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Review: Windows 8, the hybrid OS has arrived


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Before you read another word of this review, I need you to do something very important. Take all of your preconceived notions about what Windows is today and what you are familiar with, and put them aside. It’s time to reinvent the desktop OS and Microsoft is leading the charge.

 

windows87_med.png

 

Source: http://www.neowin.net/news/review-windows-8-the-hybrid-os-has-arrived

 

I tried Windows 8 during the early consumer preview and found it to be a little rough around the edges. I wasn't a big fan, and I'm still not convinced that it's really the best OS for a desktop/laptop (non tablet/touch), but I'm off to give it another try and see if I can adjust. Only time will tell if MS has made the right choice with their extreme changes to W8.

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I did not like it. And I do not think it is the best setup for desktop/laptops.

But I do not know what choice they have. The desktops/laptops are on the way out.

Replaced by some sort of hybrid tv-pc-ps3 thing that you can plug your phone/tab into.

 

I will get used to it but I prefer the old style clean and simple uncluttered-ness.

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Honestly, I really kind of like it. My only complaint is when I heard that I'd be able to play xbox 360 games with it, I assumed I could just put them in the disc drive. Using my computer as a second screen isn't what I had in mind at all.

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I did not like it. And I do not think it is the best setup for desktop/laptops.

But I do not know what choice they have. The desktops/laptops are on the way out.

Replaced by some sort of hybrid tv-pc-ps3 thing that you can plug your phone/tab into.

 

I will get used to it but I prefer the old style clean and simple uncluttered-ness.

I don't foresee tablets replacing desktops or laptops anytime soon. Yes, they're fantastic for reading email, web browsing, listening to music and watching videos on the go, but that's pretty much where it ends. They just don't compare to desktops/laptops in terms of power. Hardcore gamers need top-of-the-line hardware to run the latest games; video editors need a fast GPU/CPU; photo/image editing needs the precision of a mouse and plenty of RAM; programmers/software devs need a real keyboard (the accuracy of typing on a tablet leaves something to be desired). Just my $0.02. :P

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I don't get why people say this is a tablet OS. Sure, the tiles would be navigated better on a tablet but so what? I spend 90%+ of my time on the normal desktop and I'm sure the majority do as well. The hate is way exaggerated and unfounded.

 

Are you able to start off in the desktop, or are you having to do it every time you restart?

 

You're forced onto Metro.

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I don't get why people say this is a tablet OS. Sure, the tiles would be navigated better on a tablet but so what? I spend 90%+ of my time on the normal desktop and I'm sure the majority do as well. The hate is way exaggerated and unfounded.

 

Are you able to start off in the desktop, or are you having to do it every time you restart?

 

The desktop is like an app, so you start off on the Start screen every time. The desktop is only a click/key away though, and if you have the app you most commonly (e.g. browser) use first on the start screen you can just click that which kills 2 birds with 1 stone. It's not a big deal at all.

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I personally like it as well, my only complaint is having to use a third-party software to make actual tiles for the stuff i use

 

Go to: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

 

...and copy a shortcut to it (ProgramData is a hidden folder).

Oblytile works well too.

I don't get the hate on Metro either to be honest, it's a far better system once you get used to it.

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I've had Win8 since the release preview and I now have the full version. Although there are some issues with it (what's up with the 80/20 screen split for metro apps? why not 50/50 :( ) it really is an upgrade over Windows 7. Faster boot times, shut down times, etc.

 

I don't think the people who complain about the start screen really understand how small of a change it is. It's just a new start menu with extra features. I didn't spend a lot of time staring at my start menu before and I'm not spending a lot of time staring at the start screen now. It's a change to a function few people use a lot. If you look past it, MS really delivered with a great OS.

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I personally like it as well, my only complaint is having to use a third-party software to make actual tiles for the stuff i use

 

Go to: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

 

...and copy a shortcut to it (ProgramData is a hidden folder).

Oblytile works well too.

I don't get the hate on Metro either to be honest, it's a far better system once you get used to it.

been using oblytile and its pretty nice

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I am not really peeved you have to start in metro, but I would like the ability to go straight to the desktop.

 

How are games on it right now? Everything runs fine?

 

Tested MW3 on Steam which worked. As did BF3 with Origin. [Pirated] Skyrim runs, Driver: SF runs (have to run it in compatibility mode for W7 though), and those are my experiences. Overall it's quite good.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I don't get why people say this is a tablet OS. Sure, the tiles would be navigated better on a tablet but so what? I spend 90%+ of my time on the normal desktop and I'm sure the majority do as well. The hate is way exaggerated and unfounded.

Can agree with that, as a tablet OS I'd think it'd work, but Android would still be preferable. Perhaps if this was a tablet OS 5-6 years ago, it might work. Better alternatives out now, by far.

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