Google launches spreadsheet

[D_o_S]

Google has released yet another rival product to Microsoft and this time it is Google Spreadsheet, an online programme to rival Excel.

For the time being, Google is only releasing Spreadsheet to a limited number of people on a 'first come first served' basis, although we suspect that it will be available to the general public eventually (along with some other interesting stuff, a database and word processor come to mind).

So what can we expect from Google Spreadsheet? Well there will be the usual columns and fields and the ability to add formulas and format cells will be available. Whilst we don't expect Google Spreadsheet to be as intensive and math-heavy as Microsoft Excel, there will be the added options, such as the ability for two or more people to edit the spreadsheet in real-time.

Google hopes that its stripped-down version will still do the vast majority of what people need, since many people only use the very simple bits of Word or Excel without ever digging into more advanced features.

You will also be able to save spreadsheets into CSV or XLS format, which will allow compatibility with other spreadsheet software out there. Likewise you will be able to load these files into Google Spreadsheets.



View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Jimmy 2004]

So where can I actually try and download this? I can't find it very easily on Google. Sounds like OpenOffice is still the best free alternative for experienced users though.

 

[newtekie1]

Yep, because I know every time I want to do any spread sheet work I have access to the internet to use Google Spreadsheet...this is just stupid.

 

[Jimmy 2004]

Yep, because I know every time I want to do any spread sheet work I have access to the internet to use Google Spreadsheet...this is just stupid.

No it isn't. Much of the work I do in spreadsheets requires the use of the internet to do resarch and many people have always on broadband so it isn't so bad for them. Plus, if it's free it will attract a lot of people doing basic tasks. Why do some people automatically oppose new ideas?

 

[newtekie1]

No it isn't. Much of the work I do in spreadsheets requires the use of the internet to do resarch and many people have always on broadband so it isn't so bad for them. Plus, if it's free it will attract a lot of people doing basic tasks. Why do some people automatically oppose new ideas?

I don't oppose new ideas, I oppose this idea because it sucks. There are already perfectly good free alternatives to Microsoft Excel, and guess what, I don't have to be connected to the internet to use them and I don't have to run them inside of a browser!

 

[Jimmy 2004]

I don't oppose new ideas, I oppose this idea because it sucks. There are already perfectly good free alternatives to Microsoft Excel, and guess what, I don't have to be connected to the internet to use them and I don't have to run them inside of a browser!

I know what you're saying but some of those alternatives like open office can be quite difficult for dialup users to download due to their size and at least they could use this. And the simple nature of the application could be good for less computer literate people than those that you're likely to find on a site like this.

 

[newtekie1]

I know what you're saying but some of those alternatives like open office can be quite difficult for dialup users to download due to their size and at least they could use this. And the simple nature of the application could be good for less computer literate people than those that you're likely to find on a site like this.

I sort of see what you are saying, but for a dail-up user what is better? Waiting on a single download once to install openoffice, or downloading a java or whatever it is app every time? My guess is that the google spreadsheets download is going to be a pretty hefty one too, and every time you clear your cache you have to redownload it...No thanks, I think I'll take the single large download all at one time.

 

[Jimmy 2004]

We'll have to wait and see... they might even release it as a download sometime.