a long-time Windows user (20+ years) running 2017 Premier in Parallels. When my 8-year old iMac started showing signs of slowing down, I bought a new one and installed QMac 2017. I've been running both versions in parallel for the past three months (Windows on the old machine and Mac on the new one). I have to say that the Mac version suits me just fine. I have investments – mostly mutual funds – and the program does pretty much everything I want it to do. The reporting is still not up to the Windows capabilites, but I can get almost everything I need. The rest, I'm just being patient waiting for.

    One more piece of information for all those wondering about making the switch. I looked at the Mac version in 2015 and 2016 and decided not to keep it because it wasn't ready for my needs yet. In fact, I was fortunate enough to be on the Mac beta testing team for 2016. I have to compliment Quicken on 2017 – it is much improved and I actually like some aspects of it more than the Windows version.

    I'm not ready to jump into 2018 yet, mostly because I just bought 2017. Thanks to all the Quicken Community members who are posting here about issues with the new version so that it can be improved even more.
  • Unknown Member
    edited November 2017

    Hi Ron Heiber,
    It'll be up to you if Quicken Mac suits your needs, but just to let you know, if you purchase 2018, you will get both versions of the product (Windows and Mac) for the same price; so, you can always try the Mac product and see if it works for you; if not, then you can use the Windows product.  Both Mac and Windows Quicken versions will convert existing data files, though you may lose some more advanced investing information when you convert from Windows to Mac.

    Hope this helps,
    Quicken Kathryn

    That sounds great Kathryn. I hadn't seen that any place on the website when checking out the QW/QM2018. I noticed that Amazon has a special 27 month subscription for QW2018, would that also include QM2018? To be honest I was a bit leery of subscription fees as opposed to purchase but seeing that Bill Pay is included in the scripting this looks to be a great deal. Not to mention more DropBox storage. Where can I go to see if QW/QM comes bundled together? Either purchased from Quicken or Amazon.

    Thanks again.
  • Unknown Member
    edited November 2017

    Hi Ron Heiber,
    It'll be up to you if Quicken Mac suits your needs, but just to let you know, if you purchase 2018, you will get both versions of the product (Windows and Mac) for the same price; so, you can always try the Mac product and see if it works for you; if not, then you can use the Windows product.  Both Mac and Windows Quicken versions will convert existing data files, though you may lose some more advanced investing information when you convert from Windows to Mac.

    Hope this helps,
    Quicken Kathryn

    It doesn't matter where you buy Quicken 2018, they all include both Windows and Mac.
  • J_MikeJ_Mike SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 2017

    Hi Ron Heiber,
    It'll be up to you if Quicken Mac suits your needs, but just to let you know, if you purchase 2018, you will get both versions of the product (Windows and Mac) for the same price; so, you can always try the Mac product and see if it works for you; if not, then you can use the Windows product.  Both Mac and Windows Quicken versions will convert existing data files, though you may lose some more advanced investing information when you convert from Windows to Mac.

    Hope this helps,
    Quicken Kathryn

    See attached screen shot from Amazon listing;

    image
    QWin & QMac (Deluxe) Subscription
    Quicken user since 1991

  • Unknown Member
    edited November 2017

    Hi Ron Heiber,
    It'll be up to you if Quicken Mac suits your needs, but just to let you know, if you purchase 2018, you will get both versions of the product (Windows and Mac) for the same price; so, you can always try the Mac product and see if it works for you; if not, then you can use the Windows product.  Both Mac and Windows Quicken versions will convert existing data files, though you may lose some more advanced investing information when you convert from Windows to Mac.

    Hope this helps,
    Quicken Kathryn

    Oops. Did not see that. With Bill Pay included this seems like a really good deal. Thanks for the help.
  • Unknown Member
    edited October 2018
    Thank you all. I am impressed with speedy and extensive replies my question received. With both programs included in the price of admission I am going to go ahead and upgrade to 2018 within the next couple of days/weeks. Likely with the special from Amazon for 27 months. I have been a QW/BillPay user since sometime in the 90's and would be lost without it. (So would my accountant) I will see if QM can compete with QW in the 2018 release. It should be simple enough to run both (duplicate bookkeeping being the only issue) or at the least get a good look at QM in action with my data. I've tried switching twice before but dropped the Mac version quickly each time as it seemed so much more limited than the Win version and the work flow was so different). It would be convenient to drop Parallels/Win10 if possible, freeing disk space in the bargain and the constant nagging  to upgrade my Parallels 11.

    Again, thank you to all who have so quickly replied with so much helpful information. 
  • Unknown Member
    edited November 2017

    Thank you all. I am impressed with speedy and extensive replies my question received. With both programs included in the price of admission I am going to go ahead and upgrade to 2018 within the next couple of days/weeks. Likely with the special from Amazon for 27 months. I have been a QW/BillPay user since sometime in the 90's and would be lost without it. (So would my accountant) I will see if QM can compete with QW in the 2018 release. It should be simple enough to run both (duplicate bookkeeping being the only issue) or at the least get a good look at QM in action with my data. I've tried switching twice before but dropped the Mac version quickly each time as it seemed so much more limited than the Win version and the work flow was so different). It would be convenient to drop Parallels/Win10 if possible, freeing disk space in the bargain and the constant nagging  to upgrade my Parallels 11.

    Again, thank you to all who have so quickly replied with so much helpful information. 

    One word of caution on Quicken Bill Pay.  The service provider can't migrate existing accounts to the new system.  You will have to create a new account, and then close the old one.
  • Unknown Member
    edited November 2017

    Thank you all. I am impressed with speedy and extensive replies my question received. With both programs included in the price of admission I am going to go ahead and upgrade to 2018 within the next couple of days/weeks. Likely with the special from Amazon for 27 months. I have been a QW/BillPay user since sometime in the 90's and would be lost without it. (So would my accountant) I will see if QM can compete with QW in the 2018 release. It should be simple enough to run both (duplicate bookkeeping being the only issue) or at the least get a good look at QM in action with my data. I've tried switching twice before but dropped the Mac version quickly each time as it seemed so much more limited than the Win version and the work flow was so different). It would be convenient to drop Parallels/Win10 if possible, freeing disk space in the bargain and the constant nagging  to upgrade my Parallels 11.

    Again, thank you to all who have so quickly replied with so much helpful information. 

    Thanks for the information. I have BillPay attached to two bank accounts. I'm sure I'll be in for a thrilling ride. I'll check the forums for info on the new service provider and BillPay.
  • Unknown Member
    edited January 2018
    Purchased QW/QM 2018 over the Thanksgiving weekend from Amazon to take advantage of their 27 month offer. Considering that I had been paying $9.95 for BillPay (why? Inertia for one and b. my primary bank  didn't coordinate with Quicken) and I paid approximately $86 (tax in SC) for 2+ years I figure I am $150 ahead plus my QW2015 was expiring spring 2018. I am now paid up through March 2020. Conversion had at least one hiccup, for my primary checking account it didn't carry over any categories. It did for a secondary check account. After a call to Quicken Priority Support (20 minutes on hold) they had me reinstall my data using a backup I made before I updated to QW2018. That converted completely, or at least as completely as I have found so far. So obviously the take away is to make a backup or two before updating. I'm now in the process to activating my checking accounts on the New BillPay. When I set up my checking accounts in the New BillPay it went to a screen asking me to add my payees on the website. Quicken still has the list of online payees so once my accounts are authorized I will find out if I can use the list already in QW2018 or I have to go through the laborious task of adding at least 100 payees/account numbers/ addresses/etc. by hand. I'll continue this dialog after that.
  • Unknown Member
    edited January 2018

    Purchased QW/QM 2018 over the Thanksgiving weekend from Amazon to take advantage of their 27 month offer. Considering that I had been paying $9.95 for BillPay (why? Inertia for one and b. my primary bank  didn't coordinate with Quicken) and I paid approximately $86 (tax in SC) for 2+ years I figure I am $150 ahead plus my QW2015 was expiring spring 2018. I am now paid up through March 2020. Conversion had at least one hiccup, for my primary checking account it didn't carry over any categories. It did for a secondary check account. After a call to Quicken Priority Support (20 minutes on hold) they had me reinstall my data using a backup I made before I updated to QW2018. That converted completely, or at least as completely as I have found so far. So obviously the take away is to make a backup or two before updating. I'm now in the process to activating my checking accounts on the New BillPay. When I set up my checking accounts in the New BillPay it went to a screen asking me to add my payees on the website. Quicken still has the list of online payees so once my accounts are authorized I will find out if I can use the list already in QW2018 or I have to go through the laborious task of adding at least 100 payees/account numbers/ addresses/etc. by hand. I'll continue this dialog after that.

    Ron, did you find out whether your online payee information transferred over or did you have to add the payees and their addresses again?
  • Unknown Member
    edited January 2018

    Purchased QW/QM 2018 over the Thanksgiving weekend from Amazon to take advantage of their 27 month offer. Considering that I had been paying $9.95 for BillPay (why? Inertia for one and b. my primary bank  didn't coordinate with Quicken) and I paid approximately $86 (tax in SC) for 2+ years I figure I am $150 ahead plus my QW2015 was expiring spring 2018. I am now paid up through March 2020. Conversion had at least one hiccup, for my primary checking account it didn't carry over any categories. It did for a secondary check account. After a call to Quicken Priority Support (20 minutes on hold) they had me reinstall my data using a backup I made before I updated to QW2018. That converted completely, or at least as completely as I have found so far. So obviously the take away is to make a backup or two before updating. I'm now in the process to activating my checking accounts on the New BillPay. When I set up my checking accounts in the New BillPay it went to a screen asking me to add my payees on the website. Quicken still has the list of online payees so once my accounts are authorized I will find out if I can use the list already in QW2018 or I have to go through the laborious task of adding at least 100 payees/account numbers/ addresses/etc. by hand. I'll continue this dialog after that.

    The payee info gets uploaded when posting a new payment. It initially appeared that you would have to re-enter all the info but that isn’t the case. A few payees required re-entering info. Once entered it is saved for additional transactions.
  • Unknown Member
    edited January 2018

    Purchased QW/QM 2018 over the Thanksgiving weekend from Amazon to take advantage of their 27 month offer. Considering that I had been paying $9.95 for BillPay (why? Inertia for one and b. my primary bank  didn't coordinate with Quicken) and I paid approximately $86 (tax in SC) for 2+ years I figure I am $150 ahead plus my QW2015 was expiring spring 2018. I am now paid up through March 2020. Conversion had at least one hiccup, for my primary checking account it didn't carry over any categories. It did for a secondary check account. After a call to Quicken Priority Support (20 minutes on hold) they had me reinstall my data using a backup I made before I updated to QW2018. That converted completely, or at least as completely as I have found so far. So obviously the take away is to make a backup or two before updating. I'm now in the process to activating my checking accounts on the New BillPay. When I set up my checking accounts in the New BillPay it went to a screen asking me to add my payees on the website. Quicken still has the list of online payees so once my accounts are authorized I will find out if I can use the list already in QW2018 or I have to go through the laborious task of adding at least 100 payees/account numbers/ addresses/etc. by hand. I'll continue this dialog after that.

    Thanks for your quick response Ron.  In discussion with Quicken Helpline yesterday that with the Quicken Starter and Deluxe versions at $9.95/mo for Quicken 2018 I do not have to start a new Quicken Billpay account, which is only required for those subscribing to the Premium version where Billpay is included.  Ends up I only have to cancel my Repeating Online Bill Payments before exporting my Quicken Deluxe 2017 for Windows file to my Quicken for Mac 2018 and then reset the Repeating Online Bill Payments after the export to Mac is complete.  Haven't done it yet but hope they are correct in what they told me.
  • Unknown Member
    edited January 2018

    Purchased QW/QM 2018 over the Thanksgiving weekend from Amazon to take advantage of their 27 month offer. Considering that I had been paying $9.95 for BillPay (why? Inertia for one and b. my primary bank  didn't coordinate with Quicken) and I paid approximately $86 (tax in SC) for 2+ years I figure I am $150 ahead plus my QW2015 was expiring spring 2018. I am now paid up through March 2020. Conversion had at least one hiccup, for my primary checking account it didn't carry over any categories. It did for a secondary check account. After a call to Quicken Priority Support (20 minutes on hold) they had me reinstall my data using a backup I made before I updated to QW2018. That converted completely, or at least as completely as I have found so far. So obviously the take away is to make a backup or two before updating. I'm now in the process to activating my checking accounts on the New BillPay. When I set up my checking accounts in the New BillPay it went to a screen asking me to add my payees on the website. Quicken still has the list of online payees so once my accounts are authorized I will find out if I can use the list already in QW2018 or I have to go through the laborious task of adding at least 100 payees/account numbers/ addresses/etc. by hand. I'll continue this dialog after that.

    I tried to switch from QW15 to QM17 and found it to be too great a transition having used the Win versions for the last 20 years. With QW18 there are  a few things that just don't seem to work right every time but after a few frustrating days it has been working OK and it wasn't the mess it first appeared to be. 
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