What is the best client?

[HeroC]

I am currently using MultiBit.  I want a change, and am considering Armory.  If there are any other good clients, please list their specifications here.  I appreciate any help/advice you can give!  I want one with a good GUI, advanced features, and can import/export private keys. 

Thanks!

[Atruk]

I am currently using MultiBit.  I want a change, and am considering Armory.  If there are any other good clients, please list their specifications here.  I appreciate any help/advice you can give!  I want one with a good GUI, advanced features, and can import/export private keys. 

Thanks!

Armory + Bitcoin-QT is the best if you can handle it.

[jim618]

If you want to do lots of work with private keys Armory is your best option for sure.

[HeroC]

OK, I made the switch to armory.  But now I have a new problem.  The Bitcoin-QT block chain dl is taking forever.  Since I already have it downloaded by MultiBit, is there a way to import it to Bitcoin-QT?  Thanks for the help!

[jim618]

No there isn't I'm afraid.

MultiBit only downloads a small part of the blockchain and the file is of no use to Bitcoin-QT.

[btcven]

Try Electrum, it is instant and has both common and advanced users features.

[gogxmagog]

I used to use multibit, cuz it is easy, but I have read it is meant to be used as a hot wallet and not recommended to store large amounts. now I am interested in Armory, but there is a slight learning curve. Its security features seem pretty advanced tho, so I'm working towards it. I tried all the others and didnt like them so much, it is a good thing to learn the ins and outs of the various clients, you'll learn more about bitcoin in the process, but my one warning is; stick to recommended clients from this sub! as bitcoin grows, the malware and bogus downloads, including lookalike download sites, are growing too. stray too far and you could be very sorry.

[Atruk]

I tried all the others and didnt like them so much, it is a good thing to learn the ins and outs of the various clients, you'll learn more about bitcoin in the process, but my one warning is; stick to recommended clients from this sub! as bitcoin grows, the malware and bogus downloads, including lookalike download sites, are growing too. stray too far and you could be very sorry.

This is some great advice.

[HeroC]

I tried all the others and didnt like them so much, it is a good thing to learn the ins and outs of the various clients, you'll learn more about bitcoin in the process, but my one warning is; stick to recommended clients from this sub! as bitcoin grows, the malware and bogus downloads, including lookalike download sites, are growing too. stray too far and you could be very sorry.

This is some great advice.

I agree.  Thanks!

[No 1]

bitcoin-qt seems the most staple in my opinion

[Nikinger]

Whats the best dependents on the needs. All clients have pros and cons. I'm using Armory because of the great offline wallet feature although the client on the online computer eats up 4+ GB RAM.

[halfawake]

I really like Armory personally, but yes, it is a RAM hog.  The core developer knows this and is working on a new version that will be less RAM intensive at the cost of using up a lot of hard drive space.  It's not a lightweight client, but it does everything a bitcoin user needs for wallet management in my opinion.  If you're really using bitcoin extensively, spring for a RAM upgrade for your computer and Armory will work better for you.