Customer Reviews

Microsoft Publisher 2007 Version Upgrade [Old Version]

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Microsoft Publisher is one of the few programs that I have used every day since Version 1 (the other is Quicken). I have purchased every new upgrade to both programs and literally could not be without either. When Publisher 2003 came out, it was a fairly substantial improvement over its predecessor in both format and functionality. Now that I am using a brand-new computer with Windows Vista and the latest version of MS Office, I decided to get the 2007 upgrade to Publisher. I am very disappointed. Not that it's bad ... Publisher is still a very useful program ... but that it is virtually identical to the 2003 version, including the same old tacky and dated 1990's templates. Sure there are a few enhancements, but the user interface takes a step backwards and reminds me of Windows 98 and like Vista and Office, what used to take one keystroke now takes 2 or 3. It has none of the cool and useful new look or features of the other Office 2007 products. Quite honestly, I believe Microsoft should have made this a free download rather than to pawn it off as a whole new version. Since I am still a big fan of Publisher I will have to split my review into two parts: the full-version of Publisher at 149 dollars is worth 5 stars and I would recommend it to anyone who has never used Publisher. The upgrade-version at 85-100 dollars barely gets 3 stars, if you already have Publisher 2003, don't waste your money upgrading it.

It isn't perfect, I'd like to see a few things made easier for make web page designs, and some of the new features don't work as good as they say, but I LOVE this program. It has tons of templates and you can download more for free. It's really easy to make cards, newsletters, pages for books, web sites, invitations... you name it. I can insert full resolution photos and it will reduce the resolution for web pages as needed. It lets me add my own html code easily and the new navigation bar design features are excellent. It prints beautifully on all my 5 different types of printer. I made an alphabet book for my grandson and it printed the pages, front and back, perfectly. I took them out of the printer and stapled them, didn't have to sort anything. The print quality is excellent. The file sizes are much smaller than previous version and you even have the option to optimize all you photos and clip art to reduce file size even more. I think this is a great took for the computer at any price, no matter if you're a novice or expert.

If you have a computer with any newer version of Microsoft, i.e. "Home and Student" or etc. you can use this upgrade item. It sure beats buying the costly "All In One" Microsoft Office. I like it very much!

With so many versions and variety it is hard tom make purchasing decisons. THe product information is not much help in deciding between need for UPGRADE version, full verion, box with product key etc. I am not buying because I cant figure out what I need to buy and the differences between the version products.

Purchased this for my wife to use so she can create simple information bulletins that are no more than 3 to 5 pages in length. Yes you can do it, but I have never seen a more complicated software package in my life! The CAD software at my job is less complicated and easier to learn.

Yes, it can do what you want it to, but only after hours of watching YouTube tutorials on things that should be intuitive. As I've discovered with some other software packages like this, anyone with average skills using Powerpoint or MS Word can accomplish the same results without all the trouble.

Prove this to yourself before you buy. Go to YouTube and search using 'MS Publisher 2007'. See if you have the patience for this sort of thing before dropping $100 on this.

Bob

I have used MS Publisher for many years. It has been a very useful, creative tool and is my default application for all text/object layout requirements. It facilitates much easier, more flexible positioning, orientation and manipulation of text, tables, graphics and photo elements than Word.

I have been using Version 2000 successfully with satisfactory results, but I felt it was time to update/upgrade to Version 2007 to obtain enhanced features. One of these is the ability to open more than one document at a time, just as you can with Word. Another nice feature is that the program shows small icon views of previously opened documents as a way to quickly locate and open a recent document. And, the program will convert documents created in previous versions.

Why not 5 stars? The "improvements" are far from dramatic. And, because it's Microsoft, it does have a typical complement of nuisance aspects. For example, if you set custom margin/grid line settings for a document and switch between views, the program reverts back to its default margin/grid line settings. Annoying, but not a killer. A previous reviewer nailed it by observing that it seems the people at Microsoft who do its applications revising and "upgrading" can't possibly be heavy users of those applications. They are programmers who think that fiddling with a program and change for the sake of change is desireable. For once, they should actually consult with end users before designing/revising their products. But, when you're nearly the only game in town, why bother, right?

Heavy duty graphics professionals will probably still stick with Quark or equivalent programs. But, for most other users with a need/desire to create layout documents such as signs, forms, business cards, brochures or newsletters, MS Publisher 2007 is a powerful and relatively convenient tool.

This is just what I needed. It was nice to be able to buy the upgrade only. Amazon had the best price.

Microsoft Publisher 2007 Version Upgrade I purchased this upgrade expecting some new tools and better templates but I was disappointed. Not much new in my opionion. I like the older versions better. As Publisher gets upgraded over the years it doesn't change enough to make the purchase of the upgraded program worth it. Save your money.

I like the changes to the Publisher 2007; the drag and drop feature for clip art is great. That saves so much time! The ease of changing direction of text or graphics is always something I have liked about Publisher. Keep up the good work! I use this program for just about everything so I want something that will accommodate all the steps I need.

The upgrade keeps your version on the "edge" and open to new online variations and themes. It some ways, the older versions are speedier to navigate through and there's not a substantial added number of themes for your projects.
On the plus side, the installation had no hiccups and ran smoothly. If you're running Vista (I'm not), it will probably be worth the effort since compatibility is assured.
I didn't see the improvements and new materials I expected so I've been disappointed somewhat. That's why I gave it three stars.