EQ is able to be used on Mac's. You need to use something like Bootcamp to use EQ though.
I like to have a 'look, see' at possible quilt ideas before cutting. Then I keep the file.
I have EQ6 and love it. Got my first EQ with EQ4. I personally did not find a difficult learning curve. With EQ4 there was an EQ Simplified book. I don't think that is available now. The tutorials provided with the software are great!
When I get EQ7 I'll probably get together with friends and have an EQ day so we all learn together. I am also fortunate to have a few EQ experts locally ... one of whom actually teaches EQ nationally through the EQ folks.