Apple iWork updates Aug08 '07

Here are some quick thoughts on what I like and dislike with the latest updates to Apple's suite of iWork tools. Next to each application is a "Yes!", "Hmm", or "Nah", to indicate my interest.

Pages '08 - Nah.

Apple touts Pages as a "word processing" app, but it doesn't feel like one at all. It feels more like Adobe InDesign or Quark XPress. Incidentally, I don't have much use for it. Much of my word processing is done with online apps such as Google Docs.

Keynote '08 - Yes!

Strangely, I never used Microsoft PowerPoint unless I had to. Keynote is simply a gem. It mimics PowerPoint's capabilities, but it's insanely smart and fun to use. I compare it to Adobe Flash, in that it's a joy to use, and you feel like you're playing, not working.

Numbers '08 - Yes!

How can you not be at least somewhat intrigued by Apple's attempt at Microsoft Excel? In truth, Numbers won't be like Excel at all. It will have far better graphics management and fine-tuned control. It will act more like a "spreadsheet presentation," than a simple list of data. I'm looking foward to using this as well.

Overall

Worth a purchase for sure. Even if you don't use Pages, it's still nice to have a native application that can immediately open Word documents on a Mac - for viewing purposes at least.

Categories: Apple , Software

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matthom is published and produced by Matt Thommes - an independent publishing enthusiast, mobile blogger, content creator, informative writer, web developer from a suburb of Chicago. Never one to conform, Matt intends to promote the effect the web has on our lives, in an effort to intensify, instruct, and clarify all that is happening around us.