Microsoft is offering a 30-day review of Office 2008 for Mac users

Microsoft's Mac business unit this week began offering a free "full featured, no strings attached" trial of Office 2008 to help users learn about the software and become potential buyers.

The 545MB download, which can be quickly registered on Microsoft's MacTopia website for a 30-day key, marks the first time Microsoft has offered an evaluation version of Office in the year since its 2008 launch.

If the key expires, users can purchase the official version of the software online from an Apple authorized reseller or Mactopia, which costs $149.95 for the "Home and Student edition," $399.95 for the standard edition, and $499.95 for the Special Media edition.