New versions of Quicken -- Quicken 5.0 for Macintosh should be available on shelves on 13-Oct-94. New features noted in the Intuit propaganda include a Financial Calendar, which helps with entering repetitive expenses and scheduling recurring transactions, such as computer loans and car payments. Other emphasized features include an Iconbar (yet another program has become a barfly), easier account reconciliation, better online help, better QuickFill (automated typing), and QuickMath (a calculator by any other name), as well as improved tax planning and investment tracking.

To run Quicken 5.0, you need a hard disk and 2 MB RAM under System 6 or 4 MB under System 7. The new version runs on Power Macs in emulation, and the native version should be ready in 1995. It's refreshing to see a new version of a popular program which does not require truck loads of RAM, but I'm disappointed that the native version isn't out yet and that the nifty sounding Quicken Deluxe CD-ROM is only for Windows users. The CD includes the new Quicken 4.0 for Windows, Quicken video tutorials, financial advice, and various high-end financial tools. Quicken costs $49 list, approximately $39 mail order, and upgrades are $29.95 through Intuit or through a $10 rebate coupon in specially marked packages. [TJE]

Intuit -- 800/624-8742 -- 415/322-0573