Q: Think we'll ever see another update to AppleWorks?

[Paul F.]

Freescotland and Zoidberg;

Thanks for taking the discussion semi-seriously...

[BigGuynRusty]

I have been praying for an AW update, or at least put back the macro recorder module, and the comm module. I think it is on minimal life support, never to be pulled out of its coma.

BGnR

[raz]

If your box has the horsepower (the wife's iBook 600 does not), try the free, open source NeoOffice. The new version just got posted, and it's showing a lot of promise.

[Paul F.]

I'm certainly not opposed to alternatives to AppleWorks... but most of the computers I administer at the moment don't have the oomph...
AND, I'm servicing a large number of machines that are used by elementary kids, who are not ready for anything more complex than AppleWorks (much as I might like them to be better prepared).

[Harbourmaster]

The more I am forced to use "MicroSlop Orifice" the more I love AppleWorks!

Office does so many annoying things that i just can't stand it!

[Paul F.]

Can you imagine the fun when Word starts auto-bulleting or Auto-numbering for a 4th grader?

How about that stupid fscking paper clip guy? (or is it a little Mac SE? I turned it off on mine).


I'll keep Appleworks until something comparable is bundled on education-marketed Macs for as long as it keeps running.

[mattkime]

I agree that AppleWorks still fills a useful spot. it is somewhat disappointing that its not getting more attention.

i feel the same way about hypercard

[chas_m]

I don't understand why you folks can't take Steve at his word.

He already SAID that iWork will eventually replace Appleworks. Pages replaces the WP, and iWork replaces the Presentation module.

I believe iWork 06 is now an almost-complete replacement for Appleworks. The tables/chart editor added this year is as close as you're going to get to a spreadsheet module, the free-drawing tools are already in there (go check it out if you don't believe me -- they're actually quite a huge improvement!).

I guess a database component could be added in iLife 07, but I wouldn't count on it. iWork is not intended to be used for anything dull.

[JEBB]

The MS Office components are bloatware. To me the menu/command structure of Excel is generally illogical.

I've looked at NeoOffice and I don't think it is ready for prime time.

For my general uses I think AppleWorks is quite good. Improvements are especially needed in file conversions, many of which, I understand, they left out of AW6 that were present in AW5. The spreadsheet could stand a few improvements as could the database component.

I teach a computer applications course at the local Senior Center. It uses M$ Works; that program is so much less than AppleWorks!

I sure hope Apple doesn't abandon AppleWorks.