If you're a dedicated Windows user, then Christmas just came early -- the first Windows tablet and mobile-suited operating system are now out of the gate. But are they worth your money? Should you buy now or wait until after the New Year? How hard will it be to actually use this new-fangled OS?
We've spent weeks reviewing the new Windows 8 operating system and found it to be both promising and also a little intimidating, especially for people who aren't terribly tech-savvy and used to the older Windows operating systems. But it does have a lot of promise, and whether you buy it now or in 16 months, it's the wave of the future for Microsoft - and eventually, you're going to have to learn it.
Here are eight things you should know before you buy:
- It's Complicated -- Ok, so the press has largely dubbed Windows 8 as a confusing paradoxical riddle of an operating system. Is that really true? Well, if you're used to Windows 7, XP or even older Windows operating systems, then, yes, Windows 8 is going to feel pretty weird - and will definitely take some time to get used to. Apparently there are some three-year olds on the Web that can whiz through it on first try, but that doesn't mean you will. After all, watch this 12-year old struggle with three basic tasks on Windows 8.
- What's Confusing About Windows 8? -- The most confusing aspect of Windows 8 is the tiled Metro-style start screen, called Modern UI - particularly if it's not on a touchscreen computer. Also, you have to jump between the new tiled interface and Microsoft's classic desktop in order to do certain tasks. The app situation is also perplexing. Some apps are modern and others aren't. Users might also be confused by the difference between Windows 8 and Windows RT.
- Surface is Not Windows 8 -- For those thinking of buying the new Surface tablet, here's what you need to know. First, the tablet will be running Windows RT - not Windows 8. Why does that matter? It's a slower operating system, doesn't have a rich app experience and it runs on a slower Tegra3 processor. Microsoft plans to launch a Windows 8 Pro tablet down the road - but your Surface tablet won't upgrade to it. Since the starting cost for a Surface tablet is $499 - the same as a new iPad - you may want to wait for the pro version tablet.
- Will the Price Drop? -- While I don't expect Windows 8 upgrades to get any cheaper, I do think there's a reasonable chance Microsoft will have to reduce the price of its Surface tablets in order to incentivize sales. After all, at $499 to $699, they're priced as high as an iPad - that surprised a lot of analysts early on, us included. Their pricing would make more sense in the $350 to $399 range for the basic model, and I expect we may see it reduced down the road.
- Upgrade or Buy? -- It only costs $39.99 (until January 31) to upgrade an existing Windows PC to the new Windows 8 operating system. That's a lot less than the $100-$200 it usually costs for a new Windows OS. Compare that to the cost of a brand new Windows 8 desktop or laptop - for example, $1,199 for Dell's XPS 12 Ultrabook with Windows 8. Since some users find this operating system to be confusing and hard to use, it's probably wiser to upgrade an existing PC to Windows 8 first, in order to test it out, before spending big bucks on a brand new Windows 8 computer. Of course, you'll be missing out on the coolest feature of Windows 8 - touchscreen computing - but you can always buy a new machine later once you feel comfortable with the new platform.
- Who Can Upgrade? -- In order to upgrade to Windows 8, you must have a computer that runs on Windows 8 Preview, Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP in order to upgrade - older systems are out of luck. Also, before you upgrade, make sure to save all of your important files, documents, photos, etc. to an external hard drive in case some of these do not convert.
- Get a Tutorial -- Don't waste your time or money. Get a Windows 8 tutorial before you buy anything - to make sure this is the right operating system for you. Best Buy's Geek Squad has posted 12 two-minute video tutorials online that walk you through the operating system's main features, and the electronics retailer is also offering in-store demos and tutorials on a range of Windows 8 products.
- Microsoft Doesn't Do Hardware -- Microsoft is a software company, not a hardware manufacturer. Although it's forayed into hardware a few times before - most notably the Zune music player and Kin smartphones - it's never done very well at it. Not to pick on Microsoft unnecessarily here, but it's a factor to consider when deciding to buy a Windows RT tablet from Microsoft versus Asus or Dell. Also, expect to see software bugs and glitches, particularly in the first few months. For instance, shutting down a Windows 8 machine appears to be a problem for certain users, as expressed in several early reviews.
Microsoft's Windows 8 is definitely a promising platform, but it may take time before it's well-suited for consumers. What do you think are the top issues with Windows 8 and Windows RT? Let us know in the comments section below.
Follow Jonathan Rettinger on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/@TechnoBuffalo
Why go to a desktop screen with less icons?
Microsoft Windows stopped with Windows-XP, and it hasn't gotten any better since. Handheld computing is shifting now to tablet hardware, and Microsoft Corporation wasn't "first to market" there. They have nothing to counter Linux/Unix, which now dominates all mobile platforms one way or the other and will continue to do so.
Pros: my laptop now starts in seconds, rather than the 3-5 minutes it used to take; no more weird error dialogue boxes; everything runs faster; can now play music through my amp (connected with HDMI cable) easily, Vista was problematic.
Cons: bit tricky initially working it out; setting up Mail was trying, had to call my internet provider for assistance, & then I gave HIM assistance with Windows 8! Have to switch to desktop for some websites, e.g. to play videos (Adobe plug-in doesn't work on IE app).
Forgot to back up all my files, so lost a few programmes, & one of my Outlook folders disappeared, but no big deal, I have back-ups on my desktop (still running XP).
Verdict? If you're still running Vista, spend the $40 on upgrading to 8, but as mentioned above, Microsoft should have given it to us for free. Automobile recalls don't cost anything!!
Vista was best left alone until the advent of Service Package 2, which, unfortunately was only a few months before the release of Windows 7. Many people were like you and never gave Vista SP2 a chance, or did not have the ability to have the requisite 2GB RAM for reasonable performance.
I have three machines today running Vista Ultimate x64 with SP2, and they all run very well - I have no complaints, and no reason to upgrade them to Windows 7 [and I have a couple of copies of Windows 7, so I could].
What many do not realize, because it has never been emphasized, is that Vista left out abilities to accomplish things that XP had by default [I'm speaking Pro here], and Windows 7 left out some more abilities that were in Vista. Windows 8 continues in that tradition - it IS how they are accomplishing faster startups on XP era machines [less to load up, faster start...it is not black magic, or some new and magical compiler trick].
You're the first person I've ever heard of who claims they like Vista??!! You don't work for Microsoft by any chance do you? (rhetorical question, no need to respond)
Step one: Locate a long, pointed object. Fireplace tools, carving knives and gardening forks will all work.
Step two: Holding the long, pointed object by its handle on the surface on your desk, place the pointed end directly in front of either eyeball.
Step three: Lower head rapidly and force the long, pointed object into your skull.
Step four: Still holding the handle of the long, pointy object, lift your head to an upright position.
Step five: Move the long, pointed object in a circular fashion while pushing it farther into your head until unconsciousness or death occurs.
Those who've used almost any version of Linux in the past 3 years is laughing now, as they are aware of how easily Linux installs on most machines like mine, and that Microsoft still has not gotten the installation right for a large number of problematic machines [which have been released by major manufacturers - part of why they leave support to those same OEMs].
This is partly why people who have more money than time to fiddle, will tell anyone who will listen to NEVER try to upgrade Windows, but buy a new machine with it already installed.
I wonder, which version of Windows 7 did you have? If it was anything above Starter Edition, you previously had the ability to play DVDs on the machine [if it had the correct hardware], which you now do not, as the regular and Pro versions of Windows 8 dropped that capability, as well as a few others along the way.
This is partly why upgrades are at a new all-time low price [$49 for most].
I think I'd better get a new laptop soon, and then baby my ancient XP one to save for burning DVDs and using Photoshop...
Wait.
"The Ring of Death" was not a Peter Jackson movie.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360_technical_problems
It think it was good advice to caution anyone from being the first on their block with this.
Give it at least 4-6 weeks for them to work out the kinks if not Surface 2.0.