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Apple reenters the productivity application arena with the $79 IWork '05 package, which includes an update of its Keynote presentation app plus a revolutionary new word processor called Pages.

Keynote 2 has its strengths, but the real news is Pages. The program makes it easy for nondesigners to produce attractive, complex documents, because the design is already in place--all you have to do is put in your text and images.

Pages' graphics-rich templates have a definite home/small-business bent; they include invitations, family newsletters, marketing brochures, résumés, and menus. Templates for purchase orders, invoices, and business cards would be nice additions.

You can modify all objects in a Pages document, and the tool palettes are easy to work with. The tool kit has a few gaps--for example, it's possible (but tricky) to reorder or delete pages--and you'll have to consult the user guide before handling some tools. But overall the application is very usable and represents a radical rethinking of what a word processing program can do.

Unfortunately, Keynote 2's interface isn't quite as simple. Apple has made improvements, but the ease of use just doesn't compare to Pages'.

Though Pages and Keynote 2 make a slick duo, the IWork bundle needs a spreadsheet app. Still, Apple users who want an inexpensive package to handle basic word processing, design, and presentations should be pleased.

Rebecca Freed

Apple IWork '05

Makes designing documents and presentations easy, but could use a spreadsheet program.
Price when reviewed: $79
Current prices (if available)