In my last blog, I chose to ignore all stories about Windows 8…just to talk about other things and give us all a break. Well, I can’t do that in this edition…there are just too many stories breaking. The release of Windows 8 and the Windows RT tablet is only 10 days away. As most of you are Windows users, you need the facts to determine if you are going to upgrade…AND, if you are considering a Windows tablet.
Today, Microsoft revealed the prices of their Surface tablets. And guess what? They are the same price as the iPad. Surprise!! So now you can decide which tablet to purchase as the prices are now the same. Or maybe you don’t want a tablet at all.
The clue to Microsoft’s new game plan came from Steve Ballmer himself. In a letter to stockholders, he described Microsoft as a seller of devices and services…which is the perfect description of Apple. They want to sell hardware and services (AKA software). But services can easily describe something you pay for on a regular basis…such as Office 13, which is moving to a monthly subscription plan. Hmmm!
But selling devices? That is something that has been left mostly to hardware vendors since the early days of Microsoft. I wonder how these vendors are feeling about Microsoft’s plan?
And how are you feeling about Microsoft’s new direction? I ‘m pissed, frankly. They seem to be treating millions and millions of desktop computer users a second class citizens. It looks like we don’t matter much anymore. I think they are wrong.
While I love my iPad tablet, it is nowhere near as good as my desktop for getting work done. Oh, I do use it for production on a daily basis, gathering stories for this blog for instance. But, I am not going to write this whole blog on it. For that, I want my desktop. No tablet can match a desktop for getting real work done.
Now, Microsoft wants to put a tablet layout in front of me even though my desktop has no touch capabilities. I have to go through extra steps to get to my work that I don’t do with Windows 7. Sorry Microsoft…you are dead wrong!
Even though today’s extra-long edition has a lot of Windows 8 stories, there are a number of other non-Windows stories that merit your attention. And, by the way, if you think I am wrong about Windows 8, I would love to hear your thoughts. -JRC
Surface RT pricing puts Microsoft's tablet head to head with iPad
Word is out: we all knew Surface wasn't going to be a bargain-basement product, whether the RT or the Pro version. But Microsoft's chosen price point of between $499 and $699 puts it in direct competition with the iPad, today's premium tablet.
Windows 8 tablets are coming: Tablets for those already not buying tablets
Windows 8 is poised to hit store shelves in 10 days and along with that some shiny new tablets running the latest from Redmond. Problem is, while Microsoft hopes to crack the giant tablet market Windows 8 tablets are really aimed at current Windows users, not tablet buyers.
Just what is Windows RT, anyway?
The "lite" version of Windows 8 known as Windows RT remains the biggest unknown out of the myriad of changes coming to Microsoft's operating system. Here's our guide to what Windows RT is, how it's different from Windows 8 and WinRT, and what it all means.
Steve Balmer's Plan to Make Microsoft Just Like Apple
Balmer makes it clear Microsoft is no longer just a software and services company. It now makes software, services, and the hardware all that stuff runs on.
Microsoft: We Don’t Need Another Apple
Microsoft might end up jettisoning the one important differentiator that it has against monoculture competitors such as Apple and Google: the diversity of its ecosystem. And should Microsoft decide to go it alone across the board, and stop partnering with the companies that provide that diversity, all we’ll be left with is a third-rate copy of Apple.
The Windows 8 UI: How do interface and usability experts rate all the changes?
When Windows 8 debuts on October 26, users will be confronted with the most radical changes to the look and feel of Windows in nearly 20 years. The traditional desktop has been relegated to second-class status, hidden beneath Windows 8's new touch-centric Start screen. And that’s just the first confusing surprise that awaits long-time Windows users.
Windows 8 apps: The good, the bad, and the ugly
It takes some getting used to, but once you master tapping and swiping to get what you need the Modern UI is actually pretty slick. Still, for traditional desktops and laptops that lack touchscreen capabilities, the Modern UI just seems like a cumbersome extra layer.
Kindle Users to Get Refunds, Lower Prices on E-Books After Settlement
Good news Kindle owners: If you're the owner of an Amazon Kindle and you bought e-books from certain publishers in the last few years, you're getting a refund on past purchases, and future purchases will be a little cheaper.
Firefox 16 Review & Rating
Firefox 16 (actually 16.0.1) is now the prevailing version of Mozilla's independent, open-source browser. You might say that the update only adds new features for developers, but those in turn can mean new Web capabilities for ordinary browser users.
The Best Firefox Extensions and Add-Ons of 2012
Firefox has more ways to extend functionality than any other browser. Here are the best add-ons that you should be using.
Ballot Measures Made Simple Gives You Both Sides of the Argument on State Initiatives
The upcoming general election involves a lot more than choosing a president, and we can often overlook important state initiatives.
Five portable antivirus and antimalware tools to carry with you at all times
Sometimes the antivirus tools installed on the machine just aren’t enough. When that time comes, you’ll be glad you have one (or more) tools on your USB drive to help you out. I’ve found five such tools that could certainly get you out of a serious pinch. All of these tools are portable and work like champs.
No comments:
Post a Comment