Michael Pandolfo wrote:
I haven't researched every feature...just enough to know I won't be "upgrading" to it.

Is this supposed to be a tablet-only OS? I don't own a tablet and viewed the interface and just found myself starting blankly at that Metro travesty.

Is this going to turn into Vista Part II? Or are you looking forward to this? If so, what about it appeals to you?

As far as I know, its not based towards tablet, but there is this OS called Windows Surf??? which is

Windows 8 (desktop) does have this ability for touch screen monitors by the look of the preview, there is this forum that I am on, and they are already implementing their software for touch screen monitors, it will probably mean the end of messy and dirty keyboards, though how gamers will survive without keyboards, I dunno

rmsoansphotography wrote:
Windows 8 (desktop) does have this ability for touch screen monitors by the look of the preview, there is this forum that I am on, and they are already implementing their software for touch screen monitors, it will probably mean the end of messy and dirty keyboards, though how gamers will survive without keyboards, I dunno

It's funny you mention gamers and keyboards. I was actually reading reviews for some brand new PC games and several of them required an Xbox style controller (though I doubt you could use your existing console controller) and wouldn't work with a keyboard/mouse combo.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if that becomes the norm in PC gaming. Anytime I've played PC games the keyboard commands are a nightmare...certainly not intuitive like a controller.

But, as for TS monitors, I absolutely hate the idea. I can't even stand it when my TS cell gets fingerprints on it. I'm OCD like that. A 24" monitor with oily fingerprints on it would give me a coronary.

rmsoansphotography wrote:

As far as I know, its not based towards tablet, but there is this OS called Windows Surf??? which is

Windows 8 (desktop) does have this ability for touch screen monitors by the look of the preview, there is this forum that I am on, and they are already implementing their software for touch screen monitors, it will probably mean the end of messy and dirty keyboards, though how gamers will survive without keyboards, I dunno

*sigh*

Windows 8 is the new desktop operating system.  It will be found on new pc's, laptops, and windows compatible devices (hybrids and tablets based on Intel processors).

Windows RT is the arm based variant of the OS it is a subset of Windows 8 that will run on ARM devices it will run RT versions of apps built specifically for the new OS but will not run legacy windows applications unless they're recompiled for it.

The Surface is a Windows tablet that is being built and sold by Microsoft alongside all of the third party tablets that should be releasing towards the end of this month.  There will be two versions, a cheaper Windows RT version, and a more expensive Windows 8 version.

Like I said, Microsoft IS following in Apple's footsteps and will be releasing Windows branded hardware products as well as it's new software offerings (still not sure if they'll be releasing a Microsoft Windows 8 phone, but the rumors are out there that they will).

Tog wrote:

*sigh*

Windows 8 is the new desktop operating system.  It will be found on new pc's, laptops, and windows compatible devices (hybrids and tablets based on Intel processors).

Windows RT is the arm based variant of the OS it is a subset of Windows 8 that will run on ARM devices it will run RT versions of apps built specifically for the new OS but will not run legacy windows applications unless they're recompiled for it.

The Surface is a Windows tablet that is being built and sold by Microsoft alongside all of the third party tablets that should be releasing towards the end of this month.  There will be two versions, a cheaper Windows RT version, and a more expensive Windows 8 version.

Like I said, Microsoft IS following in Apple's footsteps and will be releasing Windows branded hardware products as well as it's new software offerings (still not sure if they'll be releasing a Microsoft Windows 8 phone, but the rumors are out there that they will).

I'm sure they already have a deal with Nokia to put Windows 8 on their phones
Google isn't very hard to use, lol

rmsoansphotography wrote:

As far as I know, its not based towards tablet, but there is this OS called Windows Surf??? which is

Windows 8 (desktop) does have this ability for touch screen monitors by the look of the preview, there is this forum that I am on, and they are already implementing their software for touch screen monitors, it will probably mean the end of messy and dirty keyboards, though how gamers will survive without keyboards, I dunno

And how will you ener text for things like writing and so forth with no keyboard? Speech? Haven't had much luck with that yet.

A Lester II wrote:
I wish people who haven't actually used the OS would shut up.  I see so many reviews and comments from people that haven't actually used it.

Using it right now to post this
My comments are based %100 on my experience using it
Nothing else
I wish people would show more respect

rmsoansphotography wrote:

I'm sure they already have a deal with Nokia to put Windows 8 on their phones
Google isn't very hard to use, lol

Yes, Nokia is one of the lead manufacturers of Windows phones.  HTC and Samsung are also putting out Windows phones.

My point was that Microsoft may well be putting out their own phones, MS branded software AND hardware.  Microsoft is shifting from a software only company to a device and services company.

A Lester II wrote:
Win8 is going to be another Vista.  A bunch of people who have never used it bitching about how bad it is.

I have it here in a VM.  My understanding is that it's still in Beta.  If that's the case, how good do you think it should be?

A Lester II wrote:
Win8 is going to be another Vista.  A bunch of people who have never used it bitching about how bad it is.

I have Win8 running on my Samsung Slate and it runs great, even put it on my old HP netbook that had problems running Win7 starter.  Win8 on that thing runs great.

When Win8 releases in a couple weeks I will put it on my desktop which is 4 years old.

I wish people who haven't actually used the OS would shut up.  I see so many reviews and comments from people that haven't actually used it.

It's a change.  As much as people bitch about the same old same old, they hate change.  They'll adapt.

In a few weeks Windows 8 will be available on almost every new PC and a shit load of new devices.  People will quickly realize that in the PC realm it does NOTHING to harm their regular computing experience and adds a shitload of options. 

I really don't expect it to be an overnight success at all.  It really doesn't need to be.  The idea of Windows NOT finding it's way into homes is kind of silly, and this time around they've got a hell of a lot of compelling new things.

The good news is the stuff will work well with Windows 7 too.  In fact, the way they're going, a lot of the cool stuff coming will work on Windows PC's, on new devices, and, to a lesser degree, even on Apple and Android.

It's going to be interesting.  I just wish the wait was over.  I'd rather be using the gadgets than sitting around being a fanboi....

Without all the new toys Windows 8 is basically just (oh no) Windows.. Except with a shitload of little tweaks and improvements.

GCobb Photography wrote:

I have it here in a VM.  My understanding is that it's still in Beta.  If that's the case, how good do you think it should be?

You're understanding is wrong.  It's been RTM for a while.  It goes on sale in about two weeks.

mshi wrote:
If Microsoft decides to give it away for free, I am sure it will become the next thing.

$40 buck upgrade.  $100 dollar a year subscriptions to have the entire Office sweet installed on up to 5 machines in a household.

That's pretty close by Microsoft standards.

My big question is what they end up pricing the new tablets.  That is the major arena where Microsoft still has the opportunity to shoot themselves in the foot (and I think the reason they're selling a MS branded tablet in the first place, to make sure their hardware partners don't price the whole thing out of the water...)

At least that's what I hope.

rmsoansphotography wrote:

As far as I know, its not based towards tablet, but there is this OS called Windows Surf??? which is

Windows 8 (desktop) does have this ability for touch screen monitors by the look of the preview, there is this forum that I am on, and they are already implementing their software for touch screen monitors, it will probably mean the end of messy and dirty keyboards, though how gamers will survive without keyboards, I dunno

But how will people that do a lot of writing get on then? I don't yet trust voice recognition to do everything. And writing does require a keyboard at the moment. As well as other applications.

Tog wrote:

$40 buck upgrade.  $100 dollar a year subscriptions to have the entire Office sweet installed on up to 5 machines in a household.

That's pretty close by Microsoft standards.

My big question is what they end up pricing the new tablets.  That is the major arena where Microsoft still has the opportunity to shoot themselves in the foot (and I think the reason they're selling a MS branded tablet in the first place, to make sure their hardware partners don't price the whole thing out of the water...)

At least that's what I hope.

When I bought my new laptop, I could have had the option to pay $15 more to get Windows 8. I didn't.

P I X I E wrote:

When I bought my new laptop, I could have had the option to pay $15 more to get Windows 8. I didn't.

Ok.

Tog wrote:

Ok.

I was commenting on the upgrade price.

P I X I E wrote:

I was commenting on the upgrade price.

Ah, yes I believe I've heard something like 14.99 for current purchases.

Right now, on current hardware I don't see much reason to upgrade.  I mean it's supposed to use less power than Windows 7, but I haven't seen this confirmed. 

To me the compelling reasons for using it are:

1) If you're buying a new PC, you'll get it by default and in spite of all the FUD flowing around there's really no reason to be alarmed as it works just as well or better than Windows 7 and is just as easy to use.

2) If you're buying anything PC-wise that's touch enabled (the new tablets, laptops, and hybrid devices which you're likely to see all over the place starting in the next couple of weeks), well, you're only going to see Windows 8 on them anyway, but that's not a bad thing as the touch enables Windows experience is actually pretty damned good.

3) If you're a current PC user and want a simplified and safer way to manage LOTS of HD's (for photography, for movie archives, etc...)  Storage Spaces which comes free as part of Win 8 isn't perfect, but it's pretty cool.

4) If you're a current PC user and you have any interest in hosting virtual machines for any reason (multiple jobs, testing environments, wanting to experiment with other OS types), Hyper-V is baked into the OS and is both relatively easy to use, and pretty damned solid.

Sharing stuff between devices is both cool and easy, but I imagine 90% of what you can do in Win8 will have ways to do the same in Win7 and others.

R_Marquez wrote:
Windows 8 is very similar to Windows 7. You still have the classic desktop with Windows 8. If you don't like the metro UI, you don't have to use it.

It's like when people complained about having DSLR cameras do video. It's not mandatory that you use everything.

Bill Gates is not going to come to your house and slap you silly until you use the new UI. I know it's the default, but it's Windows, so chances are that someone will come up with a way to get past that so that you can go straight to classic desktop.

Yes you do have to use metro, at least to get to the desktop (as default) there are alternatives however (not from MS) other companies are coming out with shell add-ons that will create a classic experience.


Bill Gates just told me he's coming over to slap you silly

GCobb Photography wrote:
Well, I believe after the first series of service packs and updates I'll probably buy it.  I mean, there's a first time for everything, right?  Windows came a long way with Windows 7 as far as I'm concerned.  I'll keep my Ubuntu box here beside it to play with at the same time.

There aren't going to be any more yearly service packs.  They're rolling out updates on an ongoing basis.

Hell, what would have been the equivalent of SP1 has already been released and the OS isn't even out yet.

Tog wrote:
Hell, what would have been the equivalent of SP1 has already been released and the OS isn't even out yet.

I don't know if that's a good thing or bad.   I may be able to get an AT&T discount, gotta check that.

Tog wrote:
There aren't going to be any more yearly service packs.  They're rolling out updates on an ongoing basis.

Hell, what would have been the equivalent of SP1 has already been released and the OS isn't even out yet.

I am divided on this strategy, on one hand I like my machine being updated such as Windows updates on a regularly scheduled time frame. (bug fixes, security holes)

But service packs are known to add and subtract new features and I would rather know ahead of time whats going to be a major change and let that be my choice.

GCobb Photography wrote:

I don't know if that's a good thing or bad.   I may be able to get an AT&T discount, gotta check that.

For the OS?

I'm confused, but so are a lot of people.  Are we talking about the OS (of which there are two Windows 8 for PC and Windows RT for ARM devices), one of the tablets, or the Windows 8 Phone, which are due to pop in November (Which is when my AT&T contract is up...)

Just to keep things confusing while they're all based on the same core (and eventually when the technology catches up will probably all merge into one thing) Windows 8, Windows RT, and Windows Phone 8 are different...

(Sorry if I'm repeating stuff you already know....)

T Brown wrote:

I am divided on this strategy, on one hand I like my machine being updated such as Windows updates on a regularly scheduled time frame. (bug fixes, security holes)

But service packs are known to add and subtract new features and I would rather know ahead of time whats going to be a major change and let that be my choice.

They still come down the same pipe as before (Windows Update)..  So you can opt in or out for any set of changes. 

A little more confusing are the apps in the windows store (the metro stuff).  Those actually get updated through the store, and you're never forced to do it (nor is there an option to automatically download yet), you have to load the store app and tell it to install (sounds troublesome, but it's basically 3 clicks... And they all update in the background.  Painless)..

Right now the bit I'm really waiting to see is Xbox Music.  They've REALLY put together a nice catalogue of services and I hope it all works together seamlessly (won't be as big a deal until I've gotten my phone)..

Tog wrote:

They still come down the same pipe as before (Windows Update)..  So you can opt in or out for any set of changes. 

A little more confusing are the apps in the windows store (the metro stuff).  Those actually get updated through the store, and you're never forced to do it (nor is there an option to automatically download yet), you have to load the store app and tell it to install (sounds troublesome, but it's basically 3 clicks... And they all update in the background.  Painless)..

Right now the bit I'm really waiting to see is Xbox Music.  They've REALLY put together a nice catalogue of services and I hope it all works together seamlessly (won't be as big a deal until I've gotten my phone)..

Right, right I know that I can go in and inspect what the updates are but then that means now I have too visually inspect each update, instead of just letting it update in the middle of the night and be ready in the AM.

Again not bitching, because I'm not sure how I'll like it or not.

JJMiller wrote:
Has microsoft at least implemented workspace switching and bookmarking commonly used directories in the side panel of opened folders yet? That would be huge.

Not sure what you mean by workspace switching.

Bookmarking commonly used directories has been around for a while.  Since 7 at least.  It's called libraries, it's in the side panel.  You can add any folders you like (don't even have to be local to your pc) to any of the existing libraries and you can create new libraries...

Tog wrote:
Not sure what you mean by workspace switching.

Bookmarking commonly used directories has been around for a while.  Since 7 at least.  It's called libraries, it's in the side panel.  You can add any folders you like (don't even have to be local to your pc) to any of the existing libraries and you can create new libraries...

virtual desktops, workspaces

its been a feature in a lot of nix desktops forever. multiple desktops you can click a icon or mouse wheel to access another.

T Brown wrote:

virtual desktops, workspaces

its been a feature in a lot of nix desktops forever. multiple desktops you can click a icon or mouse wheel to access another.

Not entirely sure I see the value, but I know there's multiple third party solutions...

Tog wrote:

Not entirely sure I see the value, but I know there's multiple third party solutions...

actually its a lot like flipping from screen to screen like metro. it you maintain the desktop paradigm.

T Brown wrote:

actually its a lot like flipping from screen to screen like metro. it you maintain the desktop paradigm.

Sorry, didn't mean to imply there's no value.  Just not the way I work.

I've been listening to Paul Thurrott talk about where things are headed.  The idea that RT is the future and the desktop is going away.  I think that's silly.  There are too many tasks that require multiple things to be going on at the same time.  And flipping back and forth between pages or just snapping two apps together side by side isn't going to cut it.  I imagine things will keep evolving until someone figures out a way to intuitively manipulate windows by touch.. 

Sorry, sidetracked into a ramble...