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Google Docs beta

By Alex Serpo, ZDNet.com.au on 19 September 2008 04:50 PM

Tags: google, docs, review, cloud, google docs, spreadsheet, document

ZDNet Australia Editors’ Choice

Manufacturer: Google - http://www.google.com/

Platform

  • Mac
  • Yes
  • Windows
  • Yes
  • Web-based
  • Yes

Talkback 2 comments

    I would like to clarify that c ...Robert Blomdalen -- 23/09/08

    I would like to clarify that co-writing is fully supported. More than one user can write and edit shared documents at the very same time.

    If you want to have a library of files, as you would on your computer, you'll end up with stacks of files. I recommend the Google Docs and Spreadsheets for present-day work that you would like to have easy accessible.

    The good: Co-writing, support for common file types, easy to use and export files

    The bad: No tree view of files in folders

    Hi allHave you any thoughts on ...Lars L -- 26/09/08

    Hi all

    Have you any thoughts on the fact that in para 11 of the T&C's it says (the copyright part is good, but what about the reporduce, adapt etc):

    "You retain copyright and any other rights you already hold to Content which you submit, post or display on or through the Service. By submitting, posting or displaying the Content, you give Google a worldwide, royalty-free and non-exclusive licence to reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute any Content which you submit, post or display on or through the Service for the sole purpose of enabling Google to provide you with the Service in accordance with its Privacy Policy"

    Thanks

    Lars

Add your opinion

Overview

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The good:
  • Free edition available (along with storage)
  • Allows collaboration on a single document
  • Highly portable
  • Gears lets you take your documents offline
  • Integrates nicely with Google services like Gmail
  • Allows you to create forms
  • Simple intuitive design
  • Spreadsheets can include dynamic data from a range of sources
The bad:
  • Cloud computing means systems may go down
  • Do you trust Google with your private data?
  • Slow connection speed may cause applications to lag
  • Limited functionality as an office suite
  • Gears doesn't pick up if you lose your connection
The bottomline:

A highly valuable piece in the online productivity puzzle, but not yet the complete picture.

Editors’ rating:

9/10

RRP: US$50 per user, per year

Related topics:

google, docs, review, cloud

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