Google Spreadsheets Beta Launches

[mandy]

Creating spreadsheets

Create basic spreadsheets from scratch.
You can start from scratch and do all the basics, including changing the number format, sorting by columns, and adding formulas.

Upload your spreadsheet files.
Upload spreadsheets or worksheets from CSV or XLS format - all your formulas and formatting will come across intact.

Familiar desktop feel makes editing a breeze.
Just click the toolbar buttons to bold, underline, change the font, change the cell background color and more.

Sharing spreadsheets

Choose who can access your spreadsheets.
Just enter the email addresses of the people you want to share a given document, and then send them a message.

Share documents instantly.
People with whom you share a given spreadsheet can access it as soon as they sign in.

Edit with others in real time.
Multiple people can edit or view your spreadsheet at the same time as you - their names will appear in an on-screen chat window.

Storing spreadsheets

Edit from anywhere.
There's nothing to download; you access your spreadsheets from any computer with an Internet connection and a supported browser.

Never lose your work.
Online storage and auto-save mean you need not fear hard drive failures and power outages.

Easily save and export copies.
You can save your spreadsheets to your own computer in CSV, XLS and HTML formats.

Google spreadsheets tour: http://www.google.com/googlespreadsheets/tour1.html
Signup: http://www.google.com/googlespreadsheets/try_out.html

[regic]

Update: eBay scammers are selling invites to use the free spreadsheet program:

Now on eBay: Google Spreadsheet invites

Maybe it was inevitable: Google's new spreadsheet program has gotten enough attention that people are now trying to sell invites on eBay. Granted, at about $1 to $2 per invite, it's not like what sellers were getting for the Xbox 360.

But still, are people really interested enough to pay actual money to use a free spreadsheet program? I guess we'll find out...

full article: http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/micro...104153.asp