The Macworld Conference and Expo 2008 is in full swing, and what better story to capture from the events than news about Microsoft? That’s right, Microsoft used the Macworld platform to release its Office 2008 for Mac software suite.

An excerpt from PC World:

Han-Yi Shaw, lead program manager for Word in Microsoft’s Mac business unit, said the developers had four key goals in mind when developing the suite: discoverability, simplicity, professional output, and compatibility. He added it was also important to Microsoft to create a product that would be Mac-like in its touch and feel.

There are three versions of Office 2008 for Mac:

  1. Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac – this core version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Entourage, Microsoft Exchange Server support, and Automator tools. How much will it set you back? Expect to pay US$539.95 (full edition) or US$319.95 (upgrade).
  2. Microsoft Office 2008 for MacHome and Student edition – you can get three licenses with this version for US$199.95.
  3. Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Special Media edition – targeted toward the professional enthusiast, this version costs US$629.95 (full edition) or US$379.95 (upgrade).

According to PC World article, “Much like last year’s release of Microsoft’s Office 2007 for Windows, the Mac edition boasts a new user interface developers promise will be more intuitive for end users, along with an abundance of new features and capabilities.”

If you use a Mac, do you plan to purchase or upgrade to Microsoft Office 2008? What is your current office productivity suite of choice?

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