Native Mac OpenOffice version coming
updated 12:15 pm EDT, Tue August 29, 2006
Native Mac OpenOffice
Mac users will soon see a working native Mac OS X version of the free multiplatform and multilingual office suite, OpenOffice. Since its original introduction on the Mac platform, the open-source OpenOffice project has been using the traditional X11 windowing system for compatibility with Mac OS X. Apple's own X11 implementation of the window system provides a standard toolkit and protocol for graphical user interfaces (GUI) for non-native Mac applications to run on Mac OS X. Though this has worked well functionally, some users have considered the appearance to be disappointing. Recently, OpenOffice announced that the new "Aqua"-based Mac native version (that does not use X11) is progressing well. The lead develper Eric B., has announced plans to demonstrate a working beta at Apple Expo in Paris, which takes place from September 12-16th. The current progress of the development can be followed via Eric B's blog or the project wiki. The current timeline released by OpenOffice.org, however, does not show the expected launch date of the Mac native version. Included is a screen shot of a recent native Mac build.
another one?
08/29, 12:40pm reply
evertime you turn around these days we got a new word processor.
gooser
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Neo Office?
08/29, 12:40pm reply
What about Neo Office? They have an OSX native version of OpenOffice.org which is quite nice. I have been using it for a while now:
http://www.planamesa.com/neojava/en/index.php
ValkRaider
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Ah and it still looks....
08/29, 01:10pm reply
...like A$$
shawnce
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2000
worse...
08/29, 01:13pm reply
...it still looks like a slightly broken office 2005 app.
adrian_milliner
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2005
Broken...?
08/29, 01:24pm reply
...I suppose there are some who wish to spend hundreds for what seems similar or perhaps extended functionality, but I have found NeoOffice to work wonderfully for my needs...
bobolicious
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
NeoOffice is already...
08/29, 01:26pm reply
..working, dl'ed it some days ago, and it seems to be running great. And it's running on Intel also..
Marook
Forum Regular
Joined: May 1999
neo office
08/29, 01:28pm reply
Neo office is fine, and I use it occasionally. However, it requires Java, and thus is slower to boot.
This is good news. A free alternative to MS Office is great, especially considering it has a growing mindshare and acceptance.
gudin
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2000
Sweet!
08/29, 02:04pm reply
We need all the Office alternatives we can get! The only problem with MS Office is it's made by Microsoft. Pretty good product (especially Excel), but I'd rather not give that two-bit company any of my money.
madgunde
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2002
NeoOffice != Java
08/29, 02:11pm reply
On my Intel MacBook Pro I have MS Office in Rosetta, OpenOffice.org in X11, and NeoOffice. They all take forever to open.
NeoOffice opens and runs faster than MSOffice in Rosetta.
ValkRaider
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Sweet!
08/29, 02:13pm reply
We need all the Office alternatives we can get! The only problem with MS Office is it's made by Microsoft. Pretty good product (especially Excel), but I'd rather not give them any of my money.
madgunde
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2002