Is it worth the $41 (when I purchase it preinstalled with a new MBP) or should I save that $41 and just download OpenOffice for free?
I would recommend you to download iWork '09 trial and OpenOffice and compare and think is iWork worth the money
Trial and torrent versions are actually the same, I think. Both needs the serial. I downloaded the trial from Apple's site and entered serial which I found from net. I did the same with Photoshop as well. Easiest way to avoid trojans and other malware
Well now we can tell those people asking why Safari broke their Limewire what the proper way to steal things is.
As to the OP, I use both Office and iWork, I would never use PowerPoint again after using Keynote, it is superior in every possible way.
Just buy it you will regret it later if you don't!!