Microsoft Tells Details of Office 2008 for Mac

Microsoft has announced pricing and availability of its latest Mac-compatible version of its Office suite of business tools.

Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac is available from January 15 for £350 (US$685), including VAT, for the Standard Edition. A Home and Student Edition of Office 2008 for Mac costs $193.

Microsoft clams that Office 2008 for Mac is "more powerful and easier to use," including a simplified new user interface and new tools such as Document Elements.

Office 2008 for Mac uses the same Open XML file formats, Office Art graphics engine, and other features as the Windows-based Office 2007. There are also "hundreds" of new customizable templates and suite-wide themes.

Word 2008 features a Publishing Layout View workspace that lets users create "incredibly rich documents" such as newsletters and brochures "without a degree in design."

Excel 2008 has "vastly improved" charting capabilities to help users create and manipulate charts and graphs "easier than ever before."

PowerPoint 2008 includes SmartArt graphics that "let you bring a blank slide to life with stunning charts, maps, and diagrams at the click of a button."

Email client Entourage 2008 is "the hub of Office 2008," and features My Day to keep the user connected with schedules, tasks, and priorities in a clear, stand-alone interface. Project Center helps users keep their project details under control.

Office 2008 for Mac requires Mac OS X v10.4.9 or later, a PowerPC G4 or G5 or Intel Core duo processor, 512MB of RAM and 1.5GB free hard-disk space.