[JB72]

OK. My dad is really tempted to make the jump from Windows to Mac. He's looking at the new iBooks. One thing he is worried about is his data from his spreadsheet (Lotus Approach) and his database (Lotus 1-2-3.) So here's what I'm trying to find out:

1 - What would be a suitable replacement for his Lotus spreadsheet on OS X? He's considering AppleWorks so far, which makes sense as he doesn't do anything too hardcore.

2 - What might be the best, easier way for his to get his data files into a format that could use in whatever Mac software he ends up getting (ie AppleWorks?)

I'm at a loss myself as I'm really not much of a office guy. Mostly creative stuff. Thanks in advance for all the advice.

[ryaxnb]

Appleworks is good. So is Office, $149 for Student & Teacher, but it doesn't check whether you're a S or T or not, so it's a good idea. Last time I checked, Amazon sells it for $99. iRecommend it. However, there's no database, so you might be better off getting AppleWorks. In any case, spreadsheets: try to save as some sort of Excel (mac or win, doesn't matter) file, AppleWorks can generally open that. Tab-delimited may also be an option. Databases: Same thing.

[ryaxnb]

Appleworks is good. So is Office, $149 for Student & Teacher, but it doesn't check whether you're a S or T or not, so it's a good idea. Last time I checked, Amazon sells it for $99. iRecommend it. However, there's no database, so you might be better off getting AppleWorks. In any case, spreadsheets: try to save as some sort of Excel (mac or win, doesn't matter) file, AppleWorks can generally open that. Tab-delimited may also be an option. Databases: Same thing. BTW: iBooks come with Appleworks.

[milhouse]

Filemaker is a good database app if you are not talking about a huge amount of data (Enterprise type databases).

Excel would also likely be suitable if the db, as you note, is not hard core.


IMO Appleworks is not very good although a newer version is rumored to be in the making.

Good luck.

[Love Calm Quiet]

Appleworks is pretty basic stuff.
I did a search on "Lotus" in Appleworks Help - got NO entries. Not a good sign.

You probably need to stop into Borders Books and look through some "Missing Manual" kind of things for Appleworks to see if the import/export processes (e.g., via tab-delimited files) can take his material from a Windows Lotus to AppleWorks. You don't say what his level of geekness is, but it may be a bit of a challenge to move over lots of data.

And if he's a Lotus Power User, I don't know how happy he'd be with AW. It sure doesn't get the attn from Apple that they pour into development of their iApps.

[Love Calm Quiet]

Another thought... assuming YOU have Appleworks... have him email you WinLotus file. See if MacLink can enable your Appleworks to interpret it! (don't hold your breath)

[JB72]

Thanks for all the replies. Good stuff here.

Originally posted by Love Calm Quiet:
Appleworks is pretty basic stuff.
I did a search on "Lotus" in Appleworks Help - got NO entries. Not a good sign.

You probably need to stop into Borders Books and look through some "Missing Manual" kind of things for Appleworks to see if the import/export processes (e.g., via tab-delimited files) can take his material from a Windows Lotus to AppleWorks. You don't say what his level of geekness is, but it may be a bit of a challenge to move over lots of data.

I think AppleWorks will be enough for him. While he's very familiar with computers (we both got started with an Apple II,) he never really geeked out like I did. From what I understand, he isn't doing real complex stuff, and I got the impression he didn't care for MS Office because of it's bloat.

I have to assume that Lotus must have some fairly standard format to export to. One that AW could recognize. That's a good idea re: flipping through a book at Borders.

Meanwhile... my Dad keeps talking about browsing the Apple Store UTC. I know his mindset, he's stalking Mac. I've been there before.

[JB72]

Originally posted by Love Calm Quiet:
Another thought... assuming YOU have Appleworks... have him email you WinLotus file. See if MacLink can enable your Appleworks to interpret it! (don't hold your breath)

I actually don't have AW, yet. I'm trying to hold off getting it until version 7 is released, or Open Office has a Quartz client.

[Truepop]

I am not sure if AW will import lotus stuff or not but I am sure MacLinkPlus would help if it doesn't work.

http://www.dataviz.com/products/macl...p_xlators.html

[mark2]

There are standard formats that should allow you to exchange the files.
Here's a place where you should be able to get some solid information:
http://www.awug.org/

[JB72]

Thanks for the info people. My dad ended up buying a new 15" PowerBook as a pre-Christmas present for himself. He's still leaning on Virtual PC quite a bit, but it looks like we'll get him over to AW with the help of MacLinkPlus.