Want to get a macbook but unsure about the compatability...

Hi peeps, im looking to get a macbook for University and was wondering if there are the programs I will need... I will need a word processing program, spreadsheet, something similar to powerpoint ect (MS office stuff) Is there anything like this for the mac that is compattable with windows aswell? Also will things like printers, scanners, mobile phone software work on it aswell? Sorry if these are dumb questions.
Thanks, Nick.

There is a Mac version of Microsoft Office, which includes Word, Excel and Powerpoint, and as a student you can get the Student/Teacher version (no limitations from the retail version other than licensing) for a good price - about $125.00 after the current rebate. Or you can get Apple's iWork '08 which has a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation application that can import and export in Microsoft Office format (with some limitations). You can also get the open-source NeoOffice which also has the same modules and also imports and exports in Office format.
As to compatibility with printers, scanners, etc. then the answer is "it depends". Many such peripherals are compatible, but not all, with older peripherals less likely to be compatible than newer ones.
Regards.
Message was edited by: Dave Sawyer

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