Does the equation editor in MSWord2007 suck?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the usability and features of the equation editor in Microsoft Word 2007, comparing it to previous versions and alternative software options. Participants explore their experiences, preferences, and challenges with the editor, touching on aspects such as functionality, ease of use, and compatibility with other applications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express that the equation editor in Word 2007 is not the best but is adequate, suggesting it requires some adjustment to use effectively.
  • Others mention that the 2007 version has improved aesthetics and allows for typing expressions like x^2 or a_2 directly, which is seen as a positive change compared to older versions.
  • Concerns are raised about limitations, such as being unable to change the font from Cambria Math and the inability to use the editor in applications other than Word, leading to issues with pasting equations as low-resolution images in PowerPoint.
  • Alternative software options are discussed, including MathCad, which allows for live updates of calculations, and MathType, which supports LaTeX input directly into Word.
  • One participant notes the challenge of typing Greek letters in the 2007 editor and mentions that it supports Equation Editor 3.0, which can be accessed through the Insert tab.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the equation editor has its merits and drawbacks, but there is no consensus on whether it is superior or inferior to previous versions or alternative tools. Multiple competing views on usability and preferences remain present.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved issues regarding the functionality of the equation editor, the dependence on specific software features, and the varying experiences of users based on their needs and familiarity with different tools.

pellman
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Or do I just need to work at getting used to it?

Is there a third option to using the new editor or using Equation Editor 3.0?
 
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It isn't the best, but it is entirely adequate. Yes, it takes some getting used to.

Other options? You might look into 'MathCad', if you need to do lots of reports with embedded equations. MathCad has the advantage of including live links to the mathematical 'guts' of the program inside the report editor, so you can change input values and the report updates all the calculations automatically.
 
I thought 2007 version looks better than the old one, I like that I can type stuffs like x^2 or a_2 and it will convert it, instead of having to click for the boxes to insert the power and subscript etc. Of course nothing beats good old LaTeX :P
 
pellman said:
Or do I just need to work at getting used to it?

Is there a third option to using the new editor or using Equation Editor 3.0?

It does take some getting used to, but a couple of disadvantages are that you can't change the font (you're stuck with Cambria Math) and you can't use it anywhere besides Word -- like PowerPoint, etc. It's true that you can copy an equation from Word and paste it into PPT or elsewhere, but it pastes as a crappy-looking low-resolution, uneditable image rather than a nice-looking equation that you can edit if you want.

Other options? There are several, MathType being one. MathType let's you type LaTeX directly into Word, and convert it into a graphical equation with the shortcut Alt+\.
 
bobm said:
It does take some getting used to, but a couple of disadvantages are that you can't change the font (you're stuck with Cambria Math)

yeah. I can't figure out how to type a greek letter.

2007 supports equation editor 3.0. To get it started you just have to copy an existing equation created with 3.0. I'm just going to live with that until I can't use it anymore.

Thanks for your views.
 
Actually you can get to Equation Editor 3 by clicking on the Insert tab, then click on Object (it's in the Text group). "Microsoft Equation" is listed there.
 

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