According to the information on the Apple web site you can open Microsoft documents in iWork.
The iWork version of Word is called Pages.
Have a read here using this link:
http://www.apple.com/uk/iwork/pages/#compatibl e
Apple iWork 08 will give you Pages, Keynote & Numbers.
This retails at around �55.
Office 2008 for Mac will give you Word, Excel, PowerPower and Entourage. This retails at around �99 for the Home and Student Edition.
Another alternative to the above software is the free download software called NeoOffice. This will also allow you to open your Microsoft files on the MacBook.
Remember, if you are a student or work in education you can get an educational discount from the Apple Education Store. Check it out. Sometimes up to 15% off.
Oh, and treat yourself. Buy a MacBook.