Apple today announced an update to AppleWorks, the company’s productivity suite of applications. AppleWorks includes a spreadsheet, word processor, page layout, image manipulation, database and presentation package all rolled into one suite.
With the release of version 6.2 AppleWorks adds the ability to automatically create a document in PDF format for viewing and sharing over the Internet. In addition, AppleWorks 6.2 includes DataViz file translators, allowing users to open, save and share Microsoft Word and Excel documents.
“With its hallmark ease of use, AppleWorks is one of the most popular Mac applications ever, and now it’s the first productivity suite built to run on Mac OS X,” said David Moody, Apple’s senior director of Applications Marketing. “With downloads of the public preview topping 200,000, it’s clear that Mac users are hungry to get AppleWorks’ vast set of productivity features on the world’s most advanced operating system.”
AppleWorks 6.2 includes a version for Mac OS X and a version for Mac OS 8.1 or later. Minimum system requirements for both include a PowerPC-equipped Mac, 24MB of RAM with virtual memory set to at least 25MB, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, QuickTime and an optional Internet connection for accessing Internet-based templates.
AppleWorks 6.2 is available through The Apple Store, at Apple’s retail stores and through Authorized Apple Resellers for a suggested retail price of US$79. AppleWorks 6.2 is available as a free update to AppleWorks 6 owners.
Apple’s Web site was not updated with the new information as we went to press with this article.