The new Paycheck Detailing feature means you don't have to keep those annoying scraps of paycheck stubs.

Quicken Mac 2007 is the newest version of Intuit's home and small-business financial software. It's not a major enhancement over the previous version, but the new features are useful.

Quicken now has a QuickEntry Dashboard widget (Mac OS 10.4.6 or later is required) that lets you enter data without launching Quicken. It's convenient, but the information entered via widget is not updated until Quicken is launched. Don't rely on the widget as your sole means of data entry; you need to launch Quicken every once in a while so that the data is updated.

Another new feature is a single screen to enter paycheck information, called Paycheck Detailing. It's a great way to enter and track vacation spending, pretax deductions such as 401(k) contributions, and taxes typically shown on most payroll checks. Paycheck Detailing is a nice way to keep track of information without holding on to old paycheck stubs, and it's definitely useful during tax season.

Many people don't track 401(k) investments, but with Quicken's new ability to download and display current 401(k) investment information, your excuses are running out. You can use this feature to help make investment decisions - though you still may need the help of an financial advisor.

Quicken's major improvement is to its syncing your personal financial data with financial institutions, such as banks, credit card companies, and brokerages. Another 850 financial institutions were added, bringing the total to more than 2,700 available to Quicken users, but be aware that the amount and type of data available will vary between institutions.

The bottom line. If you had problems with Quicken Mac 2006's data syncing, upgrading to Quicken Mac 2007 may be worth it. Otherwise, this isn't a major upgrade that you have to run out and buy today.

You can now enter financial data though Quicken's QuickEntry Dashboard widget.

COMPANY: Intuit
CONTACT: 800-811-8766, http://quicken.intuit.com
PRICE: $69.99
REQUIREMENTS: Mac OS 10.3.9 or Mac OS 10.4.5 or later, 1GB disk space, Internet access for some features
Easy to set up and use. Dashboard widget for data entry. Simple yet effective paycheck detailing. Good online product support.
Data entered via Dashboard widget isn't updated in Quicken immediately. Not enough new features to be considered a major update.