For the past few months I've been using Kingsoft Office Suite Free 2012, and it more than covers my needs on all three office-tool fronts.

That said, I really prefer a traditional (as opposed to browser-based) word processor when I'm writing anything long-form, like a magazine feature or product review. The New Microsoft Office could really find a foothold if it pairs as well with Surface tablets as it appears to in previews. It's available pretty much anywhere I want it, though it's pretty anemic on phones and tablets.

Most of the writing I do actually takes place in various blog tools, and often I'll compose my posts in Google Docs - seeing as I'm already in my browser anyway. My needs break out like this: word processing frequently, spreadsheets occasionally, presentations rarely.

Become a Microsoft Office whiz for less with this $30 training bundle.

Microsoft Prepares to Reopen Offices This Month.

Yes, You Can Download Microsoft Office on a Chromebook.

Unless Microsoft does the unthinkable and prices Office 2013 around $50, I won't be buying it - no matter how sexy it might be. I ask because I'm in the process of 'divorcing' Outlook, a program I've grown to hate with a passion, and I continue to find the rest of Office 2010 to be overkill for my home-office purposes.

If you're half the smart aleck I am, you no doubt shouted at the screen, 'It never made sense!' It just strikes me as out of whack relative to consumers' needs and the available alternatives.Īnd that brings us to today's question: Does it still make sense to buy Microsoft Office?Ī loaded question, to be sure. The three-user version of Home and Student costs $149.99, while a two-user Home and Business license will run you $279.99.Īs a certified (and certifiable) cheapskate, I've developed a healthy (unhealthy) indignation about Microsoft's stubbornly high Office pricing. After all, the new suite is chock-full of new features, giving Microsoft ample justification for keeping prices the same - or even raising them.Ĭurrently, Office 2010 Home and Student and Office 2010 Home and Business sell for $119.99 and $199.99, respectively. As you've no doubt heard by now, Microsoft just announced Office 2013 and The New Microsoft Office suite.Ĭall it a hunch, but I suspect Microsoft will charge at least as much for Office 2013 as it does for Office 2010.

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