Windows 7: Outlook 2010 with Word 2003

I have Outlook 2010 but it does not work with my Word 2003. I do not have the spell check as a write and there is no integration with Word 2003. Is there a way in which I can integrate these programs or do I have to buy the Word 2010? I'm absolutely happy with the 2003 version.

Just as a starter, here is a comparison of Using Outlook 2010 with or without Word 2010 installed - Outlook - Microsoft Office.

I'm sure I would have no problem using Outlook 2010 with Word 2010. What I'd like to know is if I can in some way make my new stand-alone Outlook 2010 compatible with my old Word 2003.

I would like to buy Word 2010 if I had confidence in it but I don't after reading the 8 customer reviews on Amazon.com

I did say, "as a starter".

FYI: Outlook 2010 is not compatible with the Spell Checker from Word 2003. Have you considered installing an independent spell checker?

Hi, TommyO.

I can understand your concerns regarding moving from Word 2003 to Word 2010, especially after reading those reviews on Amazon. I perused them and, though genuine concerns are brought up, much misinformation is contained within.

Certainly, the ribbon interface takes a bit of getting used to. After using Office 2007 for a while, I became quite used to it. So much so, in fact, I yearned for the interface to be in Outlook, too. So, I upgraded to Office 2010 where Outlook gets the makeover as well as the rest of the suite.