This is an unusual group test because there aren't any programs that are not up to the task. Each program reviewed here is very capable of producing professional-looking publications given time and effort. The question therefore becomes the ease with which they let you do this.

First, forget about PageMaker 6.5. It's looking decidedly dated nowadays. It has an interesting, business-like way of working but is irritatingly clunky in use. Corel Ventura is similar. We just got fed up with right-clicking here and navigating through this sub-menu there to bring about even slight changes to a document. These really are legacy tools for those already used to them.

Serif Page Plus is a fun program and is stunningly inexpensive compared to the rest on test. But it's very narrowly focussed on home user projects. Which is fine if you merely want to produce certificates and colourful calendars, but if not, you'll end up fighting against the nature of the program.

Quark XPress is still magnificently simple to use yet very powerful, even if it does cost as much as some PCs. There's also the fact that the entire publishing industry uses Quark Xpress so you're guaranteed file compatibility, for example, as well as help from people if you ever get stuck.

However, for our money at least, In Design nudges ahead. It's got some fairly nifty features that make page layout a breeze, as has Quark Xpress, but, most importantly, In Design has built-in PDF output. Many printers now operate a 'straight to plate' facility, cutting out the prepress separations stage, saving money and time. In Design was made with this in mind and thus claims the crown as the future of desktop publishing. The £539 + VAT price tag won't make the accountant smile, but it will be money wisely invested.