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Early look at Windows 8 baffles consumers

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LoudLightOct. 23, 2012 - 02:05PM JST

read this for the last word on this prejudiced discussion

http://www.zdnet.com/windows-8-is-the-new-xp-7000006095/?s_cid=e539

Sad thing is that back then they actually had a reason to complain, namely the fact that many people used programs designed for the DOS kernel of Win95/98 rather than NT5 kernel of Windows 2000. You also couldn't use programs that needed to directly access drivers. Both are non-issues in Windows 8, and practically everything (aside from poorly written programs and some obscure and very specialized hardware drivers) that works in 7 works 100% in 8. In fact, practically every properly written XP program should work (looking at you Rockstar games with your POS GTA4)

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

read this for the last word on this prejudiced discussion

http://www.zdnet.com/windows-8-is-the-new-xp-7000006095/?s_cid=e539

1 ( +1 / -0 )

megosaaOct. 23, 2012 - 12:49PM JST

by the time i saved enough and finally get me a win8 they'll be out with win10.. :(

Windows releases generally come out every 30 months or so. 95 was Aug 1995, 98 was May 1998 (1999 for 98SE), XP was Oct 25th (just one day off from 8) 2001 (30mo from 98SE, based on the 5.0 kernel from Windows 2000, minor revision to 5.1), Vista Jan 2007(longest development due to 6.0 kernel development), 7 July 2009 (shortest development due to minor revision to 6.1 kernel), and now 8 in 3 days (kernel 6.2, 3 years due to Metro). win 10 will be either 2017 or even 2020, and run kernel 7.1 if history says anything.

Good thing is that starting in 3 days you can download windows 8 for $40, which I'm sure you have in your wallet.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

by the time i saved enough and finally get me a win8 they'll be out with win10.. :(

0 ( +0 / -0 )

jicOct. 22, 2012 - 04:55PM JST

And here come Linux...

lostrune2Oct. 22, 2012 - 05:16PM JST

Hahaha, that's what we were thinking we could do eventually with the Surface! It's so nice when ya can mod things.

Guess you aren't real linux fans because you forget to accept the Unity came first. That was one of the most half assed UI changes ever, and looks amateurish compared to Windows 8. That was actually baffling to the users of linux, far more so than Windows 8 ever will to it's general user population.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Get a MacBook Air, it's the middle path between an iPad and an iMac. And it works great. This thing #8 may work, if you have patience with reboots, anti-viruses, daily clean-ups, etc etc etc.

Eh, already have an ultrabook; starts up in 5 secs; AV and cleanup maintenance all happen automatically in the background; no reboots unless I put a major update. If I really want a tablet running a true computer OS, that's what the Surface is for without a middle path necessary, but I don't really see my use for it right now. Although there would be "dual" ultrabooks with rotating LCD touchscreens so can be used like a traditional laptop or as a tablet.

And here come Linux...

Hahaha, that's what we were thinking we could do eventually with the Surface! It's so nice when ya can mod things.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

And here come Linux...

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Apparently discussing APPLE PRODUCTS in a MICROSOFT PRODUCT article THAT NEVER MENTIONS APPLE PRODUCTS is perfectly acceptable regardless of how blatantly off topic

You're saying this while looking in a mirror, right? Because, you and Gogogo are the two most active critics of Apple - in Apple articles. LOL. You're drinking the juice you yourself poisoned.

2) AntiVirus isn't needed on a PC, the only reason I have it installed is because every file and every usb drive I get that was on a Mac has some sort of virus on it. With Windows 8, Security Essentials has been rolled right into the OS, making it the most secure ever. In fact, a Windows 7 (even beta) computer without a user is practically unhackable, while a Mac can get compromised in about 2 min (Pwn2Own 2009, two minutes to run a script and that's all it took to crack the mac wide open)

Hmm, why do I read this and I think it's a lie, distorted to fit into your pink glasses point of view?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

vollandOct. 22, 2012 - 11:12AM JST

My Win7 takes seven seconds to restart from hibernate. You mean its worth the mony to get it staretd in three?

I specifically said low end. Most people don't have a 500mb/s+ SSD for booting, and even those that do usually need 14 seconds. In fact, most tests show about 17s (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-520-sandforce-review-benchmark,3124-14.html). For a tablet or laptop, it's easily worth $40 to be able to shutdown and start up (no power consumption between) just as fast as hibernate or standby (in fact, hibernate also got some significant speed increases to the point that standby isn't really worth it)

There is NO reson for 8, it does nothing that 7 cannot do..... except of course impress other people sitting next to you at Starbucks..

Multimonitor taskbar (with custom programs on each)

Built in virtual drive software (no need for separate software, no need for burning disks)

Up to 200% faster rendering of 2d surfaces (means you use a third the amount of power when rendering, increasing battery life) 10% faster 3d rendering in some cases.

No need to get enterprise/ultimate for bitlocker drive encryption

New and improved task manager (process by process statistics including network and disk use are a great improvement, helps troubleshoot programs easier)

Saying it does nothing 7 can't do is simply a lie. It can do many, people just get hanged up on the start screen and ignore all the other things that were added, especially those under the hood.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

@basroil

My Win7 takes seven seconds to restart from hibernate. You mean its worth the mony to get it staretd in three?

There is NO reson for 8, it does nothing that 7 cannot do..... except of course impress other people sitting next to you at Starbucks..

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Apparently discussing APPLE PRODUCTS in a MICROSOFT PRODUCT article THAT NEVER MENTIONS APPLE PRODUCTS is perfectly acceptable regardless of how blatantly off topic

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

LostinNagoyaOct. 22, 2012 - 06:02AM JST

Get a MacBook Air, it's the middle path between an iPad and an iMac. And it works great. This thing #8 may work, if you have patience with reboots, anti-viruses, daily clean-ups, etc etc etc...all things Windows.

MeanRingoOct. 22, 2012 - 01:30AM JST

As for reboots, AV, and cleanups:

1) My windows 7 desktop has been on for 4 months, my Vista workstation up for a year. Most updates nowadays don't require reboots.

2) AntiVirus isn't needed on a PC, the only reason I have it installed is because every file and every usb drive I get that was on a Mac has some sort of virus on it. With Windows 8, Security Essentials has been rolled right into the OS, making it the most secure ever. In fact, a Windows 7 (even beta) computer without a user is practically unhackable, while a Mac can get compromised in about 2 min (Pwn2Own 2009, two minutes to run a script and that's all it took to crack the mac wide open)

3) Not even sure what you mean by cleanups. Default settings in windows clean out temp files and newer versions also clean memory. They also support TRIM which apple doesn't (unless you buy only apple sourced SSDs, and have 10.6.8 or later)

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Get a MacBook Air, it's the middle path between an iPad and an iMac. And it works great. This thing #8 may work, if you have patience with reboots, anti-viruses, daily clean-ups, etc etc etc...all things Windows.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Get a Mac.

Unfortunately, Mac OSX don't make tablets, while iPads can't run regular computer applications.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

i just spent two days looking for a bug on W8 consumer preview that appearad very early saturday morning and just wont go away if i update it completely. There's still some work to be done

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Get a Mac.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

sf2kOct. 22, 2012 - 12:09AM JST

Also for developers, Windows isn't used much. I was at a conference and it was telling in a room of 60 people no one was using Windows. (I was in Linux mode). Mostly OSX and Ubuntu or other flavours. Impressive.

http://news.microsoft.ca/case_studies/archive/2009/04/09/ubisoft-delivers-cutting_2D00_edge-gaming-experience-with-help-of-visual-studio-2008.aspx A few IT people working on servers isn't most developers. I personally have never seen a developer using OSX for actual development either, just to debug code when they port it to OSX (or front end stuff that needs the Apple libraries). Visual Studio is still by far the most popular development tool for people with real jobs, since most "developers" just do in house work for things they need to get their jobs done.

If the developers are not sold on the utility of the system then they'll be slow to develop for it if Windows 8 isn't popular

As of a month ago, about 1k developers with apps, and as of last week over 4500 apps. Developers seem interested, especially big names like netflix.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

zichiOct. 22, 2012 - 12:13AM JST

the iPad 3 sold 3 million in 3 days. All computer manufacturers would love to have those sales figures.

Stop reading just what you want, I already explained to you that microsoft has already reached that before the stuff even goes on sale!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

The rationale isn't there if you just wanted an upgrade. I'll stick with Windows 7 on a tablet PC because I need to write on it and the driver issues are not something I want to deal with again and again. I've had problems recently and finding just the right driver is painful. (x61 tablet pc)

Wacom I don't think test their own drivers if at all or rarely. Touch and Digitizer work fine in the beginning but later freeze up on you. It's very important to be able to turn off touch so the pen can keep working without hanging. For OneNote users like myself not being able to turn off touch while in the middle of a marathon note taking session is a disaster waiting to happen.

@randomenigma

I thank you for your gem of a warning regarding touch!

I run Linux in a virtual machine but I may end up going back to it as the main system and putting Windows on the virtual machine instead. I had waited because I prefer OneNote over Linux versions and want pen input to work well. Those issues have been addressed long ago I've just been lazy in converting. As the next Vista lines up I'll consider Linux again in future more so. At least Linux is fan driven and if you don't like something, you change it. I miss it's succinct power and utility as more problems and security become larger issues with keeping Windows.

Also for developers, Windows isn't used much. I was at a conference and it was telling in a room of 60 people no one was using Windows. (I was in Linux mode). Mostly OSX and Ubuntu or other flavours. Impressive.

If the developers are not sold on the utility of the system then they'll be slow to develop for it if Windows 8 isn't popular. RIM cough cough

It doesn't matter. Use the tools YOU like and what works for you. There are enough options out there for you now that it's a good time to be more picky

Enjoy

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

zichiOct. 21, 2012 - 10:28PM JST

84 million ipads have been sold to date!

And just up to January 2012 Windows seven sold over 525 million copies.

The fact of the matter is that that the iPad 3 (fastest selling competitor) needed a week to sell out pre-orders, and only sold 3 million by the first weekend of release (including preorders). Microsoft managed to sell out in less than 48 hours, and their initial run is expected to have been 5 million units (probably half up for pre-order). These are quite spectacular numbers for microsoft, quite a bit more than analysts expected a few months ago.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Win7 now works as smoothly as XP used to, just a lot faster

WMP12 for starters is an utter pile of crap. It would be great if there's a media player out there that gives me back my little widget-like mini video screen when its minimized to the taskbar so I can once again listen to nhk news on a dial up connection and not have to twat around with Flash. Whoever designed WMP12 should be castrated.

The best one would be the one that does what you want and nothing more. I don't go for bloated, manage your media collection types. I have been using Media Player Classic for many years. Perfect for my needs.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

JeffLeeOct. 21, 2012 - 06:30PM JST

Yodobashi and other Japanese retailers are quoting a price of around 6,000 yen, nearly double the price people in America pay, for the 8 upgrade. Unless the Japanese price drops to on par with other countries, I won't get it, just out of principle.

So does amazon and every other place too. It is only through Microsoft.com that you get that discount.

At the same time, yodobashi et al include media center addon for free.

lostrune2Oct. 21, 2012 - 06:40PM JST

MS Surface seems to be selling more than they expected. It's entirely sold out in the U.S. with currently a 3-week backorder:

Not only that, they are estimated to have made five million of them. That would put it at better than anything any competitor has made.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Im sorry but Windows 8 is a hell of alot quicker. Yes there are a few new ways to do something, so? Ive seen software upgrades that make changes on a similar scale its nothing special. Its much faster and at the end of the day its just like getting a software upgrade, a few functions move here and there, but they still exist and there are some new ones. Either Tony Roos is lying or has done a bad comparison. There is a much much faster easier way to find and load things -just type in the name, no search box, just type- and most functions are still there in the sidebar like a start menu. Just sounds like a load of grumpy old men refusing to make a change. Whats the point of changing your OS if you dont want the new one to be any different?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

MS Surface seems to be selling more than they expected. It's entirely sold out in the U.S. with currently a 3-week backorder:

http://www.examiner.com/article/microsoft-surface-rt-entirely-sold-out-the-united-states

MS is trying to combine tablets and computers. Like tablets that are always on, these new computers are being designed to be always on too - they don't want you to turn them off; they're designed to run in low-power state when not in use; and thus instantly on like tablets do. When iOS and Android first came out, people had to learn new ways how things work too, but people eventually learned. People are good at learning new OSes (whether Win95, OSX, Linux, iOS, Android, etc) when they have to. But for those who's lost without the classic desktop GUI, that's still there. In fact, some heavier programs will only run using the desktop GUI, and not the Metro.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

$40 upgrade until Jan 30th, and $60 after that.

Yodobashi and other Japanese retailers are quoting a price of around 6,000 yen, nearly double the price people in America pay, for the 8 upgrade. Unless the Japanese price drops to on par with other countries, I won't get it, just out of principle.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

randomenigmaOct. 21, 2012 - 05:01PM JST

Touch screens are all well and good, but MS haven't fixed any of the issues I was having with my Windows 7 Tablet PC in the new version of their OS to make it any easier to use for touch input.

If you're going to base an OS around touch, it would at least seem like a good idea to make the touch work perfectly, if you're going to neglect everything else.

It's a known issue WITH WACOM, NOT MICROSOFT. Microsoft doesn't write the drivers for your Wacom pad, it only lets you install what the company gave them. Wacom has stated they know of certain issues http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:YoXdtrazZGgJ:www.wacom.com/en/customercare/drivers/tabletpcreadme.aspx+&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&client=firefox-a

You can leave them a message on the issue you are having and see if they respond. So far the cheaper bamboo products look like 50/50 chance of incompatibilities, all due to driver limitations due to the fact that the touch input was mostly re-written for windows 8.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Touch screens are all well and good, but MS haven't fixed any of the issues I was having with my Windows 7 Tablet PC in the new version of their OS to make it any easier to use for touch input. My short list:

Finger touch input is on at all times, even when you're trying to write with the pen. The result is little marks near where you were trying to write, left by the edge of your finger resting on the tablet. The place where finger input used to be turned off is now gone from the control panel.

Pen input is "wobbly" - draw what you think are neat letters, get wobbly doctor scrawl on the screen anyway.

Eraser end of the pen doesn't erase anymore (even after installing the newer Wacom drivers.)

If you're going to base an OS around touch, it would at least seem like a good idea to make the touch work perfectly, if you're going to neglect everything else.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

So it reboots faster.

Why do you have to reboot anyway?

The only time I reboot my Mac is when a System upgrade tells me to do so.

And this is just not a problem with an iPad.

It's on as soon as you press the button.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Windows 8 is the nuclear power of OSes. A thing of the past.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

AP is a known Apple fan, and it clearly shows here.

Anyone with google can search for Windows 8 reviews, and of those 50%+ have nothing but praise (especially those that were not consumer preview reviews, rather beta/RTM), and the rest only complain about the same stuff that people complained about when Windows 7 added the icon bar in place of the normal taskbar. They will get used to it, doesn't take that long, and in five year's time this will be known as the most necessary UI update ever.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

If you are happy with Win7, you don't have to upgrade. M$ is still happy after all, they got your money.

If you are buying a new computer, it will come with Win8. Deliver better performance compared to Win7, though not that discernible.

If you don't game or play HD contents which require DXVA decoding, Linux will surely serve you well, beware of driver hell though.

If you are crApple fanboy, facepalm.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

vollandOct. 21, 2012 - 08:09AM JST

Most people now have the set-up thatdoes exactly what they want it to do. Spending anothert 100$ on a new operating system because instead of 10, it only takes 7 seconds is an insult.

You clearly don't know how much has changed under the hood. First off, $40 upgrade until Jan 30th, and $60 after that. Most tests show boot times cut in half and web browsing being up to 30% faster ON CHEAP COMPUTERS, meaning your 3-5 year old computer will be able to stay longer.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Windows 7 forever. And then when they finally stop with the security upgrades, I'll put Linux on my lappie and remain happy. 8 looks like a Vista-style train wreck. 7 is the best OS out of Redmond since 2K.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

I thought Windows 8 was supposed to be like VISTA. The mass test program to work the bugs out and then release Windows 9 which should be really good.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Is there any reason for non-tablet, non-smartphone people to use windows 8? Some of us like being behind the tech curve.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The plain fact is, that we have reached the end of the computer boom. The numbers published by Google, Microsoft and Nokia clearly show that.

Most people now have the set-up thatdoes exactly what they want it to do. Spending anothert 100$ on a new operating system because instead of 10, it only takes 7 seconds is an insult.

And @Robert Dykes:

Win7 now works as smoothly as XP used to, just a lot faster. So if you buy a new one, consider one with Win7, you will save a lot of money and spare yourself the problems that new system will bring for its users. Whenever I look at Win8, all I can do is laugh. I am sure it is great to impress your neighbour on an iPad in front of you on the table at Starbucks. I would not install it, if it were for free....

4 ( +6 / -2 )

facepalm

yet another misleading article. I have used Win8 Pro final (from DreamSpark) on my Thinkpad X61s for 2 months. Everything works right out of the box, even the fingerprint reader - no need to go to Lenovo website for drivers. So far so good. The home screen? Won't get in your way, the desktop is still there.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

I'm still using XP on all my computers. I am going to buy a new pc in November. I am excited about finally upgrading from xp. It was a great OS, but yeah, I am worried about windows 8.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Finally ditching the interface that was "inspired" by the MacOS and the NeXT GUIs, Microsoft seems to have come up with something original. Unfortunately, it's not likely to enjoy much popularity. The Geeks won't like it because it's too "Toys R Us," and the non Geeks are not going to like it because, to be honest, it's confusing.

What with this and the Flop about to Happen "Surface" Tablet, methinks MS is in for a rough time.

http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2012/10/19/microsofts-surface-is-apples-ping/#more-4739

2 ( +5 / -3 )

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