Windows 8

[Khalis]

I searched and didn't find its own topic so I thought I'd start one. Has anyone tried Windows 8 yet? What do you guys think of it? I've read a lot of mixed reviews. Some of the most interesting were the ones that said that Windows 8 was designed with business owners in mind who want to control the OS of all their computers so that their employees couldn't do non-work related things on it. A little more security I guess? It wasn't made for the average consumer and those with Windows 7 should just stick with that. Any thoughts?

BTW Amazon currently has a deal on an upgrade from Windows 7 --> Windows 8 Professional + $30 Amazon Credit for $70. This is a deal as in, you get the same thing from digital download for $40 but with a DVD. Link for those who want it:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008H3SW4I/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?t=slicinc-20&tag=slicinc-20&ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER"]Amazon.com: Microsoft Windows 8 Pro: Software[/ame]

[deucethemoose]

I've been rocking it for about 6 months now. My company has an EA with microsoft, so I got the official Win8 release a few weeks ago. I really like it. I use a Samsung tablet, so it makes use of the touch screen aspect of the Metro UI.

I won't ever go back to a Win7 machine. The only other system I use is my MacBook.

[Khalis]

How is it without the touchscreen capabilities though? On a desktop?

[deucethemoose]

My coworker is using it on a standard desktop, and when I have my tablet docked it is more or less just the same - no using touch screen, just mouse and keyboard.

To me it is the same. I use a lot of hotkeys to get around, and those haven't changed. Scroll side to side in the Metro UI using the scroll wheel on your mouse, no start menu on the windows desktop though, so those who aren't used to simply hitting the Windows key on the keyboard might squawk about that. You can rearrange the tiles to put your commonly used items up front so you don't have to go digging for apps. Everything else is pretty much identical to Win7. Windows 8 is more secure as it locks the kernel on boot-up, so it prevents viruses from getting in and causing major havoc.

edit: I forgot - I have Win8 on my mac via VMWare, so I have been rocking it without touch as well, just not as much as I have used my tablet.

[BRAWL]

As far as the tablet app market goes, it will be interesting to see if Microsoft will improve support for its Marketplace of apps or rely on another source.

I liked my Windows Phone apart from the lack of applications

[rice_classic]

Well, apparently the market likes it too. The pre-orders for the Surface RT have already sold out.

I'm planning on picking up the Surface PRO this holiday season for myself to replace my existing laptop.

1 reason: Online school. I want something with the functionality of a laptop but the convenience of a tablet yet my Nook Tablet isn't capable enough for my online school stuff (cuz android) and the iPad is all App based and doesn't have flash (which many of my school stuff needs).

I'm also a big fan of Windows Phone 7 and am really looking forward to Windows Phone 8. Samsung ATIV S or the Nokia 920

[DaJo]

Forgot these are already out... I'm losing track of technology already, I must be getting old.

The UI in that picture looks so... non-windowsy... Looks more like something Android made.

[rice_classic]

I think the surface could easily replace the iPad as a workplace tool for the reason the OP mentioned. The Apple products aren't really enterprise friendly from a security standpoint while Microsoft has always shined here and will continue to do so, even more with Win8 and Surface. Given the option most firms would choose to provide their employees with a device they can secure vs one they cannot.

[Jayde]

I personally do not like Windows 8. I do not see myself upgrading unless it's like Win7 UI wise. I hate that Metro UI.

[deucethemoose]

It still has the standard Windows UI - the start menu is now the Metro UI. That is all.

I ordered a Surface Pro this afternoon for testing. Hope I get it next Friday.

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by rice_classic

I think the surface could easily replace the iPad as a workplace tool for the reason the OP mentioned. The Apple products aren't really enterprise friendly from a security standpoint while Microsoft has always shined here and will continue to do so, even more with Win8 and Surface. Given the option most firms would choose to provide their employees with a device they can secure vs one they cannot.

Huh? Apple products like the iPad are incredibly enterprise friendly.

http://www.apple.com/ipad/business/

http://www.apple.com/ipad/business/integration/

iPads (and iPhones) have been deployed in numerous business critical settings and iOS adheres and shines when it comes to enterprise protocols and security. Microsoft has really dropped the ball here and it remains to be seen if this recent attempt at an iPad killer is anything more than another Zune.

-J

[deucethemoose]

I use iPhones and iPads at work and the data plans are an absolute bitch to manage. I will be happy to get rid of the iPads and replace them with these. iPads are not laptop replacements where the Surface might fill that spot. My sales guys don't like carrying their laptops AND iPads. I see this as a potentially perfect medium.

[Jimbo]

Data plans? Keep in mind that won't be a problem with these new Surface tablets because they don't even offer 3G or LTE as options. WiFi and Bluetooth only. Not so perfect, eh?

[deucethemoose]

That is what will be perfect. Tether via existing iPhone datapro plan. Cuts down my AT&T bill $3,600 a month.