What Microsoft DIDN'T do in the morning is highlight the incredible benefits of this new format. Files saved in this new 2007 format are sometimes more than 50% smaller than the same file saved in the 2003 format. For a consumer user, this is no big deal since chances are, most consumer use of Office documents doesn't get too heavy duty. However, the only people who actually pay $500 for an Office license reside in the corporate world and use Office for corporate use. This means sending big-time presos, excel database table exports, and large training manuals just to name a few. These files are being thrown through emails and choking email servers, not to mention setting everyone over their corporate imposed mailbox limit in no time.
I took some sample files that I received in my email inbox that were saved in the Office 2003 format. I resaved them in the same folder in the Office 2007 format. The file size difference was massive. Take a look at the photo below to see the results.
Again, if you are a consumer user, please don't use office unless...
1. You go to a college that has one of those great deals with MS where you can get Office for $45. I got my copy for $10.
2. Your business gives you a license for "work purposes" on your home computer.
3. You have a bootleg copy that seems to work ok.
There are plenty of free options such as Open Office that work just as well.
3 comments:
Any thoughts on iWork vs. Office, Joe?
Hi Ben, I've never used iWork and probably never will. I am uncontrollably biased against Apple products (even though I use an iPod).
It is probably slightly more stylish, but I already know the ins and outs of MS Office all too well. Plus, if I used iWork, I would have to buy a Mac... something I have moral opposition to.
You are better at Tech Advice than Farhad Manjoo
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