By and large, I have simple needs when it comes to word processing. All I really need is: Intel Native code that runs fast; commenting and footnoting (and maybe TOC), and a default save option that is a Word compatible file format–RTF is acceptable.
So far, all of my options are “pick any two.”
MS Word
– Not Intel native, so runs a tad pokey under Rosetta.
+ Does commenting
+ Native file format that can be read on the PC.
Apple Pages, part of the iWork suite
+ Intel Native and runs quite fast
+ Does commenting quite well
– Default save is in a proprietary format
Nisus Express
+ Intel Native and runs well
– No commenting
+ Default save is in RTF
NeoOffice
– While Intel Native, runs no faster than Word in Rosetta
– Does commenting, but the comments aren’t inline
+ Native file format is PC-compatible.
Right now, I’m sticking with Word as the lesser of two evils. I really liked how quick and easy Pages was, and may still use it for documents I’ll never need to send out–DVD Cases and the like. Nisus is coming out with a Pro version soon that may incorporate commenting. Office is coming out with an Intel version later this year, but it’s using the non-backwards-compatible file formats that Word 2007 use. So, while I’m likely to get that as well, having to do a save-as is going to be a pain in the ass. NeoOffice is coming out with a new version next week and I’ll have to see if it is any faster.
As a writer, I really need to gel with my word processor. OSX has a lot of features that make my life so much more productive, it’s just a shame I can’t get a word processor to do what I think are three simple items.
Mark Crump 