Client Relationship Management and contact systems come in all formats--and price ranges.
I'd certainly suggest you use the system or at least take a serious tour before purchasing, especially for the more expensive ones. It's a serious investment of both time and money.
There are some that are web-based that have a good deal of flexibilty. One which you might want to take a look at is called Landslide Sales Workstyle Management. This is a prospect/client contact management program that comes with an assistant that you can call to do the data input for you. If you're needing some help with your business but not to the stage of needing a full-time assistant (or just don't want to pay for one), this might be the alternative for you. It costs only a tiny fraction of what an assistant--full-time or part-time would cost but can add tremendous value to your operation.
Best yet, if you follow this link Landslide Sales Workstyle Management and take their 20 to 25 minute live demo, they'll buy you a copy of my book and have Amazon deliver it directly to you. (I don't make anything off of this, but in order to get a copy of the book, you have to go through the link so they know you came from me).
This is an excellent system--but it isn't for everyone. It's not expensive considering what you get, but it's not $19.95 per month either.
But even if you take the demo and love the system, make sure you examine several--from ACT on up to get something you will use. CRM's are tremendous tools if used. A total waste of money if not. One of the big advantages of Landslide is that you have a much greater chance of actually using it since you have a telephone assistant so you don't have to do the date input.
How many people use a Contact System?