It isn’t often that one can say Microsoft has “hit a home run”. Even the recent Xbox 360 launch, while fantastic, had serious issues. In reality, most people believe the adage that MS doesnt’ get anything right until the third revision. There are countless examples where that’s wrong (usually it’s the 2nd), but there are enough times it’s right to make it stick.

Marc Orchant’s recent review of Student 2006 (a software package geared towards middle-schoolers) shows that not only has Microsoft hit the mark with this package, they’ve done so better than any other application that exists for this age group.

The review from Marc’s son Jason is great (here’s an excerpt):

From my perspective as a student, Microsoft Student 2006 has been an invaluable tool for reports, school projects, and homework. It’s also a lot of fun to just browse around because there are so many interesting videos, animations, games, and sound clips. I would highly recommend this program to any student who wants to have help for all of their subjects at their fingertips.

And Marc’s low-down is equally glowing (if not more so:

Our bottom line results? Jason has had the best grade reports this first half of the year since entering middle school. He’s less stressed about big projects knowing he has these resources at his disposal. And we’ve found a new and very enjoyable way for me to be involved in his schoolwork. We give Microsoft Student 2006 an enthusiastic two thumbs up!

Considering you can pick up this little tool for 70-100$, it’s really quite hard to argue with. It includes so many tools and so much useful information (like templates and tips and action plans on each major kind of essay middle-school students will likely face) that it’s hard to not go out and buy it for my kids right now (who won’t be entering middle school for at least a decade).

Good job Microsoft, and great review Marc and Jason!