Welcome back to Excellence!!

8Nation

New Member
Messages
5
Location
Washington DC
GoodBye IPad, HoneyComb and Laptop, Hello Windows 8 Pro Slate.

It seems like it was just yesterday when I was so happy to be the owner of a 64 GB apple IPad, an Apple MacBook pro and a 64 GB apple iPhone. However, as most tech savvy individuals will attest, owning any of these devices makes one thing abundantly clear; apple products are not for the technically inclined. The best way I can explain this is with analogy. It’s like being a surgeon and being handed a butter knife to perform a surgical task. It’s like being a soldier on a battlefield and being handed a slingshot to defend oneself. The feeling can only be described as a lacking of options, possibilities, and flexibility with a foreboding yet a subdued sense of restriction.
Fast-forward 18 months a Samsung Galaxy Tab2 7 inch, an Asus Transformer TF300t and now I am the proud owner of the Samsung Series 7 Slate running Windows8 Professional on a power sipping Intel i5 processor with 4 GB of Ram. The device uniquely covers both the needs of a laptop as well as a tablet. The Modern (previously Metro) interface allows the user a functionality best described as a casual one. A functionality and interface that appear to be perfectly adapted for use on the go, on the train, on a plane, in a cab, in the park or at the local coffee shop, Library or Cyber Café. Tasks can be performed with the touch or swipe of the finger, all, unbelievably, with the simplicity of the IPad OS but with the elegance, power and flexibility of the Android OS. This symbiosis of characteristics had to be intentional on the part of Microsoft engineers because the interface works so cleanly , all while the desktop offers the user the familiar interface and full-fledged applications we have all come to know and love for sit down productivity sessions.
The Microsoft Apps market, like the Android and Apple Markets, provide the user with the casual apps one would need for things like weather, news, sport highlights and gaming.
The two environments function as one to a point where they flow together in a way that forces one to forget that the OS is still just Windows. The user is engulfed by the experience once the learning curve has been achieved.

Advanced functionality is now just a right click or a press and hold away. Goodbye Tablet and laptop, hello Windows 8 Slate. I am pleasantly pleased and abundantly surprised to be able to say that THIS Windows Iteration Really, Really Just works and works well, very well. 10 points Microsoft and welcome back to excellence..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung Series 7 Slate
    CPU
    Intel Core i5
    Memory
    4Gig
I question your inability to notice how lacking Apple products were until you managed to buy all of them. I have never purchased one of them for myself because it was easy to tell they weren't for me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I question your inability to notice how lacking Apple products were until you managed to buy all of them. I have never purchased one of them for myself because it was easy to tell they weren't for me.

And You should be a little less willing to judge anything until you have first hand knowledge of it. That way when you say you don't like it, at least you'll be educated about it and not going on just what you may have heard.
With that being said, I think it would be safe for me to say that you are most likely more ignorant of apple ios than not. Don't be a fanboi.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung Series 7 Slate
    CPU
    Intel Core i5
    Memory
    4Gig
I don't personally own any Apple products. My wife on the other hand has owned an iPhone 3gs for approx 3 years. I've used some older G4 macs in the past at an old job. Where I work currently, we have some Mac Book Pros. I was very close recently to getting a MacBook to get more acquainted with the OS for some side projects that I have going on doing some audio work where almost everything is done on a Mac. But I just couldn't bring myself to spend the money on the hardware. Ultimately got a recent version of OSX up and running under VMWare, so I could at least familiarize myself with more core concepts of the OS.

So, not even close to being an expert, and certainly not a fan. But not completely ignorant of what it brings to the table and I can understand why a lot of people use it.

Sorry if I offended you with my comments, it just seemed like you went "all out" Apple and then made the realization that it wasn't really suited for the tech savvy and have come back full circle to appreciating what Microsoft has done. Seems like you must have known Apple very well to invest in all of those gadgets...and it seems you would have been cognizant of the limitations.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
This symbiosis of characteristics had to be intentional on the part of Microsoft engineers because the interface works so cleanly , all while the desktop offers the user the familiar interface and full-fledged applications we have all come to know and love for sit down productivity sessions.

The Microsoft Apps market, like the Android and Apple Markets, provide the user with the casual apps one would need for things like weather, news, sport highlights and gaming.

The two environments function as one to a point where they flow together in a way that forces one to forget that the OS is still just Windows. The user is engulfed by the experience once the learning curve has been achieved.

That's beautiful! Well Done.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Server 2012 / 8.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel i7 QuadCore 3770k
    Motherboard
    Asrock Extreme 4
    Memory
    16GB Crucial Ballistix
    Graphics Card(s)
    intel embedded gpu
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster Z
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC / Westinghouse
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Plextor pcie msata
    PSU
    Rosewill Silent Night 500W Fanless / PicoPSU
    Case
    open bench - no case enclosure
    Cooling
    Silverstone HEO2 Passive Silent
    Keyboard
    logitech washable K310
    Mouse
    logitech wired
    Browser
    ie / maxthon
    Other Info
    Totally silent. No fans at all.
I don't personally own any Apple products. My wife on the other hand has owned an iPhone 3gs for approx 3 years. I've used some older G4 macs in the past at an old job. Where I work currently, we have some Mac Book Pros. I was very close recently to getting a MacBook to get more acquainted with the OS for some side projects that I have going on doing some audio work where almost everything is done on a Mac. But I just couldn't bring myself to spend the money on the hardware. Ultimately got a recent version of OSX up and running under VMWare, so I could at least familiarize myself with more core concepts of the OS.

So, not even close to being an expert, and certainly not a fan. But not completely ignorant of what it brings to the table and I can understand why a lot of people use it.

Sorry if I offended you with my comments, it just seemed like you went "all out" Apple and then made the realization that it wasn't really suited for the tech savvy and have come back full circle to appreciating what Microsoft has done. Seems like you must have known Apple very well to invest in all of those gadgets...and it seems you would have been cognizant of the limitations.

One thing Apple does abundantly we'll, as illegal as it may be, or not, is to create devices, environments and applications that demand each other. In this scenario, the IPhone is the gateway drug.
After having the iPhone for a few months I found myself in need of a new computer. Consciously searching for a laptop with the build quality and attention to detail like that of a MacBook Pro, I could find nothing. Eventually, I decided to go ahead with the VMware option on a 13 inch i5, which worked we'll, at least for a while. But like every relationship, once the novelty has worn off, the realities begin to become more obvious. My initial obsession with MacBook Pro build quality was now overcast by the limitations of VMware and the restrictive nature of iTunes and the IOS operating system. Just as easily as I made the investment, I sold the entire bundle, inclusive of the Ipad I was given as a gift.
Closure is a good thing, now I can safely say that my long lived Apple desires are completely out of my system.." Exhale"...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung Series 7 Slate
    CPU
    Intel Core i5
    Memory
    4Gig
I always felt that I would end up with huge buyers remorse if I went with a Mac.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I always felt that I would end up with huge buyers remorse if I went with a Mac.

I thought you were once considering a macbook air?....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
If I should say so, very well put! I met a guy the other day that spent over 1,100 dollars on a 64 gig ipad for school work only to realize that a giant ipod touch isn't a Windows PC. We were discussing this at best buy while I was playing with the Lenevo Yoga laptop and the benefits of one far exceed ANYTHING an ios device could even try to do, and for less money and vastly better hardware. It's surprising to see though, how Windows 8 and Windows Phone actually seems to convert apple people over. Interesting phenomenon. I've read a few stories already about this happening and it's surprising to read about some devout apple followers turn to Windows 8 tablets because, of well Windows 8.

I want to ask, did you ever buy the magic mouse for the mac?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
If I should say so, very well put! I met a guy the other day that spent over 1,100 dollars on a 64 gig ipad for school work only to realize that a giant ipod touch isn't a Windows PC.

He got ripped off. Badly.

And buying an iPad and expecting it to be a PC is just foolish. I happen to love my 64GB iPad3, but I love it for what it is - and don't focus on what it can't do.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vanilla 8 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    SmartEyeball Custom Systems
    CPU
    Intel 3770K @4.8ghz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 WS
    Memory
    16GB G.Skill Trident 2666mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    3x Gigabyte GTX 670 OC WindForce SLI
    Sound Card
    SB X-FI Surround 5.1 PRO USB + ATH-AD900 Headphones
    Monitor(s) Displays
    x3 Dell U2410 / 58" Samsung / "40 Sony
    Screen Resolution
    5760*1200/1920*1200 / 1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    2x Intel 520 240GB * Crucial M4 128GB * 2x Samsung F3 1TB (RAID 0) * 2x WD Caviar Blacks 2TB (RAID 0)
    PSU
    Corsair AX1200
    Case
    Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Topre Realforce // Ducky Shine MX Black // Filco Ninja TKL
    Mouse
    Razer Imperator + Thermaltake Theron
    Other Info
    Laptop Specs: Clevo Sager P170HM // 17.3 Matte 1920x1200 // i7 2720QM // 8GB 1333mhz // Dedicated GTX 485M // 240GB Intel 520 + 750GB + Blu-Ray // Samsung Story 2TB USB 3.0 // NexStar USB 3.0 enclosure 500GB
I always felt that I would end up with huge buyers remorse if I went with a Mac.

I thought you were once considering a macbook air?....
I "WAS" considering a macbook air. I do some audio work on the side, and they use all Mac's. I don't know that much about them and would like to know more. It would benefit me in this field where MS based systems are simply not the norm.

However, I got OSX running as VM and can learn the basics of the OS in this environment, which is really all that I want.

I never bought that MacBook air because I was convinced I would have buyers remorse after buying it. It was too much to drop for a learning experience for me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I've also gone the Samsung Slate route. But it has NOT replaced my iPad. Not YET! The iPad is very good at what it does. It is a consumption device and great at note taking with the proper keyboard folio. But the Samsung Slate has replaced my Windows desktop, or least diminished its usage quite a bit. At work, I use my Slate as an alternate testing box (w/ keyboard & mouse), as is much faster than the dated Dell desktop w/Visual Studio.

So the Samsung Slate has become my PC for use in the easy chair. It will replace my iPad when the Windows Store get up to par will some really good apps.

I am a minority in this forum, as I truly like tablets & touch. For me, Windows 8 fills a special niche really well...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sony Vaio Duo 11
    CPU
    i7
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 4000
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    11.6" touch screen w/ digitizer & Asus 27" external monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    256 GB SSD
    Cooling
    Internal fan
    Keyboard
    Slider keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech T650 Touchpad & Microsoft Touch Mouse
I've also gone the Samsung Slate route. But it has NOT replaced my iPad. Not YET! The iPad is very good at what it does. It is a consumption device and great at note taking with the proper keyboard folio. But the Samsung Slate has replaced my Windows desktop, or least diminished its usage quite a bit. At work, I use my Slate as an alternate testing box (w/ keyboard & mouse), as is much faster than the dated Dell desktop w/Visual Studio.

So the Samsung Slate has become my PC for use in the easy chair. It will replace my iPad when the Windows Store get up to par will some really good apps.

I am a minority in this forum, as I truly like tablets & touch. For me, Windows 8 fills a special niche really well...


I concur completely.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung Series 7 Slate
    CPU
    Intel Core i5
    Memory
    4Gig
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