Is Microsoft Office 2008 "good enough" for today/2012?

[GREEN4U]

I have Microsoft Office 2008 on an external hard drive but I've never used it. I'm thinking about installing it on my soon-to-be new Macbook Air, as I'm going to be a grad student next Fall and I don't want to spend $150 for the latest version of Office.

I currently have Office 2004 for Mac and it's a pain to use with Office for Windows, not being able to convert the .docx files (and all other .x files) that my new school sends me. My question is, would I have the same problem with the 2008 version? Or will Office 2008 be good enough to get me through a few more years of school?

 

[GGJstudios]

Will Office 2008 be good enough to get me through a few more years of school?

Yes, it will. I use it daily and exchange files constantly with other Mac and Windows users.

 

[MacDawg]

I preferred 2004 over 2008 actually
But 2011 really is a worthy upgrade to 2008
I would encourage you to go ahead and take the plunge, esp. if you want several more years from it

 

[dukebound85]

Yup should be fine. 04 can't run on Lion as it's PPC iirc

Though, OP, you could always use a suit like LibreOffice to handle the newer formats if need be and cost is an issue

 

[GREEN4U]

Thanks everyone. What a huge relief!

 

[BrianBaughn]

All the above and also check with your school to see if you can get a deal on the newest version of Office through them. Many schools and businesses have a $10 offer going!

 

[Wicked1]

I preferred 2004 over 2008 actually
But 2011 really is a worthy upgrade to 2008
I would encourage you to go ahead and take the plunge, esp. if you want several more years from it

+1, as I had 2008 and it was sluggish, going to 2011 makes a huge difference IMO, however it is so cheap, and thru my company we can purchase MS Office for either Mac or Windows full version of the latest for $9.95.

Check with your IT department or School because Microsoft basically gives it away as a perk for large corporations and Schools, really a good deal.