Have been using macs since the Mac SE close to twenty years ago. Use a MacBook Pro intel core 2 duo and 10.4.11.
This software is better than AppleWorks 6 and is better than Notes for me. I have programmed in basic to a limited degree and the simplicity and flexibility of Bean is great. It has better font and style commands to name a few benefits. And this is for free??? How can I not give it 5 Stars. So far as "taking over" the default app position of your word processing, take a look at the replies to the guy that did not seek to contact the developer. I know we don't want to have to get a hold of the developer and shouldn't necessarily have to, and the developer I hope is sensitive to this. I have used Bean and after using AppleWorks 6 and Notes. It did not takeover my default. But, I am glad to refer to the good guy that responded to guy who was 'taken over." I learned from that guy and am smarter with all my apps because of it. Bean people, thank you, thank you, thank you. I want to send you money. I would be open to designing a module with you that could put you ahead of the other apps. If you were to have investment capital you could overtake NOtes (apple's WP) which is too mind cluttering complex; some of it is pocket protector work.
If you are thinking about an easy program that is very versatile. This is it!!
I want to thank the other posters for their comments as well. Communication is great.