Yes, the primary function of BE and CalEdit are the same; To modify the .bin/.ccf files.
The difference between BE and CalEdit is that changes can be made to BE formatting.
CalEdit is locked down pretty tight, so if there is an error in how something is diplayed, or a value is calculated from the hex incorrectly YOU have no way of fixing it.
Your only option is to contact Mike, and wait for him to incorporate the change. (this can take a while)
BE was created due to the lack of support from CalEdit with regard to getting changes made to the formatting files.
Also,
BE will allow the creation of .bin file formats. CalEdit only allows the proprietary/encrypted .ccf file format creation. This means that a tune created in CalEdit cannot be loaded to any common/cheap/standard J3 chip. So a tune created in CalEdit cannot be loaded to a Moates.net chip (which would free up the tweecer to be used on another vehicle)
I'm sure there are other differences, but these seem to be the main advantages in my mind.
Keep in mind that I have not used BE yet... I only tinkered with the 'draft' version a few months back.
If you are looking for an alternative to CalEdit (and you probably should be), then in addition to BE also look at TunerPro.
Let me know if any of this didn't make sense...
I'm sure Clint Garrity could explain things better...
jason