Do you use Open Office?

[MovingIn07]

I'm trying to get a handle on whether anyone uses Open Office as a proper business tool.

[Flat Hunter]

Yes, no problems with what I need it to do. If anything it is better is some ways than microsoft office.

[MovingIn07]

Yes, no problems with what I need it to do. If anything it is better is some ways than microsoft office.

Thanks. Does your work involve sharing files with other people? One of the key concerns my business partners have is that if we use it, we will have all sorts of problems sharing (mainly PowerPoint-type) documents.

[Flat Hunter]

You can set up in the options to save all files in microsoft format by default. This allows sharing between microsoft and open users.

[jaykay]

There can be some compatibility issues but no different than those between versions of MS Office for Windows and Mac. In fact Open Office can be used to bridge some of the issues you get between MS Office Mac/Windows versions.
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[bookblogger]

Yes, I do. It's fine.

[MovingIn07]

Does anyone use the Impress part of it? I quite like the writer and spreadsheet, but really struggled with Impress.

[fth]

I started using it after struggling to get my hands on a 2003 version of MS Office as the new version for PC's is horrible with all the menu changes and blocks on Macros. I use it casually on my mac and its is quite capable of saving in .xls/.doc/.ppt formats. There may be some issues with placeholders drifting between versions, but for .ppt documents being sent to clients I normally send them a .pdf file if it is a final draft.

The other option you may want to look at is google docs.

[MovingIn07]

Isn't google docs online? Not sure I'm ready for that ..... I need to edit stuff on planes!

[WalkAbout]

Open Office is very comprehensive & professional results . A complete office suite word processing , spread sheets , presentations etc.