We recently handed down a 'new' old computer to the kids. Our chess software is so old that it is not compatible with the OS on their computer, and we need to update.

We want a chess engine for analyzing games. I suspect that at their levels (up to USCF 1200) that almost any engine would do, but I am curious if there are differences.

I'd like a better playing game, if it exists. Our old version of chessmaster made its moves immediately, functionally cutting the game length in half. I'd like to be able to set it for an hour game, and have the computer take approximately as much time as the player. Also, my kids mentioned that it made stupid mistakes. I think they would appreciate more subtle, consistent increase in game difficulty. (My 1200 player is currently enjoying the challenge of level 10 of Chess Titans that comes with current Windows computers, if that helps. They play while I shop at Costco.)

I see on amazon there are $20 versions of Chessmaster and Fritz, and chess suppliers offer $50 versions of these same names. Can someone compare them for me? What do the $50 versions offer that the $20 do not? Are the expensive versions worth their increased cost?

TIA!