Microsoft Office Student and Teacher Edition: Should I get 2003 or 2007?

[mshan]

I need Powerpoint for some basic presentations.

Running on an IBM T42 laptop with Windows XP Pro.

Is it worth getting the new 2007 Microsoft Office Student and Teacher suite, or is the 2003 version less buggy and more compatible?

EDIT: can't find new. Is it safe and legitimate to purchase an used copy off of eBay as long as at least 1 of the 3 official licenses is still valid and unused?

 

[secretanchitman]

2007 is great, if you like change. try out 2007 first, cause some people just downright hate it.

 

[mb]

I think 2007 is great. It takes like 2 minutes to learn the new interface. So, if you're not too lazy to spend a couple minutes getting used to the new look, buy 2007.

 

[mshan]

I've been doing some online research and my main two concerns are:
- no Outlook integrated into suite (synching to Palm Pilot and Verizon LG VX8300 requires this, I think)
- laptop is IBM T42, Pentium M 1.6 gHz cpu (pre-core duo), XP Pro. I get the impression that 2003 was designed for XP and I am guessing 2007 is optimized for Vista (?)

 

[mb]

Unless you need Outlook for that reason, I wouldn't worry about it. Outlook.. sucks anyway. But, if you need it, then you need it and I can't change that.
But, 2007 works fine on Windows XP.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: mshan

EDIT: can't find new. Is it safe and legitimate to purchase an used copy off of eBay as long as at least 1 of the 3 official licenses is still valid and unused?

Are you a student? If so, check out the MSDNAA Page. Through my university, I am able to get many Microsoft programs for free or almost free, it could be the case at yours.

Are you employed? Check with Microsoft or your employer about the Microsoft WAH (work at home) / home use program. A relative of mine was able to get Office 2007 (full / pro) for < $30 through it.