Hi Roger,
It's all good, not getting too serious i'm sure.
Maxim has a full download 30 day trial (about 27 meg, see link below) . The cheapest version that contains the SN search tool is $299 US for download, you might pick one up on Astromart or Cloudy Nights much cheaper, they do pop up. Worth running the free trial and seeing how it may be of use. Our experience with blinking sometimes 500 plus images has shown this is the best of what's available.
I wish you and your family a great Christmas.
I hope you have great success with SN hunting and if we can be of any assistance (we have heaps of reference material) please let me know by pm. Actually with you on the otherside of the country to most of the BOSS team and Stu in New Zealand it could be very beneficial for all.
http://www.cyanogen.com/maximdl_dl.php
PeterM