With one of the most radical changes in Microsoft’s history, the company launched a new tablet as well as a new version of Windows this week.
The software behemoth from Redmond, Washington is drastically altering the Windows operating system in hopes that you will use it on your PC, your tablet, wherever you are. They’re also launching retail stores that look very similar to Apple stores to try and compete for the hearts and minds of consumers.
Initial reviews of Windows 8 have been positive, but I’m not yet convinced that having one operating system to rule them all is the best move. I like my Windows desktop and wouldn’t enjoy a tile based interface. (Little known fact: you can change everything to look like Windows 7 with the Start bar and everything.)
Plus the Slate tablets are competing in an arena that Apple practically invented and there are two versions of Windows 8: Windows 8 RT (for low power devices with huge battery life) and normal Windows 8 for tablets.
I think this is going to lead to a lot of confusion in the mind of consumers.
Thankfully you and I don’t have to worry about launching any historic products this week. Let’s focus on getting our personal finances straight:
Bloomberg | The Real Cost of Owning Gold
PT Money | The Pay Yourself First Concept: Are You Applying It?
Len Penzo | 19 Things Your Suburban Millionaire Neighbor Won’t Tell You
CNN Money | Do I Need to Invest in Stocks for Retirement?
Money Saving Enthusiast | Save Money with Pinterest: Meal Planning 101
Art Biz Blog | You and I Have a Lot in Common
Good Financial Cents | How to Invest One Million Dollars
Vanguard | What’s the better way to invest – little by little, or all at once?
Moolanomy | How Safe Is My Pension and Should I Rely On It For Retirement?
More Than Money | The Secret to a Rich Life
Free From Broke was featured in the following carnivals this week:
Carnival of Personal Finance #383 – Capitol City Fall Edition!
Carnival of Personal Finance #384 – Time for a Laugh Edition | Prairie Eco-Thrifter
Festival of Frugality 359
Money Pros Carnival – Quotes and Cheesecake Edition
Nerdy Finance #12
I pre-ordered a copy of Windows 8, for curiosity’s sake, if fornothing else. I’ve got Windows 7 on my laptop, and have been happy with it, but found Windows 8 for only $38, so jumped in and bought a copy. We’ll see if the interface works well for legacy Windows users, i’m up in the air, but I’ll find out next week when i pick up my copy.
I have a hunch that Windows 8 will be a flop. Maybe I’m wrong. Hope I’m wrong because I think the marketplace still needs a Microsoft and a big drop would be a big drag on the tech industry for a long time.
I downloaded a copy a few days after it came out for curiosity purposes. The tiles just don’t make sense for someone who wants to actually use the computer for something more than most people use their iPad. I ended up downloading some start bar program and now I spend my time in a screen that looks like Windows 7 but with better battery life and a little bit better speed.