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From ZDnet writer - Final Thoughts on Windows 8: A Design Disaster

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mouser:
From zdnet writer:

I’ve been following Windows 8 closely over the past few months, spending a lot of time not only with the official releases but also with a number of leaked builds, and I’ve had the chance to install the operating system on a variety of hardware platforms, both old and new. However, since my primary working platform is a desktop system, this is where I’ve had the chance to spend the most time with Microsoft’s new operating system.

I’m now ready to sum up my Windows 8 experience with a single word: awful.

--- End quote ---


http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/final-thoughts-on-windows-8-a-design-disaster/20706





He later sums up with a thought that strikes as true to me:

Windows 8 wasn’t born out of a need or demand; it was born out of a desire on Microsoft’s part to exert its will on the PC industry and decide to shape it in a direction — touch and tablets — that allows it to compete against, and remain relevant in the face of Apple’s iPad..

I just can’t shake the feeling that Windows 8 would be better off as two separate operating systems. A ‘classic’ Windows 8 for regular desktop and notebook systems - which would feel more like a service pack for Windows 7 than a full release — and a separate ‘Metro’ version for touch-enabled hardware.

--- End quote ---

Deozaan:
It seems well written and the points valid.

Or rather, there seems to be only one point. That Windows 8 is really good except for one major flaw: Metro UI. Unfortunately that UI pervades the entire system and thus makes the entire thing awful--at least for non-touch devices.

wraith808:
Again, they could make this whole thing go away with one thing.  Quit calling the standard UI the "Classic Desktop" or whatever they're calling it.  Name it the "Standard Desktop" or something like that, make it the default on Desktop installations (or just have an option during the installation to choose your Desktop style), and quit trying to push it on non-mobile/non-touch devices.  From what I've seen, it works well when it's used for that purpose... it's just not a desktop shell.

40hz:
One word.

Hubris.

End of script.
 :-\

zridling:
I hated the ribbon, but I didn't realize it breaks down when using a finger. If I could use a mouse on my tablet, I would simply because my finger gets tired of the repetition, especially in forums and social network sites. And no matter how fancy various Linux window environments get, I tend to set mine to a Win7 (classic) look, which allows me maximum efficiency (1-click is better than two). Conflating desktop-tablet-phone into one UI is an idea that should have been shot down the first time it was mentioned. Microsoft's track record of every other release being a disaster is on schedule with Win8, and ironically, it's going to drive more people into the hands of Apple's closeted cult.



At least with a/n Android or Apple tablet, you not only have the "It's-a-cool-toy!" factor, but it's quite the useful toy, making you wonder how you might spend less time in front of a traditional desktop whenever you're not working.

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