There’s been some buzz about googles launch of their first "office-esque" product.  So, I signed up to get a preview to see what all the fuss is about.  To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the application.

Google Spreadsheets is a browser based spreadsheet and collaboration tool.  You make, share, save, edit your spreadsheets in a web browser. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see that it wasn’t a super light grid based notepad; it’s a real spreadsheet with formulas to do real work:

You can highlight ranges of cells, just like good ole Excel:

Overall, I was quite happy with the experience and think it will definitely be useful for individuals and SMBs.  I ponder, like others, how useful it will be in big corporate environments BUT don’t really think of it as a competitor to star office/open office. 

So when are Pivot Tables/Pivot Charts arriving… now THAT would be awesome! 🙂