Another review from Tech spot... seem rather un-biased.
Quote:
Windows vs. Windows
If I were to use the iPad as a benchmark, I would say the Windows 8 makes a compelling case to become a huge iOS competitor, even though I haven't tested the OS with a tablet. However, some big questions remain unanswered: Will it be fast and run efficiently on tablet hardware? Will Surface tablets sell? Will hardware companies invest heavily to make awesome devices? Will software developers flock to the platform? Will tablets and PCs first coexist and finally merge as one the way Microsoft has prepared for it to happen? I guess we'll know most of the answers in less than a year.
In the meantime, if we are looking at the desktop, I believe Windows 8 remains a nice upgrade, possibly a Service Pack-plus caliber upgrade when you look at the desktop improvements. Metro doesn't make Windows 8 more capable, but it does pave a way for Microsoft to sell slates and appeal to a mainstream user base that craves simpler devices (think of every single netbook, tablet or smartphone user today).
Windows 8 doesn't mess with the essential aspects that made Windows 7 successful, and I believe that is key. The OS performs as well or better than 7 on the same hardware, the overall look and feel of Windows 8 has been further refined, built-in applications don't hinder the experience and system security builds upon its predecessor, so there are no unpleasant surprises like UAC or other problematic, unproven security measures.
There will be four Windows 8 versions:
Windows 8 – The main distribution for consumers, covers all features discussed in this article.
Windows 8 Pro – Adds advanced features that usually power users appreciate including Remote Desktop server, BitLocker, Encrypting File System, Hyper-V, and Virtual Hard Disk Booting. Also there will be a Windows Media Center free add-on on offer. Replaces Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate.
Windows RT - Also known as Windows on ARM. This edition won't be sold separately but only come pre-installed in ARM-based tablets and will only run Metro apps.
Windows 8 Enterprise – Same as Windows 8 Pro. Distributed through other channels.
Windows 8 will launch Friday, October 26, and through January 2013, Microsoft will offer a promotional rate of $40 to upgrade any previous Windows version to Windows 8 Pro -- a big first for the company. The standard rate for the retail DVD and downloadable upgrades is $70, while OEM full retail copy will be $100 for Windows 8 and $140 for Windows 8 Pro.
Microsoft assumingly knew they were too late to the tablet game to come up with a dedicated tablet operating system, so "Windows everywhere" is possibly a strategy that had no second best. It's the bet the company had to make to remain relevant, leveraging their PC muscle to gain traction in other growing markets. Windows 8 is a risky sales proposition but a fine operating system at the same time.
85
Pros: Solid and stable OS. Performance on-par or better than Windows 7. The traditional desktop receives a healthy dose of enhancements. Metro is visually appealing and should work really well on touchscreens. Upgrade price is attractive and extends all the way back to XP licenses.
Cons: Metro and the desktop have been forced to co-exist and it shows. UI changes can add to confusion. No Start button makes no sense. OS has yet to prove itself on the tablet market with further hardware and software support.
_________________
MetalAngel wrote:
Kovacs: From 'unresponsive' to 'kebab' in 3.5 seconds