I admit it. I’m a word processor geek. My keyboard might as well wear a pocket protector.
So when I find a comprehensive review of word processors, I sit up, re-tape my eyeglasses, and start reading.
Fourteen word processor reviews later, it’s clear that Windows/Linux users have more choices than I thought (Mac versions available in some of the packages).
The good news? There are plenty of alternatives to Microsoft Word, especially if you’d rather not subject yourself to Microsoft’s new ribbon interface.
Not surprisingly, the reviewer picks the free/low cost Open Office/Star Office as his #1 choice (so do I). His favorite second-tier choice is TextMaker — a very fast, cleanly designed piece of software.
Frankly, I don’t see how any writer could look away from a word processor review, but deviant behavior takes many forms. Read it, enjoy it, and then we’ll sit around and share stories about why we couldn’t quite stomach Microsoft Office.
Keep writing, Tom Chandler.
[tags]writing, word processor, open office, star office, microsoft word[/tags]
Okay, Tom, I’m a Word user and not entirely unhappy about it. (I loved WordStar in the bygone DOS days. Version 3.3 was killer.) But I’ve fast become a fan of Google Doc for quick drafts and edits as well as drafting my various blog posts.
Aha! WordStar. The keyboard shortcut wonder. It’s all better than the damned IBM System 36 word processor I used at an ad agency.
Outside of the slow loading speed, I’m real happy with Open Office — and pleased that I won’t have to learn Word’s new Ribbon interface anytime soon.
Still, there are so many other word processors out there, and nostalgia even demands I look at the newest version of WordPerfect…
For Mac users I suggest a look at Nisus and the newer Nisus Pro. I assume it was not included because it is Mac only. Rock solid in operation with an incredibly simple interface – yet can handle all the stuff a writer needs.
I know there’s an Open Office version for the Mac, but that Mac users will probably be happier with Neo Office, a more Mac-like version of the Open Office Suite.
Heard a lot of good things about Nisus; how well does it import and export MS Word files. That’s what 95% of my clients use.
Tom
Most of my clients use Word too, and I have yet to have an issue with importing or exporting Word files. I have used Nisus Writer for about 2 years now and really appreciate it’s interface, simplicity and reliability.
Steve
I only recently discovered Open Office and now use it exclusively at home. But my “other computer” has only Office, so I write a lot in Word. But for the slow load time lack of the readability stats available in Word, OO Writer would be unbeatable.
Slower load times are a common complaint, but I start Open Office in the morning and it stays open all day.
Be interesting to see how readily the world adopts the new version of MS Office, or if corporate reluctance to re-train users to the new interface doesn’t create a switch to one of the other offerings.
Since the graphic designers neglect all my cunningly selected fonts, sizes and indents anyway – I just stick with what I do best – text.
Be gone, all silly nonsensical alternatives. For me its Q10 and no fuzz. A screen and some text is all I desire and need.