Best genealogy software for Mac
- Better than version 8
- Can transfer information to an iPod
- Easy to learn and use
- Expensive
- Search function could be better
- You'll need basic HTML skills to use it with a website
Reviews say Reunion 9 is the best genealogy software created for Macs (OS 10.3.9 or newer), as opposed to Windows programs retrofitted for Macs. Professional reviewers sometimes note the expense as a drawback, but owner reviews at Amazon.com indicate they believe it's worth the price. Reunion 9 includes more than 100 upgrades over Reunion 8, including the ability to transfer files to an Apple iPod. A review at Macworld says it's "beautifully designed, easy to use, and a pleasure to work with." But a review at Family Tree Magazine says the search function is "clumsy" and notes that if you want to create a web page, you're going to need to know some basic HTML. If you're a PC user, reviews suggest RootsMagic 4 (*Est. $30) or Legacy Family Tree 7.0 Deluxe (*Est. $35).
We found the reviews at Family Tree Magazine to be the most helpful, with a detailed description of the program's strengths and weaknesses. The individual reviews at Macworld and About.com are written by genealogical professionals. We found helpful user reviews at Amazon.com.
Our Sources
1. Family Tree Magazine
Family Tree's full review of Reunion 9 is posted on its message board. Among the plusses noted is drag-and-drop between windows with a warning that helps you avoid mistakes. The chief negative is a "clumsy" search function. The only other drawback noted is price.
Review: Reunion 9 For Mac Software Review, Grace Dobush, Oct. 12, 2007
2. Macworld
This single-product review is based on hands-on use. Reunion 9 has "more than 100 updates to an already excellent program," reviewer Jeffery Battersby writes. He says it's "beautifully designed, easy to use and a pleasure to work with."
Review: Reunion 9.04, Jeffery Battersby, May 18, 2007
3. Amazon.com
Reunion 9 gets an average score of 4 out of 5 stars from more than 20 user reviews. Most reviewers say the program is user friendly and has a nice interface. Complaints are minimal and inconsistent.
Review: Reunion 9, Genealogy and Family Tree Software For Macintosh, Contributors to Amazon.com
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Genealogy Software
- Best free genealogy software RootsMagic Essentials *Est. $0
- Best full-featured genealogy software RootsMagic 4 *Est. $30
- Best genealogy software for Mac Reunion 9 *Est. $100
- Best genealogy software for professionals The Master Genealogist v7 Gold *Est. $60
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