I actually like the new OS . . .

Tomel

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Member
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Location
Virginia
First, a little background
o I read about, but never tried, the new OS until upgrading my Win 7 desktop on 10/26
o Purchased a new 23" touchscreen monitor, also on 10/26
o Have used every version of Windows since Win 95 (except Vista). Actually tried even earlier versions of Windows, but did not stick with them
o My system is an i7-920, 6Gb RAM, SSD primary drive, WD Velociraptor secondary

My observations:
o Start-up about the same, shutdown much faster
o Using touch screen really brings out the best in new OS (changed my folders from detail view to tiles, allowing me to use touchscreen to navigate directory structure easier)
o Realized that the Start Screen is really just the Win 7 Start Menu, only graphical and touch screen friendly.
o Start Button hasn't gone away, it's just hidden. Hovering the mouse where the Start Button used to be brings up the hidden Start Button
o Some of the new Metro Apps are lousy or need work, but some are very good. I just unpinned the ones I didn't like from the Start Screen.
o Microsoft Account, Live Account, People App, Mail App, etc. interactions and relationships are confusing (at least to me). I kind of understand how the pieces fit together, but not completely.
o I reorganized the start menu into three sections: Metro Apps, Non Metro Apps, Folder and File Shortcuts
o "All Apps" screen is nice, but it's necessary to unpin a lot of unnecessary links. For instance, if an application's install program includes a link to their web site, this link is included on the "All Apps" screen.
o Really like the new Task Manager
o Some suggested changes that Microsoft should consider:
- Add an option to bypass the Lock Screen and go directly to the Login Screen on start-up
- Add a user option for system to automatically load the Start Screen when the last desktop app is closed
- Touch gesture to see what Metro Apps are currently running is awkward and needs to be assessed
- When you bring up a left panel showing Metro Apps that are running, it would be nice for each Apps icon to have an "x" that you could click to close the app.

Those are my initial observations after a little less than two weeks experience with Win 8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Home Built
    CPU
    Intel i7-4771
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Pro
    Memory
    16 Gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1GB
    Sound Card
    None
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer T232HL
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Primary - Samsung 840 EVO 250 Gb
    Secondary - Western Digital BLACK 1TB
    PSU
    Corsair RM 650W 80+
    Case
    Fractal Design Arc Midi R2
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK520
    Mouse
    Logitech MK520
    Internet Speed
    FiOS-15Mb
    Browser
    IE11 / Firefox
    Antivirus
    Avast Free
what 23" touchscreen monitor did you buy, is it the viewsonic model for $500?

understand about the logins, i still cant get windows 8 and xbox account logged in under same account so i can use the smartglass app, its a real pain in the butt, also the email app is wonky for adding pop3 mail accounts.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro ($39.99 upgrade)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel I5 3570K overclocked to 4.2ghz
    Motherboard
    Asus P8Z77-V LX
    Memory
    Cosrair DDR3-1600 (4 x 4gb)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GT 610 2GB
    Sound Card
    None
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC 27" LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x0180
    Hard Drives
    Seagate HDD 500gb (windows)
    Seagate HDD 1.5tb (media)
    Seagate HDD 1tb (media)
    Seagate HDD 1tb (media)
    PSU
    CoolMax 700watt
    Case
    Cosiar R400 Carbide series
    Cooling
    Cool Master H212
    Keyboard
    Dell
    Mouse
    PowerUp 3 button mouse
    Internet Speed
    12mb down, 1mb up
    Other Info
    qty. (5) 120mm fans, four are monitored by motherboard.
    Logitech T650 Touchpad for touch screen gestures
If you place your 23" at good viewing distance, you will develop and shoulder problem in no time. The mouse carpal tunnel syndrome is nothing compare of what will happen to peoples using medium to large touch monitors and Windows 8, Windows 8 represent a serious health hazard on Touchscreen desktop monitor. I will not be surprise if Microsoft pay the price one day.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 enterprise x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pc-Quebec / Area 66
    CPU
    i7-3960X Extreme Edition
    Motherboard
    Rampage IV Extreme
    Memory
    Gskill 4x4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4 x HD 7970
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    C:\Intel series 520 SSD , 250 GB
    D:\ WD 750 black with Intel 40gb SSD cache Intel RST
    E:\ WD 2TB Black
    PSU
    Corsair AX 1200
    Case
    TT Mozart TX
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Logitech G-15
    Other Info
    Windows 8 VM is install on his own SSD.
tcman50 . . . I bought the Acer T232HL at Best Buy

area66 - Maybe, but I personally don't anticipate having the problem since I'm not using it continuously. I still use the keyboard a lot and use the touch screen primarily for navigation and starting / stopping apps. Also, scrolling news stories, etc., but the scrolling is maybe 2% and the reading 98% of the time.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Home Built
    CPU
    Intel i7-4771
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Pro
    Memory
    16 Gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1GB
    Sound Card
    None
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer T232HL
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Primary - Samsung 840 EVO 250 Gb
    Secondary - Western Digital BLACK 1TB
    PSU
    Corsair RM 650W 80+
    Case
    Fractal Design Arc Midi R2
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK520
    Mouse
    Logitech MK520
    Internet Speed
    FiOS-15Mb
    Browser
    IE11 / Firefox
    Antivirus
    Avast Free
What new OS ah! Windows 8 you mean I thought that was just a service pack!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8 pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Computer 1 of 4
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4A78LT-M LE
    Memory
    4GB Kit (2x2GB)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 18"
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    PSU
    Cheapo
    Internet Speed
    30mb
    Other Info
    Computer 2 :~ Dell Inspiron - 1x 350gb & 1x 250gb - 6GB Memory - Win 7 | Computer 3 :~ Samsung 355v5C Notebook - 6Gb Mem - Win8 2Core| Computer 4:~ Samsung 355v5C Notebook - 6Gb Mem - Win8 4Core

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.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 enterprise x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pc-Quebec / Area 66
    CPU
    i7-3960X Extreme Edition
    Motherboard
    Rampage IV Extreme
    Memory
    Gskill 4x4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4 x HD 7970
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    C:\Intel series 520 SSD , 250 GB
    D:\ WD 750 black with Intel 40gb SSD cache Intel RST
    E:\ WD 2TB Black
    PSU
    Corsair AX 1200
    Case
    TT Mozart TX
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Logitech G-15
    Other Info
    Windows 8 VM is install on his own SSD.
we got my dad the acer t232hl monitor too. it's a pretty sweet monitor. even though IPS is expensive, it's still worth it. we need to upgrade all our monitors eventually to IPS.

what's the viewsonic model, tcman?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
If you place your 23" at good viewing distance, you will develop and shoulder problem in no time. The mouse carpal tunnel syndrome is nothing compare of what will happen to peoples using medium to large touch monitors and Windows 8, Windows 8 represent a serious health hazard on Touchscreen desktop monitor. I will not be surprise if Microsoft pay the price one day.

You do realize that you can use both a mouse and touch at the same time, right? So you can use touch for what makes sense and a mouse for what makes sense. Gestures and other kinds of things will make more sense with touch, while fine-grained actions make more sense with a mouse.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX
we got my dad the acer t232hl monitor too. it's a pretty sweet monitor. even though IPS is expensive, it's still worth it. we need to upgrade all our monitors eventually to IPS.

what's the viewsonic model, tcman?

Yes, love IPS monitors. They are worth the cost. My favorite being the Dell U2410.

From an easier to swallow price standpoint, Maximum PC highly recommends the Asus PA238Q and they run around $260 these days.
 

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.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 enterprise x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pc-Quebec / Area 66
    CPU
    i7-3960X Extreme Edition
    Motherboard
    Rampage IV Extreme
    Memory
    Gskill 4x4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4 x HD 7970
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    C:\Intel series 520 SSD , 250 GB
    D:\ WD 750 black with Intel 40gb SSD cache Intel RST
    E:\ WD 2TB Black
    PSU
    Corsair AX 1200
    Case
    TT Mozart TX
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Logitech G-15
    Other Info
    Windows 8 VM is install on his own SSD.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX
I like the new OS too. It only took me about 1/2 hour to get used to it and realize I could do everything I did in 7 in a way that is as efficient, although different.

I doubt that I will get a touch screen in the near future though, as I am perfectly happy with the keyboard and mouse.

Maybe when more vendors enter the Windows tablet market I may give it a try and will enjoy the touch screen input there. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M3970
    CPU
    I3
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonic VX2450WM-LED
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    128 GB SSD
    1 TB HDD
Why get a 24" when you can get a 27" with 2560x1440 resolution for the same price (less actually)? I have one of these, and they're fantastic.

Micro Center - Computers, Electronics, Computer Parts, Networking, Gaming, Software, and more!

Well, because 27" is just too big for a computer monitor on my desk. 23" is actually what I prefer, but the nicer displays seem to be 24", like the Dell U2410. Also, want to be sure that I have a resolution that my video card can handle for gaming at the monitors native resolution.
 

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.
none of those monitors have capacitive touch... right now, it looks like the Acer is the only affordable touch model.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
- Touch gesture to see what Metro Apps are currently running is awkward and needs to be assessed

actually, this bothered me when I first tried it. but I realized I was rushing it. once I got a sense of how to really activate it, it's super easy. it's the same as swipe for the charm but instead of lifting off, you swipe back. and the motion can be super slow. you don't need to rush it or have it be a clean continuous swipe. it's totally easier than the mouse way of going to the hot corner and then pulling down.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
Get the new Logitech touch pad as it is better ergonomically and adds touch. You can use a mouse for moving around.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
Well, because 27" is just too big for a computer monitor on my desk.

I wouldn't say 27" is too big. For one of my dad's PCs, he has a 47" HDTV. On his desk. It's pretty amazing actually.

To each his own I guess. I have a 23" on my desk at the present time, and would not be comfortable with anything bigger.
 

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.
When the Dell U2410 and the Asus PA238Q monitors were mentioned above, I thought I'd screwed up and paid too much for my Acer. Some quick research showed I had not missed these monitors after all since, as dirtyvu has already mentioned, these are not touch screen monitors.

Also, agree with Mystere, touch works great for some things, the mouse for others. It's only been a little over a week and I'm getting pretty proficient switching back and forth without really thinking about it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Home Built
    CPU
    Intel i7-4771
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Pro
    Memory
    16 Gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1GB
    Sound Card
    None
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer T232HL
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Primary - Samsung 840 EVO 250 Gb
    Secondary - Western Digital BLACK 1TB
    PSU
    Corsair RM 650W 80+
    Case
    Fractal Design Arc Midi R2
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK520
    Mouse
    Logitech MK520
    Internet Speed
    FiOS-15Mb
    Browser
    IE11 / Firefox
    Antivirus
    Avast Free
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