Office 2008 or Office 2011?

[Politis]

For my new MBP 15 I have 2 choices. I can either get from my college Office 2008 legally for free because it has many licenses. But there is also the new Office 2011 but I will need to buy it. Are there such big differences?
I looked at Pages briefly but was not impressed.

I mainly use my mbp for academic stuff, writing, pictures, internet, downloading files sent from a variety of PCs and Macs.

 

[mdgm]

If you can get 2008 for free legally then give that a try. If it doesn't meet your needs then look into getting 2011.

 

[DarkVinda]

me personally after having my mitts on both - i'd opt for 2011

but it all depends on what your going to be using it for?

if its just a case of needing word then 2008

but if its gonna be a full time in use app 2011

Vinda

 

[Politis]

me personally after having my mitts on both - i'd opt for 2011
but it all depends on what your going to be using it for?
if its just a case of needing word then 2008
but if its gonna be a full time in use app 2011
Vinda

Just about every day use for mostly word use, documents, pasting, and some pics. What made you click better with 2011?

 

[bigjobby]

I would use 2008 simply because you can get it free but would get 2011 from your college when they update their licences in time.

My preference would be 2011 (which I currently have) mainly because of compatibility and its new features (eg. ability to handle VB macros, GUI, etc). As a student and depending on your locale, you should be able to get the Academic version (NOT the Student version) at a hugely discounted price.

 

[1BadMac]

2011 for same reasons mentioned with greater stability and compatibility. It appears that it was actually developed with the Mac in mind, rather than an afterthought / port. Also, Outlook 2011 is leaps and bounds ahead of Entourage, if you happen to be looking for a mail client.

If you are a student or work for a large corporation, check around for what is called the Microsoft Home Use Program. Many companies get deals for their employees that allow usage of the latest Office suite for $10.

 

[Jaro65]

If you don't want to spend money and you don't share/collaborate documents with others working on Windows machines, the Office 2008 will be fine. I upgraded to Office 2011 when it came out and I like it, but for writing papers it won't make that much of a difference. You may want to Google the reviews for both versions and make up your mind that way.

 

[snaky69]

2011 is much much faster, cleaner and less cluttered, I'd lean that way if I were you.

 

[GGJstudios]

For me, there are two major considerations. With Office 2008, there is no VB macro support, and no associated security risks. As I don't need macros, that's a plus. Also, I prefer the older toolbar design over the new ribbon toolbar in 2011. For me, it's very simple: I'll hang on to Office 2008 as long as I can.

 

[Eddyisgreat]

2011 isn't bad but if you are like many students you won't utilize features that will make 2011 worth the premium (unless its a tiny premium). If you are an outlook/entourage junky than be warned that 'Outlook' 2011 blows chunks, particularly with MobileMe.

 

[KINetics]

2011 isn't bad but if you are like many students you won't utilize features that will make 2011 worth the premium (unless its a tiny premium). If you are an outlook/entourage junky than be warned that 'Outlook' 2011 blows chunks, particularly with MobileMe.

I got Office 2011 just for Outlook and would agree with your statement.

My biggest gripe is that I can't sort my contacts by "File As". It lets me sort by "Name" but the alphabetical sorting by "Name" is all screwed up.


Instead of:

Andy Smith
Barry White
Charlie Doe
David Andrews

It will still sort by last name, but still list as First, Last, i.e.,

David Andrews
Charlie Doe
Andy Smith
Barry White

Quite silly if you ask me.

 

[Politis]

Thank guys,
I actually research and study.
Some of the acronyms used in some of the responses are all Greek to me and I don't understand them I fundamentally use the laptop for word processing and all things related to word-based academic activities, some statistics and designs.
I wish there was some guide for dummies about those acronyms, what they do and how to use them.
I think I'll go for the 2008. If no like, then upgrade.

 

[Doc750]

I have both. hardly any difference between them for typical day-to-day use.

If you don't need latest, and greatest; and can get 08 for free, go for it.

 

[adnoh]

08 cos its free