Sometimes the challenge is that you know you saw it somewhere but you start looking at each ribbon set one-by-one and you forget what you’ve seen where and what else was around when you saw it. I think it’s similar to the same feeling you have when you’re lost and everything starts looking the same, but you still don’t know where you are or where you’ve been.

What I decided might come in handy for me is to put together a graphic of every toolbar stacked up next to each other so I can effectively see everything at once.

There are still a few different sections of the ribbon toolbar that expand to show more options, but this gives you a good starting point. I believe I’ll end up doing this for each of the major Office 2007 application for my use and for posts to come.

Click on the image below for the full-sized, single image I’ve put together.

Updated: Fixed the link on the image below to view the larger version.

Post from: EveryJoe

See All of Word 2007’s Ribbon Toolbars in One Spot

Let’s start the discussion on what you think the best examples of technology design are these days and in recent history. We don’t have to focus on items that are just beautiful aesthetically either. Great design can also encompass a great user-interface too. I don’t like iTunes to manage, but the simple interface of iPods are a great example of design in my opinion.

I’ve mentioned before my love for my first personal desktop computer with the Toshiba Infinia. It was one of the first non-beige desktops. Bummer that my monitor for that machine is no longer working. It’s got a short in it or something. Doesn’t detect a signal sometimes and doesn’t turn on.

What’s more important to you with your devices? Should it look great or work great? Nice to have both, but would you give up features for a flashy design? Would you forgive a little ugly if things "just worked" like you expect?

Let us know in the comments.

Image: Product images from product websites

Post from: EveryJoe

Top Technology Design Discussion

All that aside though, if you’re interested in learning more about the functionality of Office, but don’t have time to sit and read, this may just be the thing for you.

There are lots of topics now available, check the list out at the The IW Center, A community portal for information workers….

Jensen Harris is to be thanked for this heads up as well.

I’m downloading and listening to one on Windows Mobile 5.0 right now, I’ll let you know what I think of it and some others specifically related to Office 2007 soon.

Post from: EveryJoe

Office 2007 Prodcasts

Undoubtedly, the new feature in 2007 is the user-interface itself, but do you really upgrade because of a new interface? I’ll be honest with you, I’ve been playing with the beta for a little while now and really love the functionality of everything. Granted I’m still finding new things and old things alike, but I really like it.

Paul Thurrott has stated:

But Microsoft’s biggest competition in the office productivity space, ironically, comes from within: Older versions of the Office suite, including Office 2000, XP, and 2003, are often cited by customers as being good enough. Thus, businesses aren’t upgrading to new Office versions as quickly as they used to. And most now skip a version or two before upgrading.

With all that being said, why are you upgrading? For those of you that have been participating in the beta, what features are you using that will make the upgrade worthwhile by itself? So, far I’m most impressed with the new functionality and operations of Outlook 2007.

Post from: EveryJoe

Office 2007 vs. ????