Review: Nisus Express is a writer’s tool


Nisus Writer Express 2 (NWX2) is billed as a serious writing and editing tool. The spin that accompanies this product to market sums this up nicely:

"No bloat, no gimmicks, no animated computers. Instead, Nisus Writer Express gives you the tools you want in a clean, open, easy-to-use interface."

Whereas Word 2004 tries and fails with varying degrees of misery to be everything to everyone, NWX2 can be accurately compared with Word 5.1 and WriteNow -- applications designed to process and manipulate words.

Does what it says...

NWX2 launches quickly and the interface does not disappoint. Everything that this writer needs is represented right up front -- text and paragraph formating, a table tool and a highlighter. Also, the integrated Thesaurus and always open "Stats" window (ie word and character counts) make it complete.

Further, with its simple baseline, ligature and kerning tools, as well as integrated macro support, the serious writer and/or word processor (two distinct vocations) will find much to like. And, again, the interface and menus are uncluttered, which makes learning and using this application easy and pleasant.

For example, inserting foot and/or endnotes is as easy as selecting "Insert" and then footnote and typing or pasting text. Really quite brain free...

As a writing tool, however, I think NWX2 could do with an integrated dictionary, as well as stronger commenting functionality (ie Acrobat's clickable inline notes).

Bottom line

If you crave a writing and word processing tool that's not bloated, you should take a serious look at Nisus Writer Express 2. Like the simply wonderful word processors of old -- WriteNow, Word 5.1, the original Nissus Writer for Classic (still available) -- it does what it's supposed to do.

And, what more could you ask for in a word processor?

More info:
• NWX2 can open and save to Word format
• Mac360's review
• MacUser UK's review
• 30-day trial version