Sep 30

The one upgrade I’m not going to make: Microsoft Office 2008 for the Mac

Consumer Internet, Moneysavers, Online applications, Technology, The Perfect Office 2 Comments »

Ever since I’ve been using Microsoft Office, first on a PC and since 2002 on a Mac, I’ve bought every single upgrade from Microsoft. Not this time. Microsoft is selling the upgrade for $239.95.

Here are the reasons why I won’t be upgrading:

  • $239.95 is too much money to pay for - what? I use Word, Excel and Powerpoint but only its basic features. I do not use Entourage, the email client.
  • I have been using Google Docs and Spreadsheet to share documents with people. Those programs are free and integrate well with Gmail, which I also use. Gmail is also free.
  • Recently, I downloaded a trial copy of Apple’s iWork suite and have been using their new spreadsheet program called Numbers. I love it. I am thinking of buying iWork. I have already used Pages, their word processing program, and Keynote, which blows away Powerpoint. I like iWork very much and it’s only $79.
  • There are many other free alternatives to Microsoft Office, for example, Zoho which offers free online spreadsheet, word processor, customer relationship management system, chat, database creator, etc.

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