Microsoft Office 2007 Vs. 2003 - Which way?

[Michael J]

I currently have Word, Office, Excell, Powerpoint & Outlook 2003 on a system
formerly used at my office, and is now used at home. This software is
"leased" monthly, at a cost which makes the purchase of my own Office suite
far more cost-effective, and soon, I must "W.I.P.E." it from the hard drive.

Since I want to continue using the above programs, I must purchase and
install it on a system with data saved in the "old" format (compared to what
I understand the 2007 version uses). If I purchase the 2007 version - leaving
aside for the moment a new learning curve, I've learned the new version won't
be able to read doc's producred under the "old" version, without some sort of
conversion program to allow it.

I don't really use all the features of all the above programs, but I do use
some within each. Not sure I need to pop for the newer version here,
particularly since the system It will be installed on is already 3 years old,
and likely will be in use for another 3-4 years before IT is replaced with
the next hand-me-down, recycled computer.

If I move forward with the 2007 version, it likely would beMicrosoft Office
Professional 2007, since its features would permit me the ability to work on
projects, etc., at home. Please note here, too, that my office system uses
the 2003 version, and to date, I have not been advised of any plans to
upgrade to the 2007 versions of these programs in the near future.

What issues should I be considering, and under the circumstances, what might
you recommend?

 

[DL]

2007 reads 2003 docs without any problems, or 'extras'
2007 can save in old format

 

[Val]

Firstly, Office 2007 can open and edit documents created in earlier verions!
It would be a (worse) nightmare otherwise.

Office 2007 can save documents in the older format as well. In fact, you
can set an option to default to the older formats, so you will have
compatability with your office.

That said, your decision comes down to availability of the 2003 version, how
soon your office/partners will convert to '07, and how much pain you can put
up with in learning the new version. I've not found any compelling new
features in '07 that make me want to rush out and buy more of it.

And, as a side note, for users of '03 who get documents in the '07 format,
you can download free converter from MS that will allow you to open the
newer docs.

Val

I currently have Word, Office, Excell, Powerpoint & Outlook 2003 on a system
formerly used at my office, and is now used at home. This software is
"leased" monthly, at a cost which makes the purchase of my own Office suite
far more cost-effective, and soon, I must "W.I.P.E." it from the hard drive.

Since I want to continue using the above programs, I must purchase and
install it on a system with data saved in the "old" format (compared to what
I understand the 2007 version uses). If I purchase the 2007 version -
leaving
aside for the moment a new learning curve, I've learned the new version
won't
be able to read doc's producred under the "old" version, without some sort
of
conversion program to allow it.

I don't really use all the features of all the above programs, but I do use
some within each. Not sure I need to pop for the newer version here,
particularly since the system It will be installed on is already 3 years
old,
and likely will be in use for another 3-4 years before IT is replaced with
the next hand-me-down, recycled computer.

If I move forward with the 2007 version, it likely would beMicrosoft Office
Professional 2007, since its features would permit me the ability to work on
projects, etc., at home. Please note here, too, that my office system uses
the 2003 version, and to date, I have not been advised of any plans to
upgrade to the 2007 versions of these programs in the near future.

What issues should I be considering, and under the circumstances, what might
you recommend?

 

[Phil Vale]

To Echo a bit what Val say but go a stage further.

Yes for me I agree there's no compelling reason to move from 2003 to 2007.

In fact I think there's a compelling reason to stay on 2003 - 2007 is still
very flaky in places and the new user interface using the ribbon makes no
sense tome what so ever. My own advice - go with 2003, there are file
converters available.

Phil.