Word versus Pages

Morbier

I use a MacBook Pro and currently have Office for Mac 2011 installed. I never bothered with the Apple equivalents (Pages etc) when I changed from a Windows PC to an Apple one. I mostly use Word and a bit of Excel, just for basic stuff, and I think they're excellent.

However, after either the next, or next-but-one update to the Apple OS, Windows for Mac 2011 won't work on my MacBook. I the have to decide whether to bite the bullet and purchase a new version of the Office suite (about £120) or just use the Apple equivalent that is already installed on my computer.

What I would like to know is: has anyone used both and do they have a preference? Is it worth me spending over £100? I'm not a techie by any means, but I'm quite expert in Word and don't mind learning all over again if I stay with the Apple software. I would also add that I am retired and have the time to spend, learning a new skill but I also don't need to spend more than necessary.

System

I'm sure you realise there are umpteen free office type suites?.

I had office many years ago as my son gave a copy to me, however, I've long since done without it and currently use LibreOffice 5.2

Undervalued

Office 2011 still works fine with High Sierra providing you have the latest Office updates installed. Because 2011 is no longer being supported you have to download them manually from Microsoft then install them, you can no longer do it from within Office.

I appreciate there will come a time when it physically won't work, even with the last of the updates, but I wasn't aware of a fixed date or OSX version.

Any Office "clone" is probably fine for basic work, particularly if you are just creating your own documents independently. I have seen horrible compatibility issues with Libra etc with more complex interactions particularly if templates are involved!

DoaM

Office Online?

Or Google Docs?

Morbier

Thank you for the replies. I have just read that 32-bit apps will still work with the next update (Mojave) but not the one after that, and that Office 2011 will be one of the casualties. Seems I'm worrying a year in advance. (By the way, I've no idea what 32-bit means, but whatever it is, next year's update will be 64-bit and, apparently that's where the problems lie).

I think it would be more sensible (and money-saving) for me to have a go with Pages and then make my mind up. I just wondered if there was anyone who'd used both Pages and Word and had a view?

Pennywise

Will you ever have to share documents with anyone else? If so, you really need to use whichever is most likely to be used by the other people.

Some of the free systems have far too many incompatibilities to be of any use when sharing with people who have Word or Pages meaning the document comes through with missing or faulty formats etc.

Likewise swapping between Word and Pages via conversion programs is also time wasting and still likely to produce errors, format loss etc.

Far easier just to go with whatever other people use, or whatever you've used in the past if you've lots of old documents you may want to use.

Morbier

No, won't usually be sharing but a valid point re converting Word docs to Pages. I hadn't thought of that. I thought it was straightforward but perhaps not?

giraffe69

Well try the Apple one and any free ones but if you prefer Office then Office 365 is available from Amazon for about £61 each year (and you can use that on more than one computer). If you work for a firm which has a Microsoft deal you may be able to get the latest Office for about a tenner.

zagubov

Why on earth are you considering updating your mac OS? I'm a real mac fan, but I'm sick and tired of their updated OSs making previous software useless. They seem to have little desire for back-compatibility
It may well switch off a lot more of your software than MS Office. If it ain't broke.....

Seriously have a good think what you're doing it for.

This updating treadmill is a well-known gravy train for software companies. It's not for your benefit.

EveryWhere

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Microsoft-Office-2016-For-Mac-Home-Business/323433124568
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Microsoft-Office-2016-For-Mac-Home-Business/283105987277
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Microsoft-Office-2016-For-Mac-Home-Business/173511279528


Don't know anything about Macs, but I would guess these are volume licences.

Office 2016 for MAC is available as a 64 bit application.

Morbier

Thank you Zagubov - yes, I realise that I'm not compelled to update but isn't it advisable for updated security measures? (I said I wasn't a techie)! I've already been through my applications to look for other 32-bit software and Office is really the only one that I'm bothered about.

Giraffe69 - I'm not interested in a yearly subscription, only need to use it on my laptop, so I'd rather buy it outright, if that's the way I go. No, I'm pleased to say that I don't work for anyone, I'm retired!

I think I'll give Pages a go and see how I get on.