Apple iWork 08 Review
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Computers Technology -> subcategory Other.
Apple iWork '08 Review
Overview
At $79, Apple iWork '08 offers an affordable office suite for Mac users, now featuring a long-awaited spreadsheet application. Numbers adds to the suite's appeal, especially for those transitioning from Microsoft Excel. Previously, many Mac users preferred Excel due to iWork's limitations, but the inclusion of Numbers and the delay of Microsoft's Office for Mac 2008 until January make iWork a compelling choice. Apple's decision not to change file formats, unlike Microsoft Office 2007, is a welcome relief.
Interface and Usability
iWork '08 boasts a clean and easy-to-navigate interface. While it doesn't match the depth of Microsoft Office 2007, its simplicity and the absence of radical changes are appealing. It offers more robust productivity features than online alternatives like Google Docs or Zoho, making it suitable for most home and small-business users.
System Requirements
The suite is compatible with older Macs, requiring an Intel, PowerPC G5, or G4 machine with a 500MHz processor, 512MB of RAM, and OS X 10.4.10 or later.
Pages
Pages introduces a Contextual Format Bar similar to Microsoft Office, changing options based on your task. While it lacks live previews like Microsoft Word 2007, it adds a Change Tracking feature akin to Word's Track Changes. Essential features like footnotes, bookmarks, and tables of content are included, alongside integration with Numbers for charts and functions.
Templates for letters, resumes, and reports are readily available, and Page Layout mode supports complex designs without needing advanced software like Adobe InDesign. The Instant Alpha feature simplifies background removal in images, while the color selection is superior to Word's options.
Keynote
Keynote '08 adds intuitive features absent in Microsoft PowerPoint 2007. The Action Builds allow straightforward motion animations, and Smart Builds offer animated image transitions, benefiting from iLife media browser support. New voiceover options enable podcast narration, complemented by fresh slide transitions and themes.
Numbers
Numbers introduces user-friendly features unique from its competitors, although Excel remains more robust for advanced users. The suite includes templates for travel planning, business expenses, and lab reports, with the ability to export Excel-compatible files.
Numbers stands out visually with its attractive spreadsheet design. Users can easily manipulate text boxes, images, and tables, and add 3D charts or integrate maps. The application excels in user-friendliness, with slider bars for adjusting cell values and straightforward resizing of columns and rows.
The formula functionality is similar to Excel, enriched with easy-to-find natural language shortcuts. The Interactive Print View offers better control than Excel, ensuring efficient printouts by preventing unnecessary page usage.
Overall, Apple iWork '08 presents a substantial, user-friendly alternative for Mac users, providing essential office tools with the added advantage of affordability and aesthetic design.
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