Just got my macbook pro

Boyclan

and it is sweet. One problem though.

I am a writer and until now I have been using PCs for this. All my stuff is in Word files. I have a trial version of word but don't really feel like paying the extortionate fee to buy the full version having paid over 2 grand for the frikkin laptop. Are there any alternatives?

Any help is most appreciated.

Thraktor

NeoOffice; it's a Mac-specific version of OpenOffice, and can handle all sorts of files, including Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and soforth, and it's all completely free. Check out openoffice.org, there should be a link somewhere in there to it.

Simon201

Appleworks should open no problem

thund3rbird_

Simon201 wrote:

Appleworks should open no problem

any .doc file I opened in appleworks had loads of strange characters, especially if there is a lot of formatting.
some excel formulas do not import either.

best to stick with Neo - have not had any probs with m$ excel word or powerpoint files

plus you can export to pdf

Boyclan

Thanks. I'm off to check it out now.

Chardee MacDennis

out of interest sake, is NeoOffice a universal binary or will it use rosetta to run?

K.O.Kiki

Dunno if it's universal yet, but you could also check out AbiWord (lighter than NeoOffice)

Boyclan

I downloaded neo only for it to tell me I can't install it on an intel based machine.

Any ideas?

K.O.Kiki

Options:

1. Download the source code; change it to work with Intel Macs; compile it; sacrifice a goat (in that order)
   OR
2. Let someone else do it!

Anyways, the N-O forums have a thread here; check it out. Check to see if OpenOffice.org have verified support; or, like I said, check out AbiWord

zAbbo

Purchase it, and claim it back on tax if you're self employed.

Ham'nd'egger

zabbo wrote:

Purchase it, and claim it back on tax if you're self employed.

I got Mac Office for €180 in 3 G last year, which while not exactly cheap is still not exhorbitant. Besides if it's knocked off your tax, then what have you to worry about if you want the easy life?

If you don't feel like going for it, did you look at Textedit, assuming it's still bubdled onto the newer Macs? It's pretty good for basic typing provided you don't want fancy smuck.

contact23

... try limewire!

ScabbyLeg

Or just boot up XP on your new M'intel and use your Windows version of Office hehe

It can be done!

Edit: If you're into that sort of thing

crosstownk

Sooo jealous - would love a MacBook Pro!! I bought a PB G4 last August.
Just get Mac Word.

I can 'organise' thing for you. Ahem.