(Jun 18, 2008)
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 applications.
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: $149.99 - $399.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jan 29, 2007
Very good
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Apple iWork '08
Although Microsoft Office 2007 offers deeper features, particularly for number crunchers, Apple iWork '08 is a strong Mac productivity package and a pleasure to use.
Price: $62.49 - $79.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 22, 2007
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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FeedDemon 2
FeedDemon is a terrific RSS reader that can handle hundreds of subscriptions faster and better than the many free Web-based readers available.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Oct 10, 2006
Excellent
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