The iWork office productivity apps (to be fair to Apple, the entire iWork collection also includes iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand) are similar. Blind testers frequently prefer the sweeter, less-harsh flavor of Pepsi vs. Keynote) comparison reminds me of the Pepsi Challenge. While Microsoft Office for Mac Home and Business costs $219.99 (USD) per Mac, the purchase price for Pages, Numbers, and Keynote totals just $59.97 (USD). The true differences are in ease of use and price. Like Office’s programs, the iWork productivity apps - Pages, Numbers and Keynote - all include attractive templates, integrated cloud-synchronization features, integrated spell-checking, multiple standard export and Save As options, plus tablet and smartphone compatibility. Image, table, and chart insertion and editing.Pages, Numbers, and Keynote make it easy to access all the following functions: Pages Ultimately, that’s the business goal for these applications.Ĭonsider the most common actions users are likely to complete using iWork Office-counterparts. The simplicity makes it easier to create and format documents, build information-rich spreadsheets, and create, share, and present powerful presentations.

The iWork tools provide ready access to frequently used features. But I’ve used Pages, Numbers, and Keynote for almost a decade, and I’ve never encountered trouble. Normally, I’d be inclined to believe the iWork suite’s lack of complexity would make it difficult to format attractive documents, build compelling spreadsheets, and create arresting presentations. Apple’s Numbers and Keynote boast the same advantages vs.

The basic Pages interface features just a dozen icons. I believe that’s why Apple’s worked to create such simple, yet capable, software.

Consider how many times a day a business user reaches for such commonly used functions, and it’s easy to understand how confusion and frustration arise, not to mention production inefficiencies. The most basic, commonly accessed functions - such as those used for text formatting, inserting elements, and file formatting - can quickly become lost among a myriad of other functions. Most Microsoft Office users tap only a fraction of the productivity software’s capabilities. Erik Eckel explores which app is best for completing most real-world tasks. Mac users typically choose either Microsoft Office or Apple iWork tools. iWork: Which performs best in the real world?

Iworks or office for mac