Poll: Who will get/got Windows 8 (and why)

[gigastar]

Ill get it when my current laptop either craps out or it becomes too outdated and a replacement is required. Either way i expect that to be in 18-30 months time, so its not soon.

By then i expect Microsoft would have ironed out the bugs, and other such improvements.

 

[ResonanceSD]

I don't know why anyone would upgrade.The only changes I observed were aesthetic, with the exception of some things that made using my computer more annoying.

If you're really wanting a visual change that bad, just install Rainmeter.

Spoiler: My desktop

See? Better than Windows 8.

For the curious, yes, the wallpaper is a dreamscene. All of the shortcuts work, and the meters are in realtime.

That's awesome! does it work on surround? =D

 

[Netrigan]

I can't see myself paying for a Windows 8 upgrade ever.

But as I don't expect to buy a new computer for a couple of years, I imagine the odds are decent my next computer will be Windows 8... or I might just say the hell with it and pick up a Mac Mini... or maybe the Google's Chrome OS will be ready for prime-time and I'll snag a cheap Chrome Box... or maybe my computing needs atrophy to the point where a full-size tablet is all I need.

 

[Rylee Fox]

I picked up windows 8 because it only cost me $15 so I figured why not give it a shot? I have no problems with it so far and don't mind the new interface at all. (I do not have a touchscreen) It's like a more fancy 7 and I don't see what all the hate is about honestly. I'm running it right now and don't regret the money spent. (it was so little even if 8 was crap I wouldn't really care about the loss)

 

[BeerTent]

For me, it was only $17 bucks. If you don't mind lying (I don't) and your google-fu is around par, you can get it too, provided you have XP, Vis, or 7 installed.

I'll admit I'm not a fan of the "apps", but It took me less than an hour to get back up to speed. It'd take a hell of a lot longer if I were using Win7. The reduced overhead means I can run my virtual server farm fully (ALL the machines) and Metro is actually quite nice. The improved Task manager is rather significant to me as well.

Still not followin' the backlash against it. People just don't like change. But that's okay. I can adapt.

EDIT: Also, no driver hunt.

 

[kasperbbs]

I upgraded to 8 mainly because i was hoping that it would have some issues i had with my lan drivers fixed, and it did, no more freezes or slow download speeds which kept annoying me while using 7. And i don't regret it, boot speed is amazing compared to other OS and the rest is pretty much the same.

 

[Kargathia]

Have it, am cautiously optimistic. Technically it's a nice upgrade, with everything running faster and smoother. UI-wise one learns to appreciate some aspects of the tile system, as soon as most pre-sets are taken outside to be shot. Microsoft's notion of "pleasing aesthetics" would give a blind man nightmares.

I did have to rebind keys though for it to work well for me - caps lock now is a windows key, and both windows keys are disabled so they may serve as PTT buttons for VoIP.

I'll also be looking for third-party software to make tweaks to the tile system, in order to remove the last few annoyances I have with it.

 

[Fayathon]

I've got 7 Pro, so I'm not touching 8 without an absolute need to. Besides the rule of Windows applies here, every other iteration sucks. Seven is good, ergo....

Also I didn't upgrade from XP until I had a free option for 7 so the odds of me updating were minimal to begin with.

 

[SnowyGamester]

Windows 8 master race reporting in. Probably the smoothest Windows release I've encountered. All drivers auto installed, all programs working as usual. You Windows 7 peasants feel free to enjoy your slower boot times, ancient start menu and missing features though.

 

[Darth Sea Bass]

I'm not intending on moving from 7 to 8 anytime soon! Nothing about 8 has given me reason to be interested.

The more microsoft try and become apple the the more likely i am to move to linux.

 

[Playful Pony]

I'm just as happy on Win 7. Unless Win 7 becomes obsolete anytime soon I'm not planning on switching over at all. I've always skipped over one step on my way upwards. Started at win 98 (my first computer that was MINE), then XP and now Win 7. I'm happy with that, I don't need the newest and most awesome, and Win 8 doesn't look like my cup of tea anyway!

 

[dogenzakaminion]

Nah, I won't be getting it. I just don't see the need, I don't like the new interface elements (even though the apparently can be turned off somewhat) and in general it seems to be going toward the Mac route, making computers that think they are smarter than the user and think they know what the user wants. I can't stand this, and one of the main reasons why I still use XP on my work laptop.

 

[xDarc]

I have 3 desktop computers. One sits in the living room under the TV stand as a media center. I threw Windows 8 on it and for a media center it works quite well. I just wanted to get it for when customers start asking about it. I provide limited software support such as browser troubleshooting for website content, and quicken/quickbooks.

 

[Alcoholidayer]

Everyone, eventually, because of the monopoly that Microsoft has in the OS area. Soon almost all machines will ship with it, and a little after games will stop being compatible with win7.

I'll try to delay the switch as long as I can.

 

[Dr_McSteamy]

I'll be keeping win 7 for a while on my desktop and my laptop is an 08 MacBook that still has a couple years of life left at least. Now I'm not upgrading because I am anti Win 8, but because I'm poor. While cheap at $40, for me that's a tank of gas and some food. I'd rather get to college or work then have a shiny new UI.

 

[Netrigan]

Windows 8 master race reporting in. Probably the smoothest Windows release I've encountered. All drivers auto installed, all programs working as usual. You Windows 7 peasants feel free to enjoy your slower boot times, ancient start menu and missing features though.

Every time I upgrade my OS, I'm amazed at how fast it boots... until MS throws two or three updates to it and it gradually gets slower and slower.

I remember this one time I had to re-install Windows, marveled at how quickly it booted up the first couple of times, downloaded the upgrades, and was disappointed that my previous slow boot-ups returned.

Seeing as I launch most of my programs from the START menu, I don't see the advantage of going to my desktop and launching the program. I pop-up menu is much more convenient than a dedicated Start Screen.

 

[L0dest0ne]

I heard that it was really locked down. Is this true? That could be bad for developers of all types of programs.

 

[devotedsniper]

I guess if were going to have the same thread over and over i will repeat myself over and over but less words

* Had the official release since the end of August (M$ give uni students it early)
* Works just as well as 7
* Metro is marmite, i hated it to start with but after a few days i got used to it
* all my games work on it
* steam and minecraft work
* it doesn't force you to use the store so stop b***hing
* the store actually has some useful apps (kindle, ebay, etc.)
* Task manager is alot better

If you haven't upgraded to 7 yet you may as well update to 8 as theres little difference other than Metro, If you have 7 i wouldn't bother unless you get the upgrade (like me) for free.

 

[Rack]

I heard that it was really locked down. Is this true? That could be bad for developers of all types of programs.

Nope, Metro is locked down but no serious user will use it. Other than that it's exactly the same. Of course while this is no problem directly to consumers it is pretty anti-competitive which is probably where the fuss comes from.

Anyway I've been using the Consumer preview for a while but technically it's an upgrade from XP/Vista for me.