(Jan 28, 2009)
Elsa Wenzel
Associate Editor
Plenty of software cuts through the clutter and helps you work efficiently. These are our favorite small-business and personal productivity software applications.
iWork '09
Intuitive interface design and easy access to useful features make iWork the best office suite choice on the Mac. Though it lacks some of Microsoft Office's advanced options, iWork '09 is an emerging powerhouse in its own right.
Price: $74.95 - $79.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jan 27, 2009
Very good
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Microsoft Office Standard 2007
Overall, Microsoft Office Standard 2007 is a worthy upgrade if you need to make sleeker-looking documents and presentations to share with others, and Outlook is better than ever, but you can stick to your current software if you don't feel that it lacks anything.
Price: $199.97 - $399.00 (check prices)
Review date: Jan 29, 2007
Very good
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Intuit QuickBooks Accounting Simple Start Edition 2009
Intuit QuickBooks Premier 2009 keeps the program's well-designed, intuitive interface, while adding a few new features. It's a worthy upgrade for people serious about online banking, and it remains the best accounting program for small business owners. However, Intuit should be more generous with customer support, particularly for setup issues.
Price: $52.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 21, 2008
Very good
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Google Docs & Spreadsheets
Google Docs & Spreadsheets beta gracefully merges word processing, spreadsheets and basic presentations within an online service that lets you collaborate with other users.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Oct 18, 2006
Very good
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Corel WordPerfect X4
The Corel WordPerfect Office X4 suite best fits those who prefer traditional interfaces for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. We found the features rich, but the execution sometimes clumsy.
Price: $247.00 - $319.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 16, 2008
Very good
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Mozilla Thunderbird 2
Mozilla Thunderbird 2 is a fine, free, extensible e-mail client and a solid alternative to pricey Microsoft Outlook 2007 or the free Windows Live Mail.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Mar 27, 2008
Very good
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