You screen-tappers will certainly have a different perspective. I also ran the suites with a keyboard and mouse. Compatibility with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents may or may not be important to you.

I approached each of the suites from the perspective of a Windows and Office user, taking special interest in the way each handles Office document compatibility. Log on, use the browser-based app, and walk away. None of them require you to install, activate, or maintain any programs on your local computer. As of this moment, iWork for iCloud is free to everyone, thus giving Apple a nice boost in the 'value' category.Īll of the programs in the suites are accessed using one of the major browsers. However, keep in mind that iWork for iOS and iWork for OS X are both free for those who bought Apple machines after September 2013.

Enigmatically, Apple calls iWork for iCloud a 'beta,' and hasn't yet committed on pricing for the final, shipping version. Microsoft Office Online and Google Drive are also available in paid plans for businesses. Which suite is for you? There is no clear winner in this horse race, so your specific needs will dictate that choice.Īll of these browser-based products are free for personal use. Over the past few weeks I've regaled you with detailed reviews of the three major online office productivity suites: Microsoft Office Online with Word Online, Excel Online, and PowerPoint Online Apple's iWork for iCloud with Pages, Numbers, and Keynote for iCloud and Google Drive (aka Google Apps) with Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

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