- Messages
- 117
- Location
- Seattle, WA
I've used Windows Phone since it launched in 2010 (and before that, Zune). I've seen it grow and absolutely fell in love with the platform from the start.
When I discovered that Microsoft was featuring the Modern style interface in Windows 8, I got very excited.
After the dev preview and consumer preview, some of that excitement waned. Crashes, slow apps, etc. The small bit of hope was that it would improve in the final release.
I've had Windows 8 for just under two months or so. And the metro-style part of the interface is pleasing...but I can't help but wonder if Microsoft didn't make the right decision. My experience on Windows Phone is just so much better than on Windows 8.
Take any of the built-in applications for example...the People hub. A fully-featured, highly detailed contacts management application that's seamlessly integrated with social media. A captivating experience on Windows Phone, and not quite so much in Windows 8. The People application on Win8 feels incomplete and disorganized, and even LACKS features seen in Windows Phone. Changing pictures + groups + fine contact detail editing...what gives? You know it's bad when I go to my phone to make changes and never touch the People app on Windows 8 to make serious changes.
Maps feels the same. How are there SO many more options on a mobile application than a desktop application? Save location as favorite, see+do, etc.
Unfortunately, Windows 8 seems all about compromise to me (despite Steven Sinofsky's earliest claims about the OS) and just lacks too much of the fullness of Windows Phone. I didn't want it to be that way, but that's just been my experience.
On the desktop side, it's great. Using it as an "upgraded Windows 7 machine" works well for me, I have no complaints. And I don't HATE the start screen....I just don't really use it.
I just can't justify using a WordPress app or Pictures app if I could just navigate to wordpress.com on a browser or direct File Explorer to "My Pictures"? Otherwise, I'm using a compromised version of the otherwise fully-featured app/program I could be enjoying.
On the other hand, I am happy with Office 2013. It combines Metro UI, the ribbon, and other features of desktop applications very well.
Am I being cruelly unjust? Or is anyone seeing what I'm saying here?
When I discovered that Microsoft was featuring the Modern style interface in Windows 8, I got very excited.
After the dev preview and consumer preview, some of that excitement waned. Crashes, slow apps, etc. The small bit of hope was that it would improve in the final release.
I've had Windows 8 for just under two months or so. And the metro-style part of the interface is pleasing...but I can't help but wonder if Microsoft didn't make the right decision. My experience on Windows Phone is just so much better than on Windows 8.
Take any of the built-in applications for example...the People hub. A fully-featured, highly detailed contacts management application that's seamlessly integrated with social media. A captivating experience on Windows Phone, and not quite so much in Windows 8. The People application on Win8 feels incomplete and disorganized, and even LACKS features seen in Windows Phone. Changing pictures + groups + fine contact detail editing...what gives? You know it's bad when I go to my phone to make changes and never touch the People app on Windows 8 to make serious changes.
Maps feels the same. How are there SO many more options on a mobile application than a desktop application? Save location as favorite, see+do, etc.
Unfortunately, Windows 8 seems all about compromise to me (despite Steven Sinofsky's earliest claims about the OS) and just lacks too much of the fullness of Windows Phone. I didn't want it to be that way, but that's just been my experience.
On the desktop side, it's great. Using it as an "upgraded Windows 7 machine" works well for me, I have no complaints. And I don't HATE the start screen....I just don't really use it.
I just can't justify using a WordPress app or Pictures app if I could just navigate to wordpress.com on a browser or direct File Explorer to "My Pictures"? Otherwise, I'm using a compromised version of the otherwise fully-featured app/program I could be enjoying.
On the other hand, I am happy with Office 2013. It combines Metro UI, the ribbon, and other features of desktop applications very well.
Am I being cruelly unjust? Or is anyone seeing what I'm saying here?
My Computer
System One
-
- OS
- Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- CPU
- Intel Core i7-4790K Haswell Quad-Core 4.0GHz LGA 1150
- Motherboard
- ASUS Z97-A LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
- Memory
- CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3
- Graphics Card(s)
- ASUS GTX750TI-OC-2GD5 GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB 128-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 HDCP
- Sound Card
- NVIDIA High Definition Audio
- Monitor(s) Displays
- ASUS VG248QE Black 24" 144Hz 1ms (GTG) HDMI Widescreen LED Backlight LCD 3D and 20" 2009m HP Monitor
- Screen Resolution
- 1920 x 1080 and 1600 x 900
- Hard Drives
- Intel 730 Series 2.5" 240GB SSD (OS + programs) WD Blue 1 TB HDD: 3.5 Inch, 7200 RPM (personal files)
- PSU
- Antec HCG M Series HCG-620M 620W ATX12V
- Case
- AZZA Solano 1000 Black Japanese SECC Steel/Metal mesh in front MicroATX/ATX/Full ATX
- Cooling
- Fans. Everywhere. (but they're surprisingly silent)
- Keyboard
- HP USB keyboard, 6 ft cable, Height: 1.1 inch, Width: 6.3 inches, Length: 17.3 inches
- Mouse
- HP USB mouse, 6 ft cable,
- Internet Speed
- 36 Mbps download, 6 Mbps upload
- Browser
- Internet Explorer 11
- Antivirus
- Windows Defender + MalwareBytes