I just recently downloaded and started testing the beta of Microsoft Office 2010, and must say that I am impressed.
My first impressions:
First thing up is the ribbon which has been expanded in Windows 7 and updated in Office 2010. I must say that adding the File tab was a no brainer. Every time I had a new user open anything in Office 2007 the first thing they missed was the MS round icon in the top left that was like a file tab.
Next up is the quick access toolbar. I still had to go in and select print and print preview to show them. Why? Am I the only one who would like to be able to see a print preview of what I am doing without clicking three things to get to the preview?
Next up is the stability and so far so good. I also like that I can open an OpenOffice file *.odt.
Microsoft also included a utility that loads in your system tray that you can send feedback. I did have one occurrence which I wanted to send them, but realized that all of my personal data was viewable in the screen shot that was going to be sent, and I declined.
According to ars technica the new version may be out as soon as June 2010.
After using Office 2010 for about a week I really like the product, but will I upgrade? The addition of the file tab and the ability to open ODT files may not be worth the cost, but I will keep using the product and decide when it comes out.
