Some Power Users Are Unhappy With Lost Features in the New iWork

[PinkyMacGodess]

This is pretty amazing...

Wasn't Apple spanked enough the last time they surprised people with less features?

Instead of making the Mac versions on par with the obviously-they-need-to-be-hobbled-somewhat iOS apps, why not KEEP the features of the Mac apps and tell people that are using the the iOS apps that there are 'More Features' in the Macintosh OS X versions of the programs, and then put an 'Export To iOS' selection in the Mac Apps that makes them compatible with the proper iOS versions.

Problem solved, and it might help prop up Mac sales...

(Obviously Keynote on iOS will have to be made more compatible with the OS X version, but for Ford's sake DO NOT BRING THE MAC APPS DOWN TO THE LEVEL OF THE iOS APPS! That's just silly!!! You don't have the market share to play with. And after all, don't we live in a world that's already pretty dumbed down? Just look at politics and our media for examples. Playing for the trenches...)

 

[Bibbler]

Well he asked you a normal question, because based on what you are going to do you can lower the price of the computer significantly. For example if you are some accountant do you really need high end GPU and 7.1 sound blaster? You would be OK with some Core i3, 8 GB of RAM, an ok SSD and most importanly big display.

His question was valid.

What is important to me is that I can do the anything I want to do on my machine with the exception of gaming (yet maintaining the ability to game if a friend stops over and want to play WOW or Starcraft) which I have no interest in...

No, I don't want to pay an outrageous amount for overpriced components, but as an example, here is what I use now as my BASIC "Consumer" desktop: (or is it a PRO)

______

An ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe motherboard, 16 GB of DDR 3, and I put a Core i7-3770 Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz. I scrimped a bit on the video card with a MSI N670GTX, but not bad considering I am not a gamer. The onboard Realtek audio is good enough for basic tasks but I have add a HD2 Protools card as I use this machine as my home studio (replacing my former BOSS standalone multitrack porta-studio). My main hard drive is a Seagate 600 Series SSD 240 GB with a Seagate barracuda 3.5 TB HDD for data. I use a Corsair power supply, But I forget which one, it was around $70.... Case and fans have been around since 2 computers ago, and they are cheapo Hamfest items

So there is my COMPUTER.... Is it a CONSUMER computer, or is it a PRO computer??? ... Neither, It's a COMPUTER.... It will do everything I want here at the house, and anything I want to do in my profession,.

So explain to me again why My Macs are PRO and CONSUMER Computers...

 

[RumorHasIt]

Smart Builds

I miss the Smart Builds in Keynote.

 

[Bibbler]

Exactly, so removing features could be seen as a means to reaching that goal (fun and easy). But regarding your previous comment, it appears that plugin support is still there so it seems the error here was behind the keyboard, as is so often the case.

Not understanding the purpose and intended audience and looking at things in the absolute is backwards the way I see it. Looking at Garageband's place and purpose among other applications is more fitting, in this case there is a more advanced and capable alternative from Apple.

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Soundblaster is not a professional sound card as a start, same goes for non redundant power supplies, no hot swap disks, or ECC memory. Are you saying that the needs are always the same, no matter who you ask?

I no longer use sondblaster.... Force of habit from the OLD days.

 

[2IS]

Kind of an Oxy Moron to pair the term "Power Users" with "iWork"

 

[TrashCanBin]

What is important to me is that I can do the anything I want to do on my machine with the exception of gaming (yet maintaining the ability to game if a friend stops over and want to play WOW or Starcraft) which I have no interest in...

No, I don't want to pay an outrageous amount for overpriced components, but as an example, here is what I use now as my BASIC "Consumer" desktop: (or is it a PRO)

______

An ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe motherboard, 16 GB of DDR 3, and I put a Core i7-3770 Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz. I scrimped a bit on the video card with a MSI N670GTX, but not bad considering I am not a gamer. The onboard Realtek audio is good enough for basic tasks but I have add a HD2 Protools card as I use this machine as my home studio (replacing my former BOSS standalone multitrack porta-studio). My main hard drive is a Seagate 600 Series SSD 240 GB with a Seagate barracuda 3.5 TB HDD for data. I use a Corsair power supply, But I forget which one, it was around $70.... Case and fans have been around since 2 computers ago, and they are cheapo Hamfest items

So there is my COMPUTER.... Is it a CONSUMER computer, or is it a PRO computer??? ... Neither, It's a COMPUTER.... It will do everything I want here at the house, and anything I want to do in my profession,.

So explain to me again why My Macs are PRO and CONSUMER Computers...

Well regardless for that accountant it's an overkill. Might as well call it a Pro machine he doesn't need and wouldn't push it to it's max.

 

[Bibbler]

Well regardless for that accountant it's an overkill. Might as well call it a Pro machine he doesn't need and wouldn't push it to it's max.

It's a COMPUTER... Not a "Pro" Machine.. I can do whatever I want on it.. And if a friend stops over with a piece of software, (like my son wanting to play whatever game he is playing when he stops by) I don't have to say "Sorry, my computer can't run all PC Software"....

 

[Truffy]

I've yet to upgrade. But frankly, if you're used to MSO as I am, iWorks is pretty counter-intuitive to use. The way styles are implemented is a dog, for example.

 

[TrashCanBin]

It's a COMPUTER... Not a "Pro" Machine.. I can do whatever I want on it.. And if a friend stops over with a piece of software, (like my son wanting to play whatever game he is playing when he stops by) I don't have to say "Sorry, my computer can't run all PC Software"....

You are generalizing.

 

[Bibbler]

You are generalizing.

No, my point is quite simple.. My PC will run just about every current piece of Windows software.

Are you saying that My Mac will not because it's not a PRO Machine????...

That's all I'm asking, why does Apple have this quite silly and unnecessary distinction.

 

[Night Spring]

Instead of making the Mac versions on par with the obviously-they-need-to-be-hobbled-somewhat iOS apps, why not KEEP the features of the Mac apps and tell people that are using the the iOS apps that there are 'More Features' in the Macintosh OS X versions of the programs, and then put an 'Export To iOS' selection in the Mac Apps that makes them compatible with the proper iOS versions.

Problem solved, and it might help prop up Mac sales...

Wouldn't work. I'd constantly be trying to open documents on my iPad and finding that I didn't export them to iOS last time I edited them on my Mac, because at the time, I didn't think I'd need to open them from the iPad later.

I know that for people who lost features they depended on, this is most aggravating, but for the majority of users (who are NOT ranting on forums because they don't have any complaints), cross-platform compatibility is a good thing. They can just open and edit documents from any device they happen to be at, without worrying about formats changing or features being absent. Apple has always been willing to piss off the few if they think that would better serve the many.

 

[Zachari]

I think this is why they made it free, and aren't making issue of trials being upgraded, etc.

They learned (at least something) from the Final Cut backlash... learned this way they don't have to give a refund...

It is pretty awful. Keynote has been totally butchered, and animations are awful, just awful. You actually lose out with the new version in features, navigation, function.... unless you just don't have keynote, just don't.... just don't.

They will bring them back, it's magical.

 

[Rossatron]

I don't get some of the commenters here. Why do you automatically assume that Apple is out there to mess with your work, or simply piss you off? Why not assume that this is a minor setback, caused by Apple's will to make a good cross-platform version of Pages? I mean, maybe it was programmed from scratch, so they can do just that, but didn't get all the features that were present on all version; and as they saw they have a pretty good version they decided to release it to the public, just to get the whole work-that-goes-with-you thing on the move? I think that starting from this version onwards, iWork suit will get more attention from Apple than what it was used to, and new features will be added as soon they are made compatible across all platforms.

So yeah, maybe I'm not a "pro" Pages user (what is a pro user? Someone that uses each and every feature of a software, or someone who can merely point to what is added or retracted without them ever using the said features?) but 2 days after I got it, I manage to do everything I did on word* on it, and I like it better.

*: including, but not limited to, article review and edit, lab reports, assignments and recreational blog writing.

 

[kdarling]

Instead of making the Mac versions on par with the obviously-they-need-to-be-hobbled-somewhat iOS apps, why not KEEP the features of the Mac apps and tell people that are using the the iOS apps that there are 'More Features' in the Macintosh OS X versions of the programs, and then put an 'Export To iOS' selection in the Mac Apps that makes them compatible with the proper iOS versions.

What if this is the first step towards making the Mac run iOS?

They've already watched Microsoft fail for thirteen years trying to push a touch computer that runs a desktop OS and apps.

 

[-LikesMac-]

Well....

I guess Apple was just worried a LOT about cross-platform compatibility.

They just need to improve the feature set on ALL the types—Mac, iOS, and iCloud—of iWork that exists now.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

What if this is the first step towards making the Mac run iOS?

They've already watched Microsoft fail for thirteen years trying to push a touch computer that runs a desktop OS and apps.

I don't think that many people will want a Mac that runs iOS. I don't. If I want to run iOS, I grab my iPad... DUH!!!

 

[IJ Reilly]

The ones that started using iWork on mobile devices most likely won't be doing so on a desktop computer.

I think we're saying the same thing, more or less. Clearly Apple is making mobile the priority.

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Wouldn't work. I'd constantly be trying to open documents on my iPad and finding that I didn't export them to iOS last time I edited them on my Mac, because at the time, I didn't think I'd need to open them from the iPad later.

I know that for people who lost features they depended on, this is most aggravating, but for the majority of users (who are NOT ranting on forums because they don't have any complaints), cross-platform compatibility is a good thing. They can just open and edit documents from any device they happen to be at, without worrying about formats changing or features being absent. Apple has always been willing to piss off the few if they think that would better serve the many.

What you are saying possibly without realizing it, is that Apple is counting on a new majority of iWork users not noticing that features have been dropped from the software -- only because they never used it before it became free. The old majority is going to be ticked off permanently because they've not only been using these apps for years, they now rely on them to do what they've always done.

 

[pearvsapple]

It's still a pretty weaksauce productivity suite. Still better than nothing.

 

[subsonix]

What you are saying possibly without realizing it, is that Apple is counting on a new majority of iWork users not noticing that features have been dropped from the software -- only because they never used it before it became free.

What features have been dropped exactly.

 

[IJ Reilly]

I don't get some of the commenters here. Why do you automatically assume that Apple is out there to mess with your work, or simply piss you off? Why not assume that this is a minor setback, caused by Apple's will to make a good cross-platform version of Pages? I mean, maybe it was programmed from scratch, so they can do just that, but didn't get all the features that were present on all version; and as they saw they have a pretty good version they decided to release it to the public, just to get the whole work-that-goes-with-you thing on the move? I think that starting from this version onwards, iWork suit will get more attention from Apple than what it was used to, and new features will be added as soon they are made compatible across all platforms.

So yeah, maybe I'm not a "pro" Pages user (what is a pro user? Someone that uses each and every feature of a software, or someone who can merely point to what is added or retracted without them ever using the said features?) but 2 days after I got it, I manage to do everything I did on word* on it, and I like it better.

*: including, but not limited to, article review and edit, lab reports, assignments and recreational blog writing.

Because it isn't a minor setback, it is a major setback. To make matters worse, opening a document created in the previous version of Pages in the new version autosaves it in the new version -- with features you used in the old version deleted, so there's no going back. Fortunately I heard about this before I tried it and so was able to make a copy of a document and open in new Pages. Basically, it was heavily hosed.

----------

What features have been dropped exactly.

Exactly, I am not sure yet. I have seen some lists (also posted here, you will have to look back) but I am sure they are not totally accurate. The one that I verified immediately and that made my hair stand up was the deletion of section template inserts. This was one of the most useful features of Pages, possibly a feature that only "power users" discovered. But once discovered, it because essential. So how does that work? If you define a report template, for example, you can make a special page template for figures and photos, and insert them into the document where you need them. This is so handy that it has become critical to my work flow. Gone. The other, which I have not verified, is flows between text boxes. I use that one constantly, but it also seems to be gone, gone, gone.

In any case I had to trash new Pages because all of my documents would otherwise default to opening in it, hosing them instantly. Awful.

 

[kcmac]

I don't get some of the commenters here. Why do you automatically assume that Apple is out there to mess with your work, or simply piss you off? Why not assume that this is a minor setback, caused by Apple's will to make a good cross-platform version of Pages? I mean, maybe it was programmed from scratch, so they can do just that, but didn't get all the features that were present on all version; and as they saw they have a pretty good version they decided to release it to the public, just to get the whole work-that-goes-with-you thing on the move? I think that starting from this version onwards, iWork suit will get more attention from Apple than what it was used to, and new features will be added as soon they are made compatible across all platforms.

So yeah, maybe I'm not a "pro" Pages user (what is a pro user? Someone that uses each and every feature of a software, or someone who can merely point to what is added or retracted without them ever using the said features?) but 2 days after I got it, I manage to do everything I did on word* on it, and I like it better.

*: including, but not limited to, article review and edit, lab reports, assignments and recreational blog writing.

I can agree with the main points you make. However, why put it out for public consumption now then? iWork hasn't been updated for 4-5 years. What would another 6 months or a year make?

Also this Pro vs consumer thing for iWork is just not right. Just because some of us use it a lot and have become accustomed to a lot of its features does not make us Pro users. We are just heavy users. It doesn't take much use to know that this Pages 5 version is light on the features.

 

[macred]

It's important for "Power Users" to get into acceptance that Apple is a consumer electronics company now. It's all about making things simple, and appealing to the masses. The days of full featured, technically comprehensive software and hardware are long gone.

 

[IJ Reilly]

It's still a pretty weaksauce productivity suite. Still better than nothing.

It was much stronger before.

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It's important for "Power Users" to get into acceptance that Apple is a consumer electronics company now. It's all about making things simple, and appealing to the masses. The days of full featured, technically comprehensive software and hardware are long gone.

I'm sorry, this is total horse hockey. Apple has always been a consumer-oriented company. They have always been about making things easy. Ever heard of the Mac? In fact they are in the process making greater inroads into businesses outside of the creative industries where they've always been strong.

 

[Viking2]

Please do not compare to FCP X

Final Cut Was replaced by a beefed up iMovie, and after some tweaks I am using FCP X, it is ok for me.

iWork09 was replaced by IOS apps. That is a different story. iWork13 is not ok for me.

I would rather pay 500 USD for a true feature upgrade then this bag of hurt.

Apple is letting Mac OS X loyal down and has only eyes for iPhone/iPad nowadays.
To sad.
But true!

 

[TheGdog]

Final Cut Was replaced by a beefed up iMovie, and after some tweaks I am using FCP X, it is ok for me.

iWork09 was replaced by IOS apps. That is a different story. iWork13 is not ok for me.

I would rather pay 500 USD for a true feature upgrade then this bag of hurt.

Apple is letting Mac OS X loyal down and has only eyes for iPhone/iPad nowadays.
To sad.
But true!

I still don't understand what the big deal about FCPX is. Yes, apple changed work flow……ALOT. But they have added lots of features since release and its very capable, even when compared to 7. And BTW the new logic is very "pro", its a huge leap forward. Apple is not abandoning its "pro" customers. Logic and the new Pro machine are proof of that. iWork is not "pro" software! So simplifying it, should be taking as such a surprise.