LinuxPlanet: Word to the Wise… StarOffice 5.2: The Next Generation from Sun

[ Thanks to Kevin
Reichard for this link. ]

“Not everyone needs the same thing from a word processor, so we
looked at features, usability, and power from the perspective of
office professionals, clerical workers, and the student/home user.
… With those differences in needs in mind, we devised three tasks
and looked at them from several perspectives.”

“Though StarWriter comes with many features found in Word, those
features are accessed in a manner that proved frustratingly
dissimilar. While not a major argument against StarWriter, those
looking to adopt the software in order to convert their Microsoft
Office shop will have to consider training time. Unfortunately, the
documentation included with the software is deficient and will
hamper all but the most motivated learners.”

“Though StarWriter came up a little shy on the highest end of
features we’ve seen in word processors, it still earns a
recommendation as a solid piece of software with features that will
satisfy all but the most demanding users. General clerical workers
and students will find themselves with more than they need, and
creative “power users” will find plenty to keep them busy. Our
primary concern with what is a polished and smooth application
comes in when considering it for use for the simplest tasks, where
it comes across as too resource hungry and cluttered.”

“Clearly positioned as a thrust at Microsoft’s office suite
dominance, StarWriter is one to consider for almost any need except
the most complex desktop publishing, or for those with the most
modest requirements.”

Complete
Story