I am such a GEEK

I cannot believe that I'm excited about a new Windows release.  But it's more than the operating system - it's the new tablet from Microsoft.  Tablets, actually.  There's a lite version and then a full Windows 8 version.

 

Add this music to your workout routine when you need a boost:

 

I've been running Windows 8 on a spare PC for about 4-5 months now.  I've added a free app to bring back the Start button & menu and that makes most of the difference for me. It actually seems faster than Windows 7 - which is faster than XP with decent hardware.

The New York Times article & video sum it up well, although they don't show the Surface tablet, which is a real game-changer, in my opinion.  That's pretty much what I expect - those looking to do desktop computing a la XP or even Vista/7 will find both the Windows 8 "Metro/Start Menu" & the new desktop without the Start button frustrating.  But those using a touchscreen - like an iPad - will find it much better for basic browsing & reading emails.  I love not having to have a keyboard to check the weather, read my emails, pull up soccer highlight videos.  Just point, touch, swipe.  And oh-so-easy to carry around.

 

Ed Bott's article describes the new Surface RT tablet, the Lite version.

And Win8 is pushing the boundaries by having what I'd call smart icons - icons with changing information.  Like a Skype icon with caller ID, or Weatherbug with some basic weather info.

But when I want to compose emails, blog posts, letters - give me my keyboard!!!

 

So here's what I love about tablets & my iPad:  

• content that I need* - weather, radar, email inbox
• content that I want - netflix, Pandora, YouTube, NPR and then some
• wireless & charger-less - I can go days without recharging, don't need to lug around power cables & blocks
• in other words, lightweight & very portable size
• reasonably large screens, very sharp displays, even bright enough to see in daylight (not the original iPad, though)
• no need for a keyboard or mouse to *easily* navigate
• onscreen large button keyboard for small typing tasks

And what I want from my desktop PC:

• a LARGE screen!  multiple screens if I so wanted
• my keyboard (particularly the Logitech K800, wireless & backlit keys) with a keypad
• Windows Office - Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint
• Printing maps, documents, web pages as needed 
• File management, vast storage, backup 

If & when I buy a Windows 8 PC, it will be a Surface with Windows 8 Pro - or equivalent other brand.   With a keyboard that doubles as a protective cover that can be disconnected.  I will keep my wireless keyboard & mouse, as well as an external display.  Perhaps set up a docking station.  And a 3 year warranty would be reasurring - as portable devices are much more prone to accidental damage.  I will add a free Start button/menu app and everything will be great!

I'm really itchin' to see the Microsoft Surface & similar tablets.  Like I said, such a GEEK!

 

 

 

* what I *think* I need but really what I want