Windows 8 First Impression - Don't Rush Into It

[slamjet]

That is unless you are a super-duper power user or plan on updating your AMD processor.

I have made the switch over to Win8 and I have noticed that it does run better than Win7. But to those who are not interested in pure performance, then I can't see the justification to switch over. There are some annoyances but over all, I'll stick with it.

The "Metro" menu is a real pain to deal with along with the "charm" menu. It's just not intuitive, overly simplistic not integrated enough and really, not even used by me anymore. For heavens sakes, you need to go into the desktop just to shutdown. Useless. I installed a program from Stardock called Start8 and it both brings back the start button AND makes windows boot straight to the desktop. I also use their Fences program to keep my icons organized.

Also, Gadgets are gone. I installed a program 8Gadget Pack and got it back. I know, I know, I'm not suppose to use Gadgets in Win7 because of some type of vulnerability. But I like to see what my network is, have a quick calendar to look at and also the weather. I need the weather gadgets.

Overall, I would say I like it purely on a performance level. Convenience leaves a little to be desired. So if you're looking to get a new computer, don't be afraid of Win8. If you're already on Win7, don't feel pressured to switch.

[skippy740]

Agreed! Unless you are getting a new computer with a touch interface, I wouldn't rush into getting Windows 8.

[jerome1232]

Agreed! Unless you are getting a new computer with a touch interface, I wouldn't rush into getting Windows 8.

As an aside, I'm very impressed by the Surface Tablet's with Win 8 RT. The cover/keyboard + kickstand makes them a great replacement option for my netbook. I just don't know if Tomboy Notes and Ubuntu One will work on Win 8 Rt or not.

[HoosierGuy]

I know tablets are becoming popular and I have one and love it. But are PCs becoming touch screen too? I don't get it. Who wants to reach up and do everything with your fingers when you can use a simple mouse and point and click?

[Bini]

I know tablets are becoming popular and I have one and love it. But are PCs becoming touch screen too? I don't get it. Who wants to reach up and do everything with your fingers when you can use a simple mouse and point and click?

I know that some hospitals and rehabs utilize touchscreen PCs for therapy patients.

[Guest]

I know tablets are becoming popular and I have one and love it. But are PCs becoming touch screen too? I don't get it. Who wants to reach up and do everything with your fingers when you can use a simple mouse and point and click?

I asked my son (the only one in the house that has a touch screen PC)... his answer, "Why use a mouse when you can just touch the screen?"... He said it's too much trouble to go to the mouse when he's typing on the keyboard. It's easier to just touch the screen.

I guess it's a difference in perspective? An age thing maybe? He's 9... and has been using the iPhone since the first one came out... he was still a Wiggles fan then!

[Dravin]

I asked my son (the only one in the house that has a touch screen PC)... his answer, "Why use a mouse when you can just touch the screen?"... He said it's too much trouble to go to the mouse when he's typing on the keyboard. It's easier to just touch the screen.

Where on earth is he keeping his mouse? Mine is all of 4 inches from my keyboard, my monitor is something like 2 feet away and there is a few inches of vertical rise to deal with. It would literally take more energy to touch my screen over moving my mouse. Is it a laptop?

Edited November 14, 2012 by Dravin

[Bini]

Yeh, my mouse is merely inches away from my keyboard, versus the monitor that is further away. I agree with, Dravin, that some extra (perhaps inconvenient) effort is used to vertically reach up to tap-here-and-tap-there, as opposed to reach an inch or two over and using your mouse to click.

[Guest]

Where on earth is he keeping his mouse? Mine is all of 4 inches from my keyboard, my monitor is something like 2 feet away and there is a few inches of vertical rise to deal with. It would literally take more energy to touch my screen over moving my mouse. Is it a laptop?

Not a laptop. Regular HP desktop on his study desk. He doesn't use any of the other computers because it doesn't have the touch screen. I was helping him with his report yesterday... he used my computer because I have the super wide desk and we can sit next to each other in comfort. He was on MS Word and he had to copy/paste pictures from the internet... he got so frustrated with it, he told me he doesn't need my help anymore because he wants to go back to his computer. He seems to really not like having to find the cursor on the screen where his mouse is pointing at... and finally, he knocked the mouse clear off the table when he was typing on the keyboard and then went to reach for the mouse... that's when he went back to his computer.

But then, his first computer was the touch screen.

Edited November 14, 2012 by anatess

[Bini]

Not a laptop. Regular desktop on his study desk. He doesn't use any of the other computers because it doesn't have the touch screen. He doesn't want to have to find the cursor with his mouse. I was helping him with his report yesterday... he used my computer because I have the super wide desk and we can sit next to each other in comfort. He was on MS Word and he had to copy/paste pictures from the internet... he got so frustrated with it, he told me he doesn't need my help anymore because he wants to go back to his computer. He seems to really not like having to find the cursor on the screen where his mouse is pointing at...

Couple suggestions..

Change the cursor to something sparkly Or at least, change it to something bold where he can easily locate it. I wonder if he needs his eyes checked (and I'm not being a smart arse) I'm being serious. The cursor on the screen shouldn't be difficult to pinpoint.. Is his computer lagging?

[Dravin]

He seems to really not like having to find the cursor on the screen where his mouse is pointing at... and finally, he knocked the mouse clear off the table when he was typing on the keyboard and then went to reach for the mouse... that's when he went back to his computer.

Sounds like it's a familiarity issue.

[skippy740]

Seven days with the Microsoft Surface: The good and the bad | ZDNet

Windows RT is not the same thing as a full-blown desktop replacement OS. RT is limited only to the "App Store" for applications and Microsoft Office.

I'd wait for a tablet that had Windows 8 pro for my own use.

[jerome1232]

I'd wait for a tablet that had Windows 8 pro for my own use.

I didn't realize they will be coming out with a full blown Win 8, I'm hoping Ubuntu will get along with secure boot (supposedly working in the new Ubuntu 12.10) so I could wipe Windows 8 out anyways.

[skippy740]

I would think there would be an "upgrade" option.

[Bini]

Got a new laptop with Windows 8 and I find its interface confusing.. Maybe I'll get used to it but since I'm primarily an Apple user, I'm just not used to navigating Windows.