Let me begin by saying I'm doing this using Windows 8 Release Preview, Build number 8400, and on a desktop computer which does not have a touch screen.
I wanted to show you this image from USA Today, and then provide you with a link to the actual article, which you can find here, but to obtain this link, I had to switch out of the Metro Apps and back to Desktop, then go onto Google and search for USA Today, to find this article's web address to copy for you.
If I'd been in Windows 7 (the other operating system on this dual-boot setup) it would have been a lot simpler, because I would already be working with the desktop's features from the beginning.
And I don't find Windows 8 any faster than Windows 7, on either of my two computers, both of which are multi-core and both of which have had their graphics cards replaced with better ones that have one Gb of built-in memory.
All this chatter about using the same stuff across several devices only applies if you have those several devices requiring synchronizing of applications. For those of us with regular desktops that aren't equipped with touch screens, the
new Windows 8 adds steps to some procedures which are simpler when done on Windows 7. Like my obtaining this screenshot above and posting its link for you, as just described. So you may or may not find Windows 8 the answer to your problems. That all depends on what kind of setup you prefer to use or
how much you want to spend on something else. And as always, each new incarnation of an operating system brings with it new technology that either makes your old one obsolete, or costs you a lot of money to obtain, or both.
And for those wondering how popular the mobile devices are when compared to desktop users, the above should answer that for you. The vast majority of us are still using our desktops, and will likely continue doing so for quite some time to come. The desktop is far from dead, especially in the business world.
So far Ray, from what I've seen here on your blog as well as what I've read in the trade, etc I haven't seen any compelling reason to upgrade from Windoz 7.
ReplyDeleteMaybe, as you say, in the mobile market it will find a place, but it certainly won't replace the desktop and keyboard anytime soon. Specially in the business world as you say.
@ Tommy -
ReplyDeleteBasically, Windows 8 is a modification of Windows 7 to enhance its touch features to make it more competitive with Apple's iPad and iPhone and other portable devices.
The problem is that the bulk of Windows users are still using desktop computers, and it doesn't work as smoothly on a desktop because even if you have touch screen capability, you usually can't position the screen at a comfortable angle for using touch on it. Also, you can't do everything with just the touch, so you still need a keyboard and mouse for some jobs.
Windows 8 is a nice program, but it seems to be looking for a good home, and it hasn't found one on your average desktop, where its special features aren't providing any real advantages over a regular Windows 7 installation.
To get the advantages from Windows 8 we need to have a portable tablet or something similar where its touch features would be more naturally useful. It does work fine on a desktop, but it isn't any real advantage, and sometimes it requires extra steps in a procedure to complete a task, and that is working against it. This may be fixed before retail release,
but it hasn't been yet.
My favorite computer repair technician said he's disappointed,
and I must admit I share that feeling with him. We both hoped for something more. Windows 7 really raised our expectations, but Windows 8 hasn't quite matched that level of improvement yet.
Trying to grab business from Apple in the portables market with Apple having a two-year head start seems a bit risky to say the least, and if it means neglecting the core base of desktop users, then it would be plain foolish, because almost 92% of all Windows users are still using desktops.