Microsoft word, by far, is the best writing software you can buy. It comes with an app that can be used on an iPad or iPhone. However, that depends on your licensing agreement.
I purchased a onetime licensing agreement to put Microsoft word on my desktop. I thought I could use it for my iPad as well, but apparently my 12.9 inch iPad is too large to be considered.
If I would have kept my monthly Microsoft Word subscription, I would’ve been able to use the Microsoft Word app on any device for free.
But I didn’t want to pay monthly. I wanted to pay one time and that’s it. This option appeals to a lot of people. It appeals to writers. It appeals to students. It also appeals to those who only have one device.
Because I bought only one Microsoft Word license, I can’t use the app like I wanted to. I can use it on my iPhone because it has a small screen. Apparently if the screen falls within a certain size you can do anything you want with the app, including editing.
But I can’t see the iPhone screen well enough to write an entire document. That’s why I went to the 12.9 inch iPad.
I’m a bit disappointed that I can’t use the app on my iPad without purchasing another licensing agreement. I understand why Microsoft Word has this rule, but I just don’t like it.
I guess to them, a 12.9 inch iPad is the same as a laptop. In order to have Microsoft word on both my desktop and my 12.9 inch iPad, I would have to either buy a monthly subscription, or another licensing agreement.
I guess I shouldn’t be such a cheapskate, and I should just buy a second license or a subscription, because I really do love Microsoft Word. To me it is the absolute best writing software on the market.
Functionality wise, it is more superior then its counterparts. At least that is my opinion anyway, and I’ve used Microsoft word for many years and it hasn’t failed me yet.
GOOGLE DOCS
In my opinion, Google Docs is my second-best favorite software for writing on the iPad. It is easy to use and reliable.
I often copy and paste from a Word document on my Desktop to Google Docs on my iPad so that I can edit while relaxing on the couch.
Google Docs looks like Microsoft Word. It can do just about everything that Microsoft Word can.
It’s a free software developed by Google, with no major formatting problems whatsoever. It’s a favorite among students, and authors alike.
Google Docs even has built in speech recognition software for free that works quite nicely and is very reliable.
PAGES
Pages is a built-in feature that comes with every iPad. You can write an entire book with it.
Pages is very handy because it syncs with all Apple devices. I love that part about it, and I find it to be quite convenient.
The only thing I don’t like about Pages is that the save feature is a little bit confusing for me. I found myself unsure if my work was actually saving, and then, once it was saved, I didn’t know where to find it.
That might be my own fault because I’m so used to Microsoft Word. Overall, Pages is a great piece of writing software that is reliable and sturdy, and I am growing more used to using it every day.
ALTERNATIVES
There are many alternatives to the writing software listed above, mostly in the form of apps for the iPad. They are as follows:
· Microsoft Word
· Google Docs
· Pages
· iA Writer
· Ulysses
· Scrivener
· Evernote
FREE VS PAID
The old saying, “You get what you pay for” is very true. If money is no object, buy a full subscription to Microsoft Word.
One of the perks for buying a subscription to Microsoft Word is the tech support. When I had a subscription, I used the tech support service.
I had something major go wrong with Microsoft Word on my laptop one time, and I couldn’t figure it out. I wracked my brain over it for days until finally giving up trying to fix it.
At the time, I didn’t realize that my subscription to Microsoft Word had included full tech support. That meant I could call Microsoft Word and they would fix my computer.
After several days of fussing, I finally decided to call the company. It was rather scary because it felt like one of those telemarketing scams where they ask to go inside your computer to do some work. I was afraid they would steal all my information.
After a while, I realized those worries were just made up inside my head. Microsoft Word is a reputable company, and I had nothing to fear.
I phoned tech support and talked to a really nice gentleman. He went inside my computer and worked on it for over two hours. I had a compatibility issue with my laptop that wasn’t authorizing Microsoft Word properly.
I never would have been able to fix it without Microsoft Word tech support, and I am so grateful that I had a paid subscription that included it.
Even though I no longer have a subscription to Microsoft Word, and opted out for the one-time licensing fee, it is still a great company, and I miss the monthly subscription and it’s perks. Who knows, maybe I’ll get it again some day.
I’ve written all my books on Microsoft Word, as well as all my website articles. I’m comfortable with Microsoft Word, and I know I can rely on it.
You really do get what you pay for.
However, free writing software can be just as good. It all depends on the person. It all depends on what you are looking for and why.
If all you want to do is school work, free writing software may be all you need. If it gets the job done then use it. There is no shame in that.
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Author Kathleen Morris
Kathleen Morris is a successful published author, blogger, and YouTuber. She enjoys writing about things she’s passionate about and making a difference in the world.