iWork '08 VERSUS MS Office 2004 for Mac?

Question

I'm a college student. I use the Word-PowerPoint-Excel trinity, and not much else in Office.

Last time, I got the retailer to load MS Office '04 for my iMac. I can't do that again for my MacBook (to be purchased soon).

iWork '08 is out: Pages (documents), Keynote (presentations), Numbers (spreadsheets). You can import any MS Office file (.doc, .ppt, .xml, etc) and you can export anything you make in an MS Office compatible format. At first glance, it looks like they've covered everything I would need. But have they really?

I've used macs for a decade now, and i love them. I have never used iWork though. From what i know of apple and steve jobs, iWork '08 should work great and be just as useful as Office. But is that my bias or does anyone else out there think so too?

Thanks a ton...

Answer 1

Nobody has it yet! Announced today.. and not in the stores (I checked)

I use '06 and http://neooffice.org for a free replacement for office.

Answer 2

Hi,

Lucky for you iLife comes with your new MacBook. I bought iLife yesterday and it's awesome.

iWork is nice, but not completely compatible with Microsoft Office. Most of your assignments and work will be expected to be in Office formats. Although the i-applications can export and import into Office format, things do get changed along the way. It's not a perfect substitute.

If you buy before Sept 3 you get a $25 rebate off the already heavily discounted Office 2004 student/teacher pricing. That brings the cost down to about $125. Also, be sure to get the free printer and ipod offer from Apple. The printer and ipod have to purchased on the same invoice as the computer.

-Jim

Answer 3

I will say that iWork 08 is a great improvement over iWork 06. I can't however wrap my head around how limited still Numbers is compared to Excel. It has less formulas and such, maybe I haven't gotten in depth with it yet, I just bought it. It is much more eye-pleasing then any office app will ever be. I would say, unless you need the heavy formulas from Excel, iWork is defininetly better. Keynote is still more amazing than the new Windows version (Office 2007) In terms of Office 2004:mac, it completely sucks. I don't use the complicated formulas and stuff so iWork is WAY better. iWork is cheaper and better. Get that one!

Answer 4

As a Mac Book owner I have wondered the same thing. I can't wait to see your responses.