SNEAK PEEK: Microsoft Excel 2010 | Features | Techie.com.ph
7:00 PM | Wednesday | 08 September 2010

After our preview of the Office 2010 version of Word, we now move on to Excel, that lovably useful spreadsheet that accountants and various number-crunching professionals just can't live without.

Now you might be wondering how Microsoft could transform a bunch of boring rows, columns, and cells into a visual feast. We did, too, but when we saw the following features, we realized how making graphs and charts could make you feel as if you're manipulating numbers and drawings on an infinite canvas.

1. Sparklines

Sparklines are small visual representations-cum-summaries of figures compressed into a single cell. Unlike a normal graph, it doesn't give the full details of the contents but it does give the big picture, in a small picture. Highs and lows are marked to show when things went well and when they went to hell.

2. Pivot Charts

Now made easier to use and understand, Pivot Charts in Excel 2010 makes tables and cells look even more visually appealing. This is a definite boon especially when you're trying to impress your boss during your weekly meetings or for just preventing anyone from dozing off while you're giving your speech.

3. Slicers

Working hand-in-hand with your Pivot Charts and Pivot Tables are slicers, the simplest and easiest way to filter or "slice" your data so you only see what you need – or want – to see. It's like clicking on a link and having the desired content pop out like magic. This is especially useful if you're working with hundreds or even thousands of entries.

Microsoft Office 2010 is scheduled for a June release. For more information, please visit microsoft.com/office/2010.

Related Articles

• Microsoft Office 2010 Tech Guarantee
• Microsoft Office 2010 to make RP enterprise debut this May
• Office 2010 suite set for June 2010 release
• Microsoft to bring Office Mobile to Nokia smartphones