Word Processor Review

There's a good review of different word processing software up at the Donation Coder website.

Why is it good? Well, it reviews 14 (!) different programs, ranging from the "Major Three" (Microsoft Word, Open Office, Word Perfect), through "Second-Tier" (TextMaker, Atlantis, Papyrus WORD, AbiWord, Ability Write, EIOffice, PolyEdit, 602 Text) to "Online Offerings" (Google Docs, ThinkFree Office Write, Zoho Writer).

Each software is reviewed relatively in-depth, and, though I can't really echo the author's predilection for word count statistics, he does point out important features in each application (such as ODF and PDF support, feature sets, short-cuts, and compatibility).

It's also a very neutral review: the author's only real bugbears seem to be compatibility (i.e. ODF support) and, like I said, the word count thing. He regularly points out the important fact that there is no one perfect program for everyone, and offers recommendations whether a particular application would suit students, academics, businesspeople, writers, or "Joe User".

The review shouldn't be regarded as definitive by any means, nor are the author's recommendations necessarily appropriate, but from the factual breadth alone it's an excellent starting point for anyone looking at acquiring a new word processor.

It's just a shame he didn't review LaTeX (yes, I know it's a typesetting program and not a word processor, but still..)