Great article, though I have a small query: at the start of the article, you write, 'This article is written not with the intention of discovering the superior product...'. Yet in the first line of the verdict, you conclude 'it really is next to impossible to decide the superior product'.

Given you didn't set out to discover the superior product, it's strange that you then spent the rest of the article having the two products go head to head in a boxing ring, then open the verdict by announcing a result to a question you weren't going to answer!

Wow - I didn't know this. I didn't go that far into depth using the new Excel. That really sucks....

I will have a look at the article tonight and add a new paragraph mentioning this - thanks

That's just my shocking writing style. I did write the introduction like a week before I wrote the conclusion as well which might explain it.... I my conclusion just backs up what I meant, the superior product is going to be different for every user. The article put them in side to side comparisons to show what each was capable of, this in turn hopefully will help users discover which product will be best for their needs when comparing features, value, compatibility etc.

Just a side note re pricing...

If you work for a large corporation, check for any "Staff Benefits" - look for any Microsoft Home Use offers to your employer and their staff.

You can get Office: Mac 2004 for $37.20.

Can anyone give me an idea of how Office 2007 runs on XP via Parallels? Is Excel usable? I need to use Visual Basic stuff, so looks like Im heading in that direction sadly. MS Access is also required occasionally. Does it run like a dog?

Excellent article, Andrew. I'd really like to see a comparison also done with NeoOffice and OpenOffice. I'm aware that it wasn't the purpose of your article, but am wondering if such a comparison actually exists anywhere on the net.

I run Office 2007 in Unity mode (so it looks like the screenshots - very cool to show off to people) via VMware (which I highly recommend over Parallels) with no problems. That is on a basic MacBook with only 1gig of RAM as well. I definitely recommend that route if you need 2007 features or application (I personally want it for OneNote).

Thanks I can't help you out there sorry, I have never even used either before honestly. It is an excellent idea actually considering they are two FREE options and everyone likes that word. Perhaps a project for someone in the future - I have lots more article ideas

Thanks for the reminder mate!!!
I always forget this one!
I've just changed jobs and I know my last job had that deal as I put my staff onto it...
must check my new job!

Almost went in to buy it today to... RRP!!!!!

does anyone know if the special media edition come with more than 1 license?
there are quite afew media editions up on ebay that people are selling which they received from training and such..
would there be any problems with this or a difference in version?

From my point of view an omission from iWork is the drawing tools, which in Word are very useful for a range of line drawings.

Quick note to all:

I tried today to order the new Office for Mac 2008 via large organisations HUP
(cheap home use as discussed above) to discover it wasn't listed yet?!!?!!

Office Mac 2004
Office v X
but no Office Mac 2008?!?!!

I sent them an email - as the URL I was emailed is only valid for 30days.
Here is hoping they just forgot to update their list... AND that they respond to my email this week!

Email from Microsoft said it might not be until APRIL that the new Office is available via HUP, and multiple licencing rolled out to their larger corporate customers / organisation!?!?!?!!

APRIL!?!?!?!
sigh
wait and pay $37 or buy sooner and pay RRP?

[your mother]

Do you really need to buy it on day 1? Is there a compelling feature or new functionality that you MUST HAVE NOW!!

What will 2008 version do that 2004 can't - and can you live without it for few months ??

[/your mother]

Just another POV from the "meh, day 2 will do" clan

I don't need it day one...
but it is annoying that the retail version is out but the HUP version isn't.
Occasionally I do get sent docx and xls files from the new Office (from Windows) which obviously Office: Mac 2004 don't open.

Sure there is that filter, sure iWork opens them (but I've had terrible trouble with heavy formatting in a Word doc that comes out very strange in Pages)...

Oh and yeah one last thing... I doubt it would be my mother with that rant - that one is definitely my fathers usual line!

Wow.... great article! Although I do prefer MS Office, Apple's iWork looks pretty good

I have to say, I've got both iWork '08 and Office 2008 and iWork wins hands down for slickness.

I haven't noticed a whole lot difference with Office apart from the fact is wants to save everything as .docx etc, it's got a bit of flashiness with the tabs up the top of the window.. but that's about it.

I've done three presentations so far in Keynote and plan to be doing a hell of alot more... goodbye Powerpoint!