Office for Mac 2011 is finally here
I’ve been using Office for Mac since it came out in ’98 so that Windows users can open my files despite the fact that they look terrible and take ages to create (in comparison to using iWork from Apple). But yesterday I was fairly surprised when Microsoft launched Office for Mac 2011 at the Apple iStore on Sandton Drive.
Why you ask? Firstly it marked the official death of Entourage (possibly the crappest application ever made) and secondly the solution appears (on first impression) to be pretty slick. It seems that Microsoft have actually listened to what people wanted instead of peddling B-grade crap into a market that’s used to A-grade solutions.
We'll have to see if the applications are as awesome as the icons!
From my perspective I’m not interested in the student version. I’m into the business version and look specifically at how it’s going to make the transition from PC to Mac more fluid for those in the corporate space. And I think it will because Outlook for Mac is finally available and it’s no light-weight animal. It’s the real deal, full version, finished and klaar!
Not to say the other apps are insignificant, because they aren’t – Word, Excel and Powerpoint are also heavy-weight players offering every single feature and benefit that windows users are used to in Office 2010 – including the updated interface that uses the trusty old ribbon:
The suite will come in two editions, both available with either a single user license, or a multiple user option:
- Office for Mac Home and Student 2011 (ERP: R999- R1299)
- Office for Mac Home and Business 2011 (ERP: R2499- R2699)
Despite being in line with Office for Windows pricing, I can’t help wonder if people will be prepared to pay this sort of premium for improved compatibility when a copy of Apple iWork goes for less than R1000?
