[X4U] iWorks, specifically Pages app

[Jim MacCormaic]

On 28 Feb 2005, at 04:59 pm, Wayne Clodfelter wrote:

> Is anyone using Pages and what is the limitation on pages within a 
> document?

No limit that I'm aware of. I've seen references in Apple Discussions 
to people producing Pages documents containing hundreds of pages.

> Who isn't? What's the real scoop on Pages regarding typography, image 
> placement, and columnar controls, to mention a few items?

Image placement is flexible and powerful. Columnar controls are 
excellent. Typographical handling could do with some refinement -- 
Pages includes its own take on kerning, but it's missing controls for 
text width and vertical justification. I'm not impressed with its 
approach to leading, which it prefers to describe as 'line spacing' and 
implements in a manner which excludes an option to specify precise, 
fixed leading. Another limitation which has attracted much criticism is 
that there's no easy way to either delete or rearrange pages in a Pages 
document.

As to replacing Quark or InDesign, Pages doesn't fit the bill and I'm 
sure wasn't intended to. Pages is a hybrid between word processor and 
page layout. It does both well, but neither as well as stand-alone word 
processor or page layout packages do. In its own terms, though, it's 
well worth investigation. But be warned: Pages adopts a novel approach 
in a great many areas. Be prepared to forget your Quark way of doing 
things. If you can manage that and give Pages a fair try then I think 
you may well be pleasantly surprised. And always remember that your $79 
doesn't just get you Pages. The excellent Keynote 2 is also included in 
the iWork bundle.

Jim MacCormaic
Dublin, Ireland