• PC World
• »Software
• »Multimedia

Need top-quality business graphics without a high-end price tag? Take a look at CorelDraw 9 Office Edition, a scaled-back version of the popular drawing package. For $229, Office Edition provides drawing and photo-editing tools similar to those in the full-featured $695 version. Although it's still no walk in the park for novices, my preproduction copy had several features that improved its accessibility for average business users.

For example, the New Document dialog box makes it a breeze to jump-start a project. You can choose a project category, preview and select a canned drawing from one of 500 templates, and click a button to designate the publication medium--say, a Web site or a printed document. For additional guidance, you can turn to a handy online tutor that escorts you through such tasks as creating charts, designing logos and newsletters, and printing and publishing.

CorelDraw 9 Office Edition also comes with Corel Presentations, Corel Bitmap Editor (a downsized version of Corel Photo-Paint 9, the Photoshop-like image editor included in the complete CorelDraw package), and Corel's usual generous bundle of fonts, clip art, and supporting utilities.

Graphics pros will want the original version's more robust image editor and higher-end output capabilities, such as a color-separation function. And many novices will get a better fit with cheaper, more accessible packages. But for intermediate users, Office Edition's rich tool set, bundled goodies, and powerful capabilities make it a sound investment.

SUMMARY

CorelDraw 9 Office Edition PRO: Good business graphics templates, robust tools, helpful tutors. CON: Pricier than other graphics suites aimed at nonpros. VALUE: Excellent for ambitious entry-level or intermediate users. Street price: $229; competitive upgrade $149 Corel 800/772-6735 www.corel.com