Word Processor/Layout Software

Hello everyone!

It's been a long time since I've posted on these forums. I bought one of the first generation MacBooks in October 2006 (even though it probably would have been a better move to wait for the Core 2 ones to come out a month later) and I've become to love it. It's my first new mac since 1997.

My issue is this. I'm not a Microsoft fan, so I've been using NeoOffice since I got my Mac. I'm a student and it works adequately for simple papers and other things that I write. However, I do some newsletter work and because I am a student and therefore cheap, I was using NeoOffice Draw for layout work.

Holy slow.

It's probably one of the most frustrating programs I've had to use. Pre-college, our high school paper used InDesign, and switching to this is a horrible.

So I'm looking at other options for quality word processing software. The things that I need are good layout and image support, support for Spanish, Japanese, Finnish, and German at least, adequate Word/Office compatibility, and a decent price range. I've seen Mellel and Pages, and both look great, although Mellel has some issues with some Word formatting that is turning me off. And Pages better suits my needs....but costs nearly twice as much even with my student discount and comes with two programs I most likely will never use.

Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks!

india349

 

I've played around with Pages layout features and it seems pretty slick...better than MS products for sure. The only issue I have is the cost and the fact that it's got stuff I don't need...