19 replies to this topic

[Darth Biscuit]

I'm kind of an old school guy when it comes to OS's... we were exclusively a WinXP shop here at the office basically since we started in 2002... We've moved some to Win7 with our newer workstations in the last year, and it's working out OK, although there is some stuff we don't care for...

Win 8 is supposed to be a whole new ballgame, the "biggest step in Windows" since it's creation...

Here's a good video about it...




...and an article on CNET
http://reviews.cnet....7-35321713.html

All I had seen before these videos was the "tablet" screen of Win8, but it does have a desktop mode... apparently Microsofts goal here is to unify an OS for tablets and desktops.


Anybody used the beta yet?

[mmmbeans]

Microsofts goal here is to unify an OS for tablets and desktops.

turrible, just turrible.


<haven't tried it.

[Darth Biscuit]

I agree... me and MCP were just discussing... seems like they would have a desktop only version for office/workstation only users... no need to mix it all up imo.

The tablet version looks like a clusterfug to me... too much stuff all jumbled together... but then again, I haven't used it either.

[natty]

I have a feeling it's going to be a disaster. With the windows store they are attempting to duplicate the apple/itunes model and lock users on to their platform. This could be the opportunity for linux to finally break through.

[Tensor]

I've used Windows 8.

It is incredibly fast. I installed it on a laptop that is 5 years old and it ran faster than Vista ever did on that laptop.

The desktop mode works just like a typical windows computer, so if you buy a laptop/desktop, just leave it in that mode and nothing is different from the old windows - except it is faster.

I can see the Windows 8 tablets stealing market share away from laptops and ultrabooks though. They'll have docking stations, which basically turn it into a desktop PC to use at home/work, but it is much easier to carry around/use on the go.

Rumor has it that the RT version of the tablets will start at $199. That's incredibly for a tablet with a 10" screen. If true, I expect to see Windows 8 tablets sell by the millions.

If they go for $199, I'm pre-ordering one the first day I can.

[TerriblePizza]

I have mixed feelings. I've been using Windows 7 since the release day and I love it. I love the metro styling, but I hate how Microsoft is trying to do the "walled garden" thing like Apple.

[Sapper]

Having worked for Microsoft in the past, I will say this is their most ambitious project to date and should be a major breakthrough.

I signed the NDA, so I really cannot say anything more than that =/.

[The Original SCP]

I still use XP and don't intend to switch until I absolutely HAVE to. As in, I can't find a decent laptop that has XP drivers available for it. These new OS's hog so many resources it's insane. No reason for it, IMO.

[nickzz]

I've used Windows 8.

It is incredibly fast. I installed it on a laptop that is 5 years old and it ran faster than Vista ever did on that laptop.

The desktop mode works just like a typical windows computer, so if you buy a laptop/desktop, just leave it in that mode and nothing is different from the old windows - except it is faster.

I can see the Windows 8 tablets stealing market share away from laptops and ultrabooks though. They'll have docking stations, which basically turn it into a desktop PC to use at home/work, but it is much easier to carry around/use on the go.

Rumor has it that the RT version of the tablets will start at $199. That's incredibly for a tablet with a 10" screen. If true, I expect to see Windows 8 tablets sell by the millions.

If they go for $199, I'm pre-ordering one the first day I can.

mistake

[d-dave]

Folks need to give it a chance. I really liked it when i used the betas. I look forward to seeing everyone go from negative nancies to loving the new way of computing. Change is part of life!

[SmootsDaddy89]

I'm cool with innovations, but there's no reason to give a computer a tablet-like interface. It's just stupid. I'm sure a bunch of macfags will hop on though since Apple is too mainstream now.

[Tensor]

The Surface pricing has finally been announced. $499....and it doesn't include the cover that doubles as a keyboard.

At this price point, I think I'll wait to see how well they sell. I'd hate to spend $500 on something that flames out shortly after launch and gets little developer support.

[Inimicus]

We have the beta on a desktop here in our workroom.

Without fail every user that has seen it has all but begged us not to put it in. Since M$ is disabling the boot to desktop mode that was there in the beta I'm budgeting to buy 100 new workstations next budget year so that I can ride Windows 7 licenses for 3-5 more years.


At least with the server platforms you'll be able to boot directly to desktop mode.

[Darth Biscuit]

We have the beta on a desktop here in our workroom.

Without fail every user that has seen it has all but begged us not to put it in. Since M$ is disabling the boot to desktop mode that was there in the beta I'm budgeting to buy 100 new workstations next budget year so that I can ride Windows 7 licenses for 3-5 more years.


At least with the server platforms you'll be able to boot directly to desktop mode.

So what does it boot to? ... and why are your users not liking it?

[Inimicus]

So what does it boot to? ... and why are your users not liking it?

It boots into the "metro" interface, that mobile device looking poo. Its got a desktop mode that looks just like Windows 7/XP but in order to get to it you have to select it after you log in. Its just added confusion.

As for what the users don't like about it. It boils down to anything that represents a shift from their normal work modes is viewed as an obstacle to efficient work. Right now getting to their applications and files is easy and familiar. Metro, while in the end may be intuitive, its different. And that means retraining and in some cases rewriting of procedure manuals.

Might be great and lots of fun at home but in the workplace, that kind of crap is an IT department nightmare.