Matthew Baxter-Reynolds on the Windows 8 Experience: ‘Confusing. Confusing as Hell.’

Matthew Baxter-Reynolds:

Since installing, I’ve learnt to regard Windows 8 as being two operating systems. One part I’ve been thinking of as Windows 7.1. The “classic desktop” bits of Windows 8 is just Windows 7, minus the Start orb, with a new theme to replace Aero. This part is frankly superb. I can’t remember the last time I used a beta version of a Microsoft OS and had it work this well six or seven months ahead of RTM [release to manufacture, when the code is final]. Hence I’m thinking of this as Windows 7.1 — it’s really just a service pack. You could actually roll this part out and use it quite happily.

So he likes the updated Windows-as-we-know-it, and he seems keen on Metro, too, but, he doesn’t think they go well together:

What this does for you as you use it is a whole world of “wait … what?!” Trying to deal with Windows when your driving results in it flipping between classic Windows and Metro-style app is like having someone sneak up behind you and flick you on the ear when you’re least expecting it. This massive context switching of “YOU’RE IN WINDOWS WAIT NO NO YOU’RE NOT!” creates an appalling user experience.

There is no such thing as “no compromise”.

★ Monday, 5 March 2012