Which Microsoft Office do you prefer?

So, I just got a new iMac this past weekend and I'm looking into purchasing Microsoft Office. However, I've read many reviews that the new 2008 version is missing many features of previous versions. My question is, which one do you all prefer?

cDaddy84 said:

So, I just got a new iMac this past weekend and I'm looking into purchasing Microsoft Office. However, I've read many reviews that the new 2008 version is missing many features of previous versions. My question is, which one do you all prefer?

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Buy the new version. It has all of the features that you will need.

I upgraded to 2008 and couldn't be happier. It's vastly improved over 2004 in my opinion.

It runs smoother and is upto date with the new xml based doc standards

Mr. Blue said:

Buy the new version. It has all of the features that you will need.

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As long as you don't need VBA, legacy format export, custom error bars...

Better to buy the old version and get the free upgrade while you can. Then you can keep both around.

technologist said:

As long as you don't need VBA, legacy format export, custom error bars...

Better to buy the old version and get the free upgrade while you can. Then you can keep both around.

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For the common user, the new one will work just fine. Why would you run VBA on a non-Microsoft machine anyway? You would be MUCH better off running that on a Microsoft machine.

Most people will have no need for legacy format export; and as for custom error bars......are you serious?

Perhaps a different question should be asked --- do you really need MS Office at all? NeoOffice is MS Office compatible and it is free open source software. NeoOffice is the Mac port of OpenOffice.org, a very mature, very stable office suite. Have you considered this option?

Mr. Blue said:

For the common user, the new one will work just fine. Why would you run VBA on a non-Microsoft machine anyway? You would be MUCH better off running that on a Microsoft machine.

Most people will have no need for legacy format export; and as for custom error bars......are you serious?

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Well, for the "common user" who does not need VBA compatibility, special export formats, or advanced features... iWork will work just fine.

technologist said:

Well, for the "common user" who does not need VBA compatibility, special export formats, or advanced features... iWork will work just fine.

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Meh, never used iWork. I just know that I have not had a single problem with any of the [missing] features in the new Office.

Mr. Blue said:

I just know that I have not had a single problem with any of the [missing] features in the new Office.

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I'm delighted for you.

mac57 said:

Perhaps a different question should be asked --- do you really need MS Office at all? NeoOffice is MS Office compatible and it is free open source software. NeoOffice is the Mac port of OpenOffice.org, a very mature, very stable office suite. Have you considered this option?

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This looks tempting. I will give it a shot before I invest in something else. Thanks!

If you use Missing Sync to sync a Windows Mobile phone be aware that it will not sync to Entourage 2008. There may be a work around at some point but nothing yet. If you are in an academic setting, Endnote and Refwork Write-n-Cite also do not work with the new versions of Office.

Mr. Blue said:

Meh, never used iWork. I just know that I have not had a single problem with any of the [missing] features in the new Office.

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And certainly that means that no one else could possibly go missing any features since you don't?

I agree with Mac57. Give NeoOffice a shot, it's completely free and worst case scenario, is that you don't like it and uninstall it. ;P

Which version of Word do I prefer?

QuarkXPress

I use Ofiice 2004 and I'm very happy with it it suits my needs just fine. I have tried NeoOffice which is good but I prefer to have the proper Microsoft products to be honest...

So, there should be no compatibility issues if I install MSO 2004 on the new Leopard? Will I be able to install the program on my Mac even if it was already installed previously on another? Isn't there something like 3 Mac limit?

cDaddy84 said:

So, there should be no compatibility issues if I install MSO 2004 on the new Leopard? Will I be able to install the program on my Mac even if it was already installed previously on another? Isn't there something like 3 Mac limit?

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Office 2004 runs on Leopard, but you need to immediately get the updates installed or you will have issues. As far as I know, you may only install it on one computer at a time from a EULA perspective.

I have both Office 04 and 08, which do I prefer? iWork 08.

+1 for Neo Office. As a lifelong PC user, I was reluctant at first to switch to Mac because I spend so much time using MS Office products at work. Neo Office works great, and I've had no problems moving docs or spreadsheets back and forth. I'd at least try it to see if it works for you, before plunking down the cash for Office.

I have Office '04, never used '08 and likely never will because I love iWork '08 and Neo Office is great too. If you need to be able to use the new Office formats though you should get Office '08