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HP brings Windows 7 back 'due to popular demand' as buyers shun Windows 8

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Re: HP brings Windows 7 back 'due to popular demand' as buyers shun Windows 8

#41

Post by michaelwww »

girvo wrote: post #24
Innercode wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They could have a one sized fits all operating system, however they need to tailor the interface to each type of device. Using a mouse on a "touch" interface is a terrible experience, same as using touch in a mouse environment. I have not tried Windows 8 update, however first impressions have done the damage to Windows 8 already.

8.1 really makes it shine, and is amazingly useful in touch or M/K modes. I find the reactions to Windows 8 fascinating; my girlfriend and grandfather both love it (it was awesome to see the gf use windows side by side for once, rather than just maximise and alt-tab, and she worked out the snap mode on her own -- yes I know it's in Windows 7, but she loves the auto width changes with the slider) and they're not parti…

Your post sounds like marketing copy to my ears. You have an extraordinarily adept family that Microsoft would probably appreciate hearing about.

Re: HP brings Windows 7 back 'due to popular demand' as buyers shun Windows 8

#42

Post by ubercow13 »

massysett wrote: post #33
dubfan wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've been using Windows 8 on my desktop PC for some time now (primarily used for gaming and entertainment, not development) and for my purposes it's a clear upgrade over 7. Yes, the Metro apps are terrible but you don't ever need to use them. I spend almost all of my time in the desktop, and the few times I need to use the new Start interface, the workflow is exactly the same as Win7 (press Windows key, start typing…

"I spend almost all of my time in the desktop, and the few times I need to use the new Start interface, the workflow is exactly the same as Win7" OK, then why is it a "clear upgrade"?

Everything feels faster and more responsive IMO. Dare I say the scheduler has been improved somewhat since 7 (that's a guess). Also there are a number of nice tweaks to the task manager and explorer, and some other things.

Re: HP brings Windows 7 back 'due to popular demand' as buyers shun Windows 8

#43

Post by Woben »

dangrossman wrote: post #40

The changes between Windows 7 and 8 always seemed terribly minor to me -- a few control panels and settings shifted around as they do every OS update, the start menu became larger and looks a bit different but functions essentially the same (right down to preserving your Program Files hierarchy from Win95 if you scroll down from the tiles screen), but nothing major in the big scheme of things. If Microsoft hadn't mad…

No - The problem lies in the fact they tried to create a "One size fits all" solution and failed at creating a usable desktop OS. Windows 8 is fine on a phone, it's the desktop that's the problem.

(before anyone jumps down my throat, yes you can mod Windows 8 so it's more usable in a desktop environment but that's not the point)

Re: HP brings Windows 7 back 'due to popular demand' as buyers shun Windows 8

#44

Post by bdcravens »

kvb wrote: post #38
Maakuth wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Isn't it only natural that they sold a lot of Windows 7 PCs last year, as Windows 8 was only recently released?

Sure. The point is, "bringing back" implies that there was a period of time where Windows 7 PCs weren't being offered by HP, which appears not to be the case.

I think the idea is that Windows 7 is done, new computers moving forward will have 8. In the same sense that I can't go to a Honda dealership and buy a brand new 2011 Honda Civic. (I could if they have one still in inventory, but they're not getting any new ones)

Re: HP brings Windows 7 back 'due to popular demand' as buyers shun Windows 8

#45

Post by iends »

dangrossman wrote: post #40

The changes between Windows 7 and 8 always seemed terribly minor to me -- a few control panels and settings shifted around as they do every OS update, the start menu became larger and looks a bit different but functions essentially the same (right down to preserving your Program Files hierarchy from Win95 if you scroll down from the tiles screen), but nothing major in the big scheme of things. If Microsoft hadn't mad…

Metro apps that are full screen are a terrible idea. I hate running skype and it taking up an entire monitor (yes, I know about skype desktop, and use it now, but it's not the default). I hate the PDF reader that is always full screen and difficult to close (alt-f4 is the only way?).

Full screen applications don't work on a desktop where multitasking is the norm.

Re: HP brings Windows 7 back 'due to popular demand' as buyers shun Windows 8

#46

Post by dded »

iends wrote: post #45
dangrossman wrote: post #40

The changes between Windows 7 and 8 always seemed terribly minor to me -- a few control panels and settings shifted around as they do every OS update, the start menu became larger and looks a bit different but functions essentially the same (right down to preserving your Program Files hierarchy from Win95 if you scroll down from the tiles screen), but nothing major in the big scheme of things. If Microsoft hadn't mad…

Metro apps that are full screen are a terrible idea. I hate running skype and it taking up an entire monitor (yes, I know about skype desktop, and use it now, but it's not the default). I hate the PDF reader that is always full screen and difficult to close (alt-f4 is the only way?). Full screen applications don't work on a desktop where multitasking is the norm.

Does the default PDF reader allow you to print yet?

Re: HP brings Windows 7 back 'due to popular demand' as buyers shun Windows 8

#47

Post by computerslol »

I've been using windows 8, and now 8.1, since public release.

For me, windows 8 answers a few questions.

1): What do we do when users want to use their fingers instead of a mouse to click buttons made for the (superior) accuracy of a mouse pointer?

2): What do we do when monitor manufacturers sell 4k+ displays and windows applications aren't written to scale up that way?

3): How do we sell users and developers on using desktop applications again (instead of web apps)?

I think all three questions are answered well, and users will be less hostile to the changes once enough applications move to Metro, and consumers are buying 4k tablets.

At the moment, what I am hearing most is "Why change something that worked so well? Why do I have to learn something new?". The next generation PC hardware will answer that question.

I spend all of my time in windows, and I wouldn't want go back to 7. I like the new start screen; I find my applications a lot quicker when all I need to do is hit the windows key and type the name of the app, or file, or whatever I'm looking for. Windows 8 really shines on the surface, where a high DPI screen and touch come together. I use desktop apps on the desktop and mostly ignore metro; but on the surface I prefer metro apps which are more finger friendly and easier to read.

I like the new store architecture, and the limitations made on apps written for it. I will have to worry less installing an application from a publisher I don't recognize. I read a lot about the APIs, but I haven't written anything for it yet. I am waiting for metro to be available to enough users to make it cost effective to put effort into it.

If I were working at Microsoft right now, I would be shouting at the top of my lungs "Let's put out commercials explaining why Windows 8 is better!". I don't feel Windows 8 is a technological or UI disaster; I feel it's a marketing disaster.

Re: HP brings Windows 7 back 'due to popular demand' as buyers shun Windows 8

#48

Post by [deleted] »

iends wrote: post #45
dangrossman wrote: post #40

The changes between Windows 7 and 8 always seemed terribly minor to me -- a few control panels and settings shifted around as they do every OS update, the start menu became larger and looks a bit different but functions essentially the same (right down to preserving your Program Files hierarchy from Win95 if you scroll down from the tiles screen), but nothing major in the big scheme of things. If Microsoft hadn't mad…

Metro apps that are full screen are a terrible idea. I hate running skype and it taking up an entire monitor (yes, I know about skype desktop, and use it now, but it's not the default). I hate the PDF reader that is always full screen and difficult to close (alt-f4 is the only way?). Full screen applications don't work on a desktop where multitasking is the norm.

[deleted]

Re: HP brings Windows 7 back 'due to popular demand' as buyers shun Windows 8

#49

Post by jongalloway2 »

dded wrote: post #46
iends wrote: post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Metro apps that are full screen are a terrible idea. I hate running skype and it taking up an entire monitor (yes, I know about skype desktop, and use it now, but it's not the default). I hate the PDF reader that is always full screen and difficult to close (alt-f4 is the only way?). Full screen applications don't work on a desktop where multitasking is the norm.

Does the default PDF reader allow you to print yet?

As far as I know, it did from day one using the "Devices" charm thing. Later on they also made it available using the menu at the bottom - swipe in from top or bottom on touch screen, right click screen otherwise.

Re: HP brings Windows 7 back 'due to popular demand' as buyers shun Windows 8

#50

Post by dangrossman »

jongalloway2 wrote: post #49
dded wrote: post #46

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Does the default PDF reader allow you to print yet?

As far as I know, it did from day one using the "Devices" charm thing. Later on they also made it available using the menu at the bottom - swipe in from top or bottom on touch screen, right click screen otherwise.

Or press Ctrl+P. I don't recall that ever not bringing up the print menu.
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