patrick.net

Windows 8 starts faster than 7 but that is the only advantage I see for me, and it's a small one. My computer runs constantly and I seldom boot.

Windows XP starts faster than 7. Upgrade to that instead.

Windows Store and DX 11.1, which is 3D API from what I've heard.

XP was 3, Vista was '95, 7 was OSR2, 8 is '98

Next releases will be 98SE and Me I would expect.

Dan8267 says

starts faster

LOL. You turn off your computers???

At least they now let you develop your apps in HTML/js instead of having to learn the win api. But, they probably should focos on phonegap/cordova too. BB has had the html/js toolset to make apps for a long time. Yep, M$FT has an uphill battle to remain "personal". Right now they are relgated to the business desktop. Their track record of quality issues is probably unfair since they were an open platform as compared to Apple; but, it has caused consumers to prefer Apple.
The killer features was the app integration across all platforms. Apple and Google have some of that with their proprietary cloud sharing per user account; but with Win8 it was supposed to be total app state and stuff I think. Well, most people do stuff on the web nowadays so its not really a big win. And most corp IT have locked down so hard it isn't allowed to share to tablet anyways. So, web won. I think some people will buy the tablet - not because its 8 - but because its a win tablet. Most people - especially Apple fanboys - seem to think the tablet is a new product category, LOL.

BTW, I hardly ever boot my Windows at home. Just no need for the pain when I have Apple and Linux (+Android too) computers on hand. Win8 to me is a product I wouldn't want even it were free. Linux is already free and works better for my purposes. - Maybe that's their real problem, they are still trying to sell an OS when that market is basically free. Look at Amazon and Android.

My Brother called me the other day trying to pick my brain about his new Laptop with Windows 8 on it. Unfortunately for him, I don't have any experience with Windows 8, and fortunately for me, after my conversation with him, I never will.

Bellingham Bill says

Dan8267 says

starts faster

LOL. You turn off your computers???

Why waste electricity?

I have a low-electricity HT-PC with Western Digital green hard drives and onboard HDMI (no video card) that I keep on all the time.

However, I also have a high power development machine with Western Digital black hard drives and a massive video card that takes two power plugs to supply 1.21 gigawatt. I turn that one off when not using it.

As average user, I just don't see the reason to switch from 7. All my games are DX9 based and I don't even play them much, I do not have touch screen, and my cable connection is slow anyway. Have two computers always on non-stop 24/7. I guess I am too lazy to turn it off. Just let it go sleep when I am not there.

Regarding the electricity, I have no idea why I am using avarage 600 to 700KW/month in this small apartment. I kept the place dark. Keeping the A/C and heater off knowing this POS apartment is darn drafty and the heat will be wasted anyway. Must be that old refrigerater that's eating electricity up. Gotta buy Kill-a-watt meter or something to feagure it out.

I actually just upgraded my "media" netbook to Windows 8.

Reasons:
1. Only $40.00
2. Netbook is dedicated pretty much to TV and Music, so I would not mess with anything essential.
3. Wanted to play around with it and see what it was like, before I consider getting a Win8 phone.
4. I do shut it down so the fast boot is niceish.

Dan8267 says

a massive video card that takes two power plugs to supply 1.21 gigawatt.

The Win7 desktop I have, will be my last Windows machine.

Anything for more speed so I can make stupid comments faster.

I am very interested to see if MSFT's win8 strategy of touch everywhere will succeed. It is a bold strategy to counter the popularity of the Apple juggernaut, and will present a huge learning curve for existing users.

Being able to run native apps on a surface tablet will likely be a huge benefit to some power users.