Open Office - What's the Downside?

cclangi asks: "I'm a current Microsoft Office user, and I run a small business as a consultant (mining). I've read about Open Office and all the good things about it, but what about the downside? As a small business owner and semi-literate in things computer-ese (as a user, not as a developer or administrator), what support limitations are there for Open Office. I'm particularly interested in/concerned with compatibility of software for reports, spreadsheets and database apps that I might need to send to/receive from clients. As I've said, I've read the good stuff, and 'how easy it is', but what are things I need to be aware of before considering switching completely to Open Office? Comments and experiences would be welcomed." A couple of months ago, OpenOffice advocates had space to sound of on the reasons to switch to OpenOffice. Now, it only seems fair to give the dissenters a place to voice their own reasons. What are the reasons keeping you away from OpenOffice and on your current office suite?

Comments

Do you use it on a Macintosh?

[Blakey Rat]

Then run away now. Both the X11 and the "Aquafied" version totally stink. Terrible usability, horribly slow... unfortunately, there's no good Office alternative for Macintosh right now.

Linux vs. Windows?

[c0d3h4x0r]

So Slashdot is actually capable of having an objective discussion about the merits of MS Office versus OpenOffice. I'm amazed.

So then why is it that Slashdot is incapable of having an objective discussion about the merits of MS Windows versus Linux?