Office & productivity software: Act which version?

Act which version?

I am looking for a decent contact management software, that would be useful in job hunting, relationship management, etc. I do not think that I need a full blown product that a sales team would need per se, but do need something better than the typical contact manager in hotmail for instance. I have been looking at some of the versions of Sage Software's Act, and have minimal familiarity through my old job financial services.

Goldmine gets a lot of thumbs up, but versions of Act on Ebay and other outlets are more in my price range. Act 2005 seems to get some good reviews, but is harder to find. The 2006 version seems to be readily available and at good prices, but does not get such good reviews.

My needs are not as intensive as a front line salesperson, but I do want a useful tool for keeping track of information, and relationship management. I would like to be able (if possible) to do things like make conversational notes, search for common interests or organize in groups, track mailings/phone calls/etc. Appreciate any help.

Thank you.