Comparing Online Word Processing Applications: Zoho Writer, Springnote, BuzzWord, and Writer

Frequent visitors to Listio will attest to the feeling that the whole world is going web 2.0, and office productivity is no exception. This week we took a look at several productivity applications in web 2.0, specifically the word processing applications Zoho Writer, Springnote, Buzzword, and Writer. There’s a chart later in the post to show how these applications stacked up, and for an introduction to this category please see Word Processing Online With Web 2.0.

We judged the applications on what kind of features they have, how to export and which export formats are supported, and their overall presentation. Each of these applications allowed users to take the creation and editing of word documents online, and each had features for different kinds of users. Zoho Writer is for the user looking for a Word-like experience, Springnote is for collaborative groups, Buzzword is for users that want a streamlined and slimmed down processor, and Writer is for the user who wants a distraction-free experience.

In a straight contest of features, Zoho Writer would have to win, as it not only supplies a majority of the features one associates with desktop word processing, but makes them easily accessible through buttons and a few menus. The drawback to this is a cluttered interface, which makes Springnote, with its graphic simplicity, more appealing. Users who draw inspiration from a graphically superior and optimized interface will be attracted to Buzzword, at the cost of some features.

For users interested in sharing and collaborating, Springnote is the easiest to use, allowing users easy navigation from the dashboard into shared projects, as well as a separation of documents into personal notebooks and group notebooks. Sharing to the web is possible with all but Writer, which is unable to publish text to blogs, or allow users to work collaboratively. Springnote and Zoho Writer were able to make their files public, and each of the applications are able to share through email.

All of the applications are able to print (and thereby export as PDF), but we found Buzzword had the most options for output. Users that intend to send content-rich (pictures, bullet lists, and so on) files are likely to be attracted to Buzzword, and as previously mentioned, it is the design of Buzzword that is likely to win users over. Buzzword also has a quick link to the Adobe web conferencing application ConnectNow.

The simplicity of Writer may be too simple for most users, but for the person that needs a minimum of options (and distractions) on the monitor, Writer’s basic functionality and dark screen may do the trick.

In the end Zoho Writer and Springnote are the most versatile. Both had a long list of features and in Zoho Writer’s case, an entire productivity suite behind them. To find these applications or ones like them there is the Listio search: create+documents.

Previously in this series: Writer: Word Processor With No Distraction

Application: Springnote
Listio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/Springnote/
Website: http://www.springnote.com

Springnote is an OpenID enabled web application that combines the elements of wiki, word processing, and file organization into an easy, simple, and intuitive user experience. Users are able to write notes through a WYSIWYG editor along with templates and plug-ins that are continually being expande... Learn more

Application: Zoho Writer
Listio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/Zoho-Writer/
Website: http://writer.zoho.com

Zoho Writer is a full-featured word processor which supports real-time collaboration between multiple users. It can import documents originated in a multitude of formats, like Microsoft Word (DOC, DOCX), OpenDocument text (ODT), OpenOffice text (SXW), HTML, RTF, JPG, GIF & PNG files, embed photos f... Learn more

Application: Buzzword
Listio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/Buzzword/
Website: http://buzzword.adobe.com

Adobe Buzzword is an online word processor, perfect for writing reports, proposals, and anything else you need to access online or work on with others. It looks and behaves like your normal desktop word processor, but it operates inside a web browser, so there's no installation required.... Learn more

Application: Writer
Listio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/Writer-1/
Website: http://writer.bighugelabs.com

Writer is an online word processor. While you can do nothing more than type text, it's very minimalistic interface allows this app to work really fast. No need to register and all you need to do is type away. There are also options to save and auto-save (both cookie-based), check word count, print,... Learn more

New to Listio? Our tag cloud search offers an easy way to narrow your hunt for the perfect web application or service. No more second guessing of search terms. Just click on one tag, then as many more as you'd like to narrow your search results. It's easy and ensures you get to the listing you want. Finding web 2.0 was never so easy.

Tags: business, create, documents, edit, personal, Word Processing
Posted in: Product Comparisons, Word Processing | Respond
Bookmark & Share: