What do normal people think of new Windows 8 PCs?

One thing that’s fascinating about HSN is that it’s a community made up of people who are very different from the tech bloggers and gadget addicts that tend to hang around places like this.

Hipsters and techies might scoff at HSN, whose habitués are about as far as you can get from Silicon Valley and Williamsburg when it comes to tech and design sophistication, but HSN shoppers buy a lot of technology. And because they’re a community, they love to leave reviews. It is no accident that every HSN listing for a Windows 8 PC has a Pinterest button alongside the Facebook Like and Tweet This buttons.

So I was particularly eager to read the first reactions to these new devices from, for lack of a better word, normal people.

Source

Do any normal people post here?

A Guy

 

[Fredledingue]

Did you see the "Buy Windows 8 now" notes. They must think people are idiots.

Yeah... amazing!

---

As if W8 will be the last OS Microsoft will sell until the end of times! By 2015 or 2020 we will be at Windows 10 or 11 and it will be again something completely different with no continuity with W8 whatsoever.

 

[molebo]

Who care about their Ultimatum, they will extend it like they did with XP

 

[Sudsmcduff96]

I think Windows 8 is good. Got a new laptop today (HP G6-2284CA) that came with it, and I haven't been bothered by anything other than the bloatware installed by HP.

The only thing I'm concerned about is the computer itself. A lot of people don't seem to like HP, so I'm hoping that I don't have any major issues with mine.

 

[jbfoster]

I have bought 3 lower end HP laptops ($350) and all three are still working fine. They are a little slow but still going. I upgraded the last one I bought with a SSD drive and that mad a big difference. The oldest one is about 6 years pld.

 

[David Bailey]

I think Windows 8 oem needs lots of Windows Updates.

IE 10 also.

Windows should be like Volkswagons or Quaker Oats--- Reliable.
If it ain't broke don't "fix" it with new versions !
Test any upgrades to make sure they work as intended.
I suppose putting out new versions of Windows & letting their customers test them saves Microsoft a lot of money.

 

[bluice32]

I personally don't like Windows 8. I've tried the new Metro start screen, and I don't see the point? It's change for the sake of touch screens, but I will never use a touch screen for my home computer. Why should I deal with mono-colored blocks on a mono-colored background..

I did all the start menu customizations and tweaks, and it just feels tacky. I went back to Windows 7 Ultimate.

I have to say, Window 7 is nearly perfect the way it is. There's no reason to change perfection, unless you're a Microsoft executive who wants to make more money.

 

[LAK]

So far I am struggling with managing multiple tabs and screens. Every time I move my cursor, something I don't want pops up, sidebar, date and time, very annoying, and the entire screen will suddenly resize itself without any command from me. Also, I will be working on something and the screen will suddenly vanish and I will be back at the start screen for no discernible reason. I would also like a start button and a search button in the start-up menu.

 

[Vertex]

So far I am struggling with managing multiple tabs and screens. Every time I move my cursor, something I don't want pops up, sidebar, date and time, very annoying, and the entire screen will suddenly resize itself without any command from me. Also, I will be working on something and the screen will suddenly vanish and I will be back at the start screen for no discernible reason. I would also like a start button and a search button in the start-up menu.

Then you should install a freeware called Classic Shell:

Welcome to Classic Shell

 

[David Bailey]

So far I am struggling with managing multiple tabs and screens.

Then you should install a freeware called Classic Shell:

Welcome to Classic Shell

There is a new updated version.
Mine just notified me of it.
v.--3.6.5

 

[Vertex]

There is a new updated version.
Mine just notified me of it.
v.--3.6.5

Apprently, they have released a lot of new versions only this month to fix issues but I haven't really updated mine for maybe 2 months now cause I rarely get into the feel of logging on to my W8 RP installed of my netbook which I rarely use at home unless my desktop went broke.

 

[Blosam]

I love my Windows 8, I haven't learned all about it yet but its fun doing it. I can get all my email program one click away. All my people are all on one area for all 3 of my emails. i have spell check that corrects as i go or shows me what is wrong and just a click I can get it right. I can jump back and forth form each email program as they are all on one page. I can do Face book with ease. I can find other people with out reloading. I can go with ease from chrome or internet Explore. In a flash of a hand I can be on another window page. Or be on my home page. Wow who would have thought that was possible. I love my windows more each day!

 

[A Guy]

Welcome to Eight Forums Blosam. A Guy

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Hello, Blosam. Welcome to EightForums. I'm glad you're liking 8.

 

[TickleOnTheTum]

All the Not We's I've spoken to think it is fine BUT they don't like the Start Screen, Apps or Touch stuff. They are all Desktop users both at work and home.

The first thing most ask me is how can I switch all that off for them...

Oh and they usually moan that the desktop GUI is to bland and flat.

If MS would only add in customization features then they would have another hit on their hands. Give people choice if you want them to buy it seems to be the order of the day.

IMHO Win8 is only worth it if you can get the £24.99 upgrade version (or cheaper), the £49 disc based version is too dear by a mile!

If something like Start8 and (a cut down) WindowBlinds from Stardock had been included then Windows 8 would have flown off the shelves.

The problem is there is no viable alternative to Windows... Apple OS is only available with an overpriced MAC of some sort, Linux (despite the arguements) is way to complicated for the 'casual' user, so that just leaves Windows, an OS that billions are familar with and comfortable using...

 

[Mustang]

All the Not We's I've spoken to think it is fine BUT they don't like the Start Screen, Apps or Touch stuff. They are all Desktop users both at work and home.

The first thing most ask me is how can I switch all that off for them...

Oh and they usually moan that the desktop GUI is to bland and flat.

If MS would only add in customization features then they would have another hit on their hands. Give people choice if you want them to buy it seems to be the order of the day.

IMHO Win8 is only worth it if you can get the £24.99 upgrade version (or cheaper), the £49 disc based version is too dear by a mile!

If something like Start8 and (a cut down) WindowBlinds from Stardock had been included then Windows 8 would have flown off the shelves.

The problem is there is no viable alternative to Windows... Apple OS is only available with an overpriced MAC of some sort, Linux (despite the arguements) is way to complicated for the 'casual' user, so that just leaves Windows, an OS that billions are familar with and comfortable using...

This pretty much says it all. However, I did think it was worth spending $149 (Aust) on W8 Pro OEM on disk from retail store. But only because Ex7ForW8, which is free, restores the original Orb Start Menu by importing Explorer 7 shell from a Windows 7 installation disc.

And it totally switches off Metro and Explorer 8. However, you can switch back to Metro/Explorer 8 if you want, but can't use both simulataneously. As I never use Metro apps it doesn't worry me. I never switch back.

You can also get the full suite of Windows 7 games free HERE if you want them. It's a fairly slow download though, unless you're a member.

 

[rabbly]

If the device has touch, then people are generally impressed with Windows 8.

If the device doesn't have touch, it is much less intuitive to use and you gain little benefit from the new "Metro" (or whatever we're not calling it now) interface besides having a slightly prettier looking start menu.

Whilst it's a learning curve to move away from the familiar, and there are certainly areas that need improving, I still think MS made the right decision to force W8 on people. Sucks in the short term but opens the gateway to a fully functioning OS that works across both mobile and desktop environments. Something that has been sorely lacking until now (and it's not perfect yet by any stretch...)

 

[whs]

a fully functioning OS that works across both mobile and desktop environments. Something that has been sorely lacking until now (and it's not perfect yet by any stretch...)

I am waiting for Android to appear on the laptop scene. The new ARM processors are certainly suitable for a PC environment. I wonder whether Google is working on that.

There is an Android X86 version out, but that is probably a bad compromize.

 

[DelleMonty]

Actual subpar normal here... meaning I've no experience with an Ipad, Smartphone, or any other app-based gadgetry. My phone makes phonecalls and can now (SUPER recent upgrade) supposedly take pictures (tho I don't yet know how).

I had a short fling with Vista a few years ago, but broke up and went back to my X(p) after I couldn't take it anymore.

I've never even seen W7 in action.

Which basically means that none of this is familiar at all, and I'm coming from a place that's very very far away.

Having received my new laptop on December 8th, I subsequently spent the remainder of the month (including my entire 2 weeks of Christmas holidays) just trying to make friends. At first, no amount of alcohol seemed to help. We were ugly strangers to each other and apparently destined to stay that way. My X(p) was looking awful appealing again.


But then it happened.

I stumbled in here and opened threads one by one. Still clueless enough not to even know how to formulate a question that might reveal a hint of a clue to something helpful, I just decided to read EVERYTHING.

And one-thing-at-a-time, blemishes were erased, mysteries solved, glories revealed. I slowly began to realize that behind the too-cute and seemingly useless exterior actually lay something quite intelligent and fun. I was learning how to speak 8!!

And frankly I'm now quite delighted with each new command I learn.........


Thanks so much to YOU!!!

 

[Coke Robot]

Actual subpar normal here... meaning I've no experience with an Ipad, Smartphone, or any other app-based gadgetry. My phone makes phonecalls and can now (SUPER recent upgrade) supposedly take pictures (tho I don't yet know how).

I had a short fling with Vista a few years ago, but broke up and went back to my X(p) after I couldn't take it anymore.

I've never even seen W7 in action.

Which basically means that none of this is familiar at all, and I'm coming from a place that's very very far away.

Having received my new laptop on December 8th, I subsequently spent the remainder of the month (including my entire 2 weeks of Christmas holidays) just trying to make friends. At first, no amount of alcohol seemed to help. We were ugly strangers to each other and apparently destined to stay that way. My X(p) was looking awful appealing again.


But then it happened.

I stumbled in here and opened threads one by one. Still clueless enough not to even know how to formulate a question that might reveal a hint of a clue to something helpful, I just decided to read EVERYTHING.

And one-thing-at-a-time, blemishes were erased, mysteries solved, glories revealed. I slowly began to realize that behind the too-cute and seemingly useless exterior actually lay something quite intelligent and fun. I was learning how to speak 8!!

And frankly I'm now quite delighted with each new command I learn.........


Thanks so much to YOU!!!

Hooray! Glad to hear that!

 

[A Guy]

Welcome to Eight Forums DelleMonty. Excellent post

A Guy