Hello Dinsdale,
I have used both the Stock Market Wizard 2002 and the X_DEV programs, here is a brief synopsis.
The Stock Market Wizard program (Market Wizard 2002) has just gone through a major upgrade in terms of usability. It is a basic AIM based portfolio management program that is fairly simple to use once you adapt to the interface. MW2002 suffers from the lack of advanced settings for veteran AIM users, although some parameters, such as starting cash to stock ratio, can be manually changed. Its strengths are its ease of use and portfolio management, its weaknesses are its quirky interface (easily learned) and its lack of advanced user settings. Good for the newcomer to AIM or the person who likes to set it and forget it.
X_DEV is different bird altogether. X_DEV has common roots with AIM, but is more revved up than BTB AIM. Version 2.x does not have any portfolio management tools, so you have to track your trades separately. X_DEV uses a sophisticated algorithm to let the user look at historical data of a stock, configure the program based on the historical data (and the user's desire to trade), and makes daily recommendations based on the settings that the user defines. The program also requires the user to periodically readjust settings based on changing trends. The initial settings are easy, but you must use your judgement on each specific trade and when to readjust your settings. A technical analysis background is helpful. X_DEV tends to be more fully invested more often then BTB AIM, and as a result has better returns. X_DEVs strengths are its ability to outperform BTB AIM and its ease of setup. Its weaknesses are its lack of portfolio management features (coming in version 3.0) and its need for constant attention and periodic readjustment (user judgement). This program is for the intermediate to advanced AIM user who likes the daily action.
These two programs are both ends of the spectrum as far as AIM programs are concerned. One that falls in the middle is Automatic Investor. A solid, robust, configurable AIM program.
I hope this helps. I guess it depends on what kind of investor you are as to which program you use.
banjanxed