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Microsoft Previews Windows 8 for Tablets and PCs

Nitpick? You're not even close to supplying accurate criticism.

Change the name? :p

Change the aspect ratio? :eek:

Add USB ports? :rolleyes:

A tablet should be used wirelessly. If you need USB ports, or a widescreen display, go get yourself a laptop.

There are plenty of capitative styli out there for the iPad.

iPad users will look at Windows 8 tablets and laugh at the absurdity.

Claefer said:
Learn what? Here's what's going to happen: millions of people will continue to enjoy their iPad until Windows 8 is released. And then all those iPad owners will look at their iPad and then look at a Windows 8 tablet and then back to their iPad and say, "Why can't you do that!"

Because the iPad is not a tablet. It's a big iPod touch. If Apple wants to be innovative they have to actually be innovative. They have to address the flaws in the iPad: (a) change the embarrassing name, (b) stereo speakers, (c) change the aspect ratio to widescreen, (d) at least three USB ports, (e) HDMI, (f) Flash, (g) SD card slot, (h) new OS, (i) at least 4 GB RAM, (j) reduce the bezel thickness, (k) removable battery, (l) stylus.

I could add a couple of more things but I don't want to nitpick.
Click to expand...


----------

Metro looks like a kiosk you'd order a sandwich from Subway at.

Claefer said:
Well, I don't have any data to present but just read the early impressions of Windows 8, and even Metro when it first debuted. The reaction has been ubiquitous, even among posters in MacRumors: it's a smash hit. Everyone just loves Metro. It makes iOS look dated and chaotic. There are many iOS and Mac OS users who are envious of Windows users now.

I think this can be attributed to Metro's UI. The Tiles are flat and plainly colored, they use large typography, and they're disproportionately sized. You also have to pan around to see surrounding content. And live tiles convey information which icons don't. This makes the experience easier.

In contrast, iOS uses textures, gloss, and other eye candy effects to distinguish different parts of the UI. And icons on the Home screen are sized and spaced proportionately. Any information from apps can be seen by accessing the app or Notification Center. This makes the experience harder.

Obviously Metro is a superior UI since so many people call it fresh and original and a welcome change.

Personally, what I love about Metro is that the tiles look just like banner ads. Brilliant.
Click to expand...
 
I couldn't have read that right, did I see the words fan and heat mentioned when referring to a tablet. I'm about ready to get rid of my laptop due to those two features.
 
Burger Thing said:
A lot of the features you mentioned above were available in tablets for ages. Guess what... Nobody bought them, because as a package they didn't work.
Click to expand...

jca666us said:
A tablet should be used wirelessly. If you need USB ports, or a widescreen display, go get yourself a laptop.
Click to expand...

If you're only using an iPad to web browse or whatever, then fine. But if you're planning to do real work then forget about it. The iPad doesn't have the specs or the OS to handle real work.

That's why the iPad is not magical or revolutionary. It's not being used in any relevant industries such as education, business, healthcare, or entertainment. And it most certainly isn't adequate for our armed forces.
 
Claefer said:
If you're only using an iPad to web browse or whatever, then fine. But if you're planning to do real work then forget about it. The iPad doesn't have the specs or the OS to handle real work.

That's why the iPad is not magical or revolutionary. It's not being used in any relevant industries such as education, business, healthcare, or entertainment. And it most certainly isn't adequate for our armed forces.
Click to expand...

Not suited for military... interesting. http://www.theipadfan.com/military-personnel-testing-iphone-ipad-apps-combat/
 
Claefer said:
That's why the iPad is not magical or revolutionary. It's not being used in any relevant industries such as education, business, healthcare, or entertainment. And it most certainly isn't adequate for our armed forces.
Click to expand...

Although I agree that iPad is not a good replacement for a laptop, or does it carry a full OS experience; you are completely off base by stating that it is not being used in the categories you mention.

Posting from iPhone I cannot give sources, but they are a plenty. United Air, Delta, education, businesses all over the world in fact- the proof is everywhere. Hell even the Tampa Bay Bucks are using it for their playbooks now.

Just false on that statement-
 
tigres said:
Although I agree that iPad is not a good replacement for a laptop, or does it carry a full OS experience; you are completely off base by stating that it is not being used in the categories you mention.

Posting from iPhone I cannot give sources, but they are a plenty. United Air, Delta, education, businesses all over the world in fact- the proof is everywhere. Hell even the Tampa Bay Bucks are using it for their playbooks now.

Just false on that statement-
Click to expand...

I doubt it. Even if it's true it's a mistake. The iPad just doesn't have the proper specs to do real work. They would be better off with a real computer to do real work. What can an iPad do that a netbook or a notebook can't? I just don't get it.

The iPad is only popular because it allows people to go online while on the toilet. That's it. It's just a fad like the latest pop star. It's not a true tablet. It's just a big iPod touch.

This thing was crapped on by everyone in 2010 and now all of a sudden it's changing the world? Please. Stop the reality distortion. This thing is not changing the world just like it's not replacing netbook or notebooks.
 
Dionte said:
I couldn't have read that right, did I see the words fan and heat mentioned when referring to a tablet. I'm about ready to get rid of my laptop due to those two features.
Click to expand...


It's pre-alpha software running on prototype hardware, what you see is not the final product :rolleyes:
 
DESNOS said:
Introducing Windows 9! Here are some of the amazing new features:

- Requires a nuclear power plant.
- Power plant intended to provide support for our new feature: Portable Stove Express! No longer must you choose between working on your tablet and cooking dinner! True freedom!
- Metro UI is now overlaid onto the desktop in a very artistic way that reminds me of some sort of MS Escher painting...
- Introducing fat binaries! (kidding)
- Your existing windows 95 programs still run!
- Your existing windows 8 programs don't.

All for the low price of $900! Get it while it's hot! (lol)
Click to expand...

What, no Reversi?

I love how pretty much all of the Windows 8 "breakthrough" features have all been done in other operating systems too.

Way to revolutionize, Microsoft. At least you still have your Fisher Price screens, though.
 
Claefer said:
I doubt it. Even if it's true it's a mistake. The iPad just doesn't have the proper specs to do real work. They would be better off with a real computer to do real work. What can an iPad do that a netbook or a notebook can't? I just don't get it.

The iPad is only popular because it allows people to go online while on the toilet. That's it. It's just a fad like the latest pop star. It's not a true tablet. It's just a big iPod touch.

This thing was crapped on by everyone in 2010 and now all of a sudden it's changing the world? Please. Stop the reality distortion. This thing is not changing the world just like it's not replacing netbook or notebooks.
Click to expand...

Well I agree and disagree. I don't think the iPad is a fad. I think that for many people who have no real use for a computer - it's great. Meaning - those that really only surf the net and want to send/receive email.. Those that aren't computer savvy and don't want to take up real estate with a desktop or even laptop. Etc.

That doesn't make it a fad. It just makes it a niche product (for some/many)

Heavy lifting is not what it's for - like you said. But there are quite a few people (consumers) who don't really need much.

My dad, for example -he has a top of the line desktop system. And really all he does is some work in Word (rare), surfs the web, etc. The desktop system is complete overkill.

My mom isn't computer savvy at all. She now has an iPad and she really does two things with it - Facebook and email. Could she learn to use a computer - no doubt. But the fact that she can be anywhere in the house and send a quick email on a screen that affords enough real estate to not squint is great for her.

It's not a fad - or at least not until something comes along that is easy to use, has more power and is offered for less ;)
 
Claefer said:
Learn what? Here's what's going to happen: millions of people will continue to enjoy their iPad until Windows 8 is released. And then all those iPad owners will look at their iPad and then look at a Windows 8 tablet and then back to their iPad and say, "Why can't you do that!"
Click to expand...

You have a hell of a nice crystal ball!
I don't have one, so I can only use the past to try to imagine what will happen in the future. And the past says that Microsoft already did that. And yet, the iPad happened, stupid name and all, and ate Microsoft lunch.

Claefer said:
Because the iPad is not a tablet. It's a big iPod touch. If Apple wants to be innovative they have to actually be innovative. They have to address the flaws in the iPad: (a) change the embarrassing name, (b) stereo speakers, (c) change the aspect ratio to widescreen, (d) at least three USB ports, (e) HDMI, (f) Flash, (g) SD card slot, (h) new OS, (i) at least 4 GB RAM, (j) reduce the bezel thickness, (k) removable battery, (l) stylus.

I could add a couple of more things but I don't want to nitpick.
Click to expand...

Huh, sorry. Here I was, trying to learn from the past, and you are in fact firmly there already!
Man, 2003 called, and they want their tablet concepts back. Uh, no, scratch that - looks like no one wanted them anyway.
3 USB ports... heh. The Macbook Air, being a full computer, has only 2 and it's fscking exploding in the market.

Do nitpick, please. Can be fun.
 
Claefer said:
I doubt it. Even if it's true it's a mistake. The iPad just doesn't have the proper specs to do real work. They would be better off with a real computer to do real work. What can an iPad do that a netbook or a notebook can't? I just don't get it.

The iPad is only popular because it allows people to go online while on the toilet. That's it. It's just a fad like the latest pop star. It's not a true tablet. It's just a big iPod touch.

This thing was crapped on by everyone in 2010 and now all of a sudden it's changing the world? Please. Stop the reality distortion. This thing is not changing the world just like it's not replacing netbook or notebooks.
Click to expand...

Funny, because I do real work all the time with my iPad. It can be more awkward at times, but that's usually because of limitations with the touch interface (the same limitations a Windows tablet would face). You don't need that much horsepower to run a word processor or spreadsheet, or even a vector program.

I can honestly say that I've never used my iPad on the toliet. I have however used it while walking to class, sitting in the car, standing in line, and laying on my side in bed. Situations where a notebook would be even more awkward.
 
Last edited:
Claefer said:
If you're only using an iPad to web browse or whatever, then fine. But if you're planning to do real work then forget about it. The iPad doesn't have the specs or the OS to handle real work.

That's why the iPad is not magical or revolutionary. It's not being used in any relevant industries such as education, business, healthcare, or entertainment. And it most certainly isn't adequate for our armed forces.
Click to expand...

Military: already adressed (that was quick! )

Healthcare: I know people who not long ago started their own business exactly about iPads in healthcare, and they seems to be doing quite fine. http://www.turyon.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=99&Itemid=165

Education: What about universities giving iPads to students?
http://www.emergingedtech.com/2011/08/seton-hill-universitys-ipad-rollout-a-model-implementation/

Business: Heh, even Apple's own website answers quickly here.
http://www.apple.com/ipad/business/profiles/
Apart from the recent pilot stories...
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...aperless-flight-deck-with-ipad-128240343.html
Even today...
http://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-ipad-inflight-entertainment-ife

:D

(for bonus points: did Microsoft enjoy that kind of success when it produced desktop-like tablets?)
 
samcraig said:
Well I agree and disagree. I don't think the iPad is a fad. I think that for many people who have no real use for a computer - it's great. Meaning - those that really only surf the net and want to send/receive email.. Those that aren't computer savvy and don't want to take up real estate with a desktop or even laptop. Etc.

That doesn't make it a fad. It just makes it a niche product (for some/many)

Heavy lifting is not what it's for - like you said. But there are quite a few people (consumers) who don't really need much.

My dad, for example -he has a top of the line desktop system. And really all he does is some work in Word (rare), surfs the web, etc. The desktop system is complete overkill.

My mom isn't computer savvy at all. She now has an iPad and she really does two things with it - Facebook and email. Could she learn to use a computer - no doubt. But the fact that she can be anywhere in the house and send a quick email on a screen that affords enough real estate to not squint is great for her.

It's not a fad - or at least not until something comes along that is easy to use, has more power and is offered for less ;)
Click to expand...

We'll how the big iPod touch lasts after Windows 8 is released.
 
I think Windows 8 for tablets has the potential to be the post-PC device Old Stevie touted so much, rather than a media consumption device like the iPad and its Android equivalents. With increasingly low power chips with even better performance, tablets PCs will be making a comeback.
 
mijail said:
Military: already adressed (that was quick! )

Healthcare: I know people who not long ago started their own business exactly about iPads in healthcare, and they seems to be doing quite fine. http://www.turyon.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=99&Itemid=165

Education: What about universities giving iPads to students?
http://www.emergingedtech.com/2011/08/seton-hill-universitys-ipad-rollout-a-model-implementation/

Business: Heh, even Apple's own website answers quickly here.
http://www.apple.com/ipad/business/profiles/
Apart from the recent pilot stories...
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...aperless-flight-deck-with-ipad-128240343.html
Even today...
http://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-ipad-inflight-entertainment-ife

:D

(for bonus points: did Microsoft enjoy that kind of success when it produced desktop-like tablets?)
Click to expand...

I guess I'm just skeptical in general about the tablet form factor but I'm really skeptical that the iPad is having any significant impact on the world. It just doesn't have the specs or a proper OS!

Fine, so some professionals are testing out iPads but how many of them stick with it? Are professionals satisfied with their big iPod touch? Could they have achieved the same or better results using a netbook?
 
Claefer said:
I guess I'm just skeptical in general about the tablet form factor but I'm really skeptical that the iPad is having any significant impact on the world. It just doesn't have the specs or a proper OS!
Click to expand...

And who defines what are the needed specs or what is "a proper OS"?

You should define your needs, of course, but an awful lot of people seem to be happy with the current iPad.

Claefer said:
Fine, so some professionals are testing out iPads but how many of them stick with it?
Click to expand...

Who knows. But looks like, even if they start using them for real, you will then ask "yes, but will they still use them after another year?". Ad infinitum.

Claefer said:
Are professionals satisfied with their big iPod touch? Could they have achieved the same or better results using a netbook?
Click to expand...

Again, who knows. Ask them or read their press releases for the details.
But the logic assumption would be that they have been testing other systems. Or do you think they just slept past the netbook craze and now jumped into the unknown with the iPad?
 
Claefer said:
I doubt it. Even if it's true it's a mistake. The iPad just doesn't have the proper specs to do real work. They would be better off with a real computer to do real work. What can an iPad do that a netbook or a notebook can't? I just don't get it.

The iPad is only popular because it allows people to go online while on the toilet. That's it. It's just a fad like the latest pop star. It's not a true tablet. It's just a big iPod touch.

This thing was crapped on by everyone in 2010 and now all of a sudden it's changing the world? Please. Stop the reality distortion. This thing is not changing the world just like it's not replacing netbook or notebooks.
Click to expand...

I read and mark up complex legal contracts for use in government on my iPad. Is this not real work?

The architect who designed my new house showed me the specs and drawings on his iPad then produced some mock-ups in front of my eyes on the device – Is this not real work?
 
Claefer said:
I guess I'm just skeptical in general about the tablet form factor but I'm really skeptical that the iPad is having any significant impact on the world. It just doesn't have the specs or a proper OS!

Fine, so some professionals are testing out iPads but how many of them stick with it? Are professionals satisfied with their big iPod touch? Could they have achieved the same or better results using a netbook?
Click to expand...

Well I know the whole point in the healthcare world is to have something they can walk around with. Essentially a digital replacement for the clipboards they traditionally used for patent information. So a netbook wouldn't work there.
 
chagla said:
you don't need to. ;)

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/default.aspx

what many people don't know that they could legally buy nearly 95% of ALL Microsoft software for a one time fee of $349. it's called technet subscription. renewal is optional at $249/year.

you can "evaluate" for as long as you want at home. :D
Click to expand...
You don't even need to do that... I'm presuming chagla is wanting to download a copy of Windows 8, in which case it's freely available to download from here:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/home/

Strangely for Microsoft, no long-winded forms or registration required.

Been using it for a couple of hours now, honestly I really don't like it. I'm all for throwing out the old and bringing in the new, but at the moment it feels like trying to use the Windows Media Centre interface as the main UI for the PC.

I would imagine it works well for tablets, but it seems clumsy when using a mouse - attempting to multi-task or just shut down the PC seems to require knowing keyboard shortcuts which is going to make the average user pull their hair out. Obviously it's an unfinished build but these seem like fairly obvious UI elements that should be in there.

Nothing against the Metro interface per se, but I think if Microsoft are going to go down this route then they'd be better off using *just* this interface instead of the old/new mixture they have at the moment.

I reckon they'd be better off starting this off as a tablet/phone OS then bringing it to PC once the app store is full enough that your average user can run their PC without leaving Metro.

If I was to hazard a guess as to what will happen with this, I think that all the main apps will continue to run in "old" Windows whilst Metro will be full of useless gimmick apps in the way that desktop gadgets currently are.
 
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