OpenOffice 3.0 - the only option for masochistic Linux users
And linear optimizing Mactards
Posted in Software, 4th November 2008 12:02 GMT
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One of the gripes about OpenOffice is that it doesn't feel as crisp as Microsoft Office. The interface and the icons were likely designed by somebody who writes code for a living, not somebody who designs interfaces and icons for a living. 3.0 is a step in the right direction here, with much more inviting icons. For example, the slide type menu in Impress 2.4:
OpenOffice Impress icons (version 2.4)
vs. 3.0:
OpenOffice Impress icons (version 3.0)
Though the UI isn't yet perfect, you'll find small improvements like this littered about OpenOffice 3.0. However, there was one area that will cause a bit of confusion if you're used to the way things ought to be. Version 3.0's Save menu makes file system navigation tedious:

OpenOffice Save menu (with commentary)
I'm glad that OpenOffice decided to dump GNOME's default save-as menu for their own harder-to-use menu. I was getting bored of being able to intuitively save files wherever I wanted.
Next page: The Calc spreadsheet charts still kind of look like ass

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