Anonymous -- have you had to use Google Docs for anything serious like generating email templates or forms etc? Alot of offices keep Microsoft Office Word for that same reason. Sure, you could design a resume in Google Docs but it's a pain in the butt.

Microsoft wins in the usability area -- it's more intuitive then poking around Google Docs (which hey, is pretty decent for most folks) but when it comes to semi-advanced features, it seems to flounder.

will help a whole lot when writing  my resume

I voted "yes," but here's someone who obviously doesn't agree with me: Matt Asay of CNET, who wrote that, despite the new version of Office, it's new partnership with Nokia, and the soon-to-be-released Windows 7, Microsoft is boring, lacking innovation and "is becoming a footnote in the history of computing." Um? I agree with themiamigrrl - Office Word is better overall for more in-depth tasks, and the Office Web Apps feature - the biggest draw to the 2010 suite - is a big step forward for the company, in terms of online capability and competition. Read more of Asay's argument that "Microsoft's technology strategy needs a refresh" and see whether you agree or not.

I have to give credit to Microsoft Research. They've invested tremendously into studying the usability of Office and seeing how they can shave seconds for users looking to accomplish a task within the Office Suite. Ribbon was one. Looks like they've taken into account what testers had to say for Office 2010 Technical Preview and the Office team is releasing screenshots of Office 2010 Beta. Take a look at their blog.

Looking at the screen grabs,  have to say I don't hate the Ribbon interface.

@prepare_for_y2k

For the curmudgeons who like their oldfashion drop down menus, I say bah humbug. Ribbon has spoiled me to have everything laid out where I can easily find it. Some people just love to bitch about that interface, but if they ever actually made the effort to use the new UI, they would absolutely love it.

And just because it's just a "damn text editor" to you, doesn't mean that everyone uses it that way.

Any word yet on pricing or release date on the Office 2010?

Office 2010 will not only make you more productive, but also more REproductive

m