Reply #33: Right now, Mac OS X only comes with a demo....

[colinmom71]

version of iWork. You do have to pay for the full version of that software but you can at least try it out before you decide to spend the $79 on it. The full version comes with Pages (a full use word processor program), Numbers (a spreadsheet program), and Keynote (which makes presentations like PowerPoint does). The new update to Mac OS X comes out sometime next month but I do not know if iWork will be bundled with it then...

Macs do come bundled with a simple word processor called TextEdit. It's just a simple and basic word program with a spell checker and page layout tools. I'm not exactly proficient with word processors so TextEdit is what I tend to use. But if you're used to more complex word programs, you may prefer to go with buying iWork or using an alternative OS and your favorite word program...

While I have a MacBook, I haven't bothered with Bootcamp and an other OS, so I can't speak from experience on how to use that feature. But my new iMac that just came in yesterday (Yippee!) does have iWork on it (my Mac tech hubby set it up last night). I just haven't played around with it yet... If you can get to an Apple store, you can take a little time to play around with the Mac OS and the demo of iWork, as well as ask questions about the programs before you commit to a purchase. Hope this helps, and good luck finding a computer that meets your needs!