If you're at all into PC's and other microsoft products you've probably noticed their recent trend towards the "Metro UI," that is flat buttons, bright colors, etc, supposedly inspired by the metro signs in the Seattle area. It's supposed to be easier to read, more accessible for touch screens, and so on. It's also the native look in Windows 8 (which I've been testing out on my laptop).

I fucking hate it.

Seriously, I think it's the worst design decision Microsoft has ever made. Yes, it makes things marginally more readable. Okay, if I was on a tablet, I might appreciate it. I'm not on a tablet. Stop shoving this shit down my throat. (Okay, bit of an overreaction there, I could just -not upgrade- )

Besides that, Windows 8 is all right. I'll admit the app store is a pretty good idea, as it makes getting software about 4x easier. And the performance improvements make it seem pretty streamlined overall. But that's about where the pros end.

As for other cons, the default browser is IE, as usual. This wouldn't be a problem, except I just installed firefox, told it to be my default browser - and shit's still opening in IE. IE has been metrofied, and it has an "app" counterpart, and it seems any app that wants to open a webpage will do it with the default "app" web browser. Since firefox hasn't come out with one yet, I think I'm stuck with IE for that.

Also, to do anything, you have to have a microsoft account. Okay, you can play solitaire. And maybe browse the internet. But 98% of apps require you to be logged in to a microsoft account.

I almost certainly won't be getting this as my main OS on any of my computers. The only reason I have it installed on my laptop is because I was interested in seeing what changes they're making. And obviously, I'm not very happy with them. I'm sticking with Windows 7, which as far as I'm concerned, was the last good Windows OS. Unless they see the error of their ways and go back after 8 flops.

Can't you just switch back to the normal desktop? IIRC, the one of the previews had an option to move away from Metro.

But yea, when I upgrade my computer I'll likely be getting Win7, particularly as it's getting a lot cheaper now (and yes, when I'm buying a semi-gaming PC, £100 isn't a huge amount, but still...). I just hope I can get the money before they stop selling it. Also, http://mashable.com/2012/06/01/windows-8-upgrade/

p0rtalplayer wrote:
...

Whoah, thanks. I was almost certain I was going to buy it, but now I think I'll reconsider it...

Pilchard123 wrote:
Can't you just switch back to the normal desktop? IIRC, the one of the previews had an option to move away from Metro.

Yes, you can, you can switch back to Aero, but its obvious the Aero thing is just a sidekick there and it breathes in Metro, you lose your Start menu, instead hitting windows key brings up the metro apps menu etc.

If you switch to Aero, it still likes to switch back to metro here and there randomly.

I agree with p0p, I'm sticking to Windows 7 until I get the impression 8 is really worth getting.
Or until I get a tablet.

I actually like the cleanliness of the flat square buttons. But I hate everything else.

I miss when every single link on wikis and forums were in boxes. especially wikis.

how we have stylised buttons that blend into the background that you're meant to loosely click. what if you click too far left? what IS too far left?!

I just, loathe that.

which is why I like we still have all of the formatting codes in posting replies in boxes. it's a reminder of the way things used to be.

I hate the Metro UI. I would have thought that it would be fairly simple to integrate an option to run, or better yet, install Windows 8 as desktop only and keep the Start Menu etc. It's another slap on the wrist for users who just want an OS that runs their freaking programs. I probably wouldn't be using Windows at all if some of the programs I use were available on *nix or OS.

It's a new OS that's getting easier to use casually and colourful buttons. I'm sold.

Yeah, Windows 7 made me happy, Windows 8 just takes that happiness, and shows it a puppy drowning in a river of acid.

Yeah, as others said, I hate Microsoft's UI. I hate the bright white, I hate the font, and I hate the welcome screen. What I do love about it is that I can restore Window's files without reformatting. At least they got that right...

reepblue wrote:
Yeah, Windows 7 made me happy, Windows 8 just takes that happiness, and shows it a puppy drowning in a river of acid.

Yeah, as others said, I hate Microsoft's UI. I hate the bright white, I hate the font, and I hate the welcome screen. What I do love about it is that I can restore Window's files without reformatting. At least they got that right...

Yeah, they did make some nice changes to the normal filesystem workings...

But as I said in my rant, the clear bias towards tablets neglects all the PC users and makes it harder for us to use it.

It doesn't even look THAT bad, but I don't need all my buttons to be at least 100 pixels big.

Look at it this way: it means Win7 disks are much cheaper. I might buy a couple to put on any new computers I get.

I think Microsoft did a great job on xp and 7, maybe 9 will be better, who knows?

I'm just sitting here with my Vista enjoying myself while you snobby nerds entertain yourselves

Jomonay wrote:
Vista enjoying myself

Oookay.

Windows 7 is best.

Jomonay wrote:
...Vista, enjoying myself

I wanted to laugh, but I can't because I want to cry.

Sheldon: Why are you crying?
Penny: Because I'm stupid!
Sheldon: That's no reason to cry. One cries because one is sad. For example, I cry because others are stupid, and that makes me sad.
Reminded me of this.

Anyways... everyone has their preferences.

Well if you like Vista, your opinion is bad, and you should feel bad!

Don't start railing on Vista, for once I'm with Jomonay (though I'm reasonably certain he was just trolling) and if you criticize it I'll find you all and kill you in your sleep.

Anyway, I haven't had the chance to directly interact with Win8 Metro yet, but I've seen it and it's stupid. MS thinks it's a fantastic idea because everybody wants fun, easy-to-use touch interfaces, which is great, but if you want that, market a separate subOS or something to cater directly to tablet users. You can't neglect the basic OS when you're doing so.

I might upgrade to Win7 at some point, though like I said, I'm pretty happy with Vista.

Colossal wrote:

Jomonay wrote:
Vista enjoying myself>
Oookay.

Windows 7 is best.

Windows ME is the best. You're all fools for thinking otherwise.