Put to the test: Windows 8-powered laptops
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Consumer Reports is out today with its first test of laptops powered by Windows 8 and we have the results for you.
All of the laptops tested have tablet-like features, most notably tiles to reach apps or access live content. Some of these Windows 8 laptops can actually turn into a tablet.
The magazine's Paul Reynolds says testers found the convertible computers are lightweight for laptops, but fairly heavy for a tablet.
Other Windows 8 laptops offer touch screens. You simply tap a tile to open a program.
"In our tests we found that using a laptop with a touch screen is the best way to experience what's different and most appealing about Windows 8," Reynolds said.
One touch-screen-enabled laptop Consumer Reports recommends: Samsung's 13-inch Ultrabook for $850.
But you'll save money if you get a laptop with just a traditional touchpad and no touch screen.
"Testers found that the touchpad works fine with Windows 8, but it isn't as intuitive to use as a touch screen," said Reynolds.
Consumer Reports named two non-touch-screen laptops Best Buys: Acer's 15-inch Ultrabook for $600 and Sony's 13-inch Vaio Ultrabook for $700.
What about upgrading your Windows 7 computer to Windows 8? Consumer Reports says that option is best for people whose current computer has a touch screen.
You can download the free Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant from Microsoft to be sure your PC is eligible.
All of the laptops tested have tablet-like features, most notably tiles to reach apps or access live content. Some of these Windows 8 laptops can actually turn into a tablet.
The magazine's Paul Reynolds says testers found the convertible computers are lightweight for laptops, but fairly heavy for a tablet.
Other Windows 8 laptops offer touch screens. You simply tap a tile to open a program.
"In our tests we found that using a laptop with a touch screen is the best way to experience what's different and most appealing about Windows 8," Reynolds said.
One touch-screen-enabled laptop Consumer Reports recommends: Samsung's 13-inch Ultrabook for $850.
But you'll save money if you get a laptop with just a traditional touchpad and no touch screen.
"Testers found that the touchpad works fine with Windows 8, but it isn't as intuitive to use as a touch screen," said Reynolds.
Consumer Reports named two non-touch-screen laptops Best Buys: Acer's 15-inch Ultrabook for $600 and Sony's 13-inch Vaio Ultrabook for $700.
What about upgrading your Windows 7 computer to Windows 8? Consumer Reports says that option is best for people whose current computer has a touch screen.
You can download the free Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant from Microsoft to be sure your PC is eligible.
For those touch screens, it beats carpal tunnel... Can't wait to install Windows 8 on my Macbook Pro through Parallels.
The new interface is terrible, even Server 2012 has the same silly tiled interface. Why on earth would they use a tiled interface on a server operating system? This tiled fad is enough to make me walk away from Windows and get a mac
 @northwestsurfer Good question. My servers don't even have individual monitors, much less a touch screen.
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And if you have to have a touch screen, you have no business around a server!
@A.V. I know, most admins access their servers through RDP if they have a choice which completely negates the point of having tiles. Now instead of learning about new technology, I have to relearn how to find my way around the damn operating system.
 @northwestsurfer I respect your post, but I think the tile UI is deceptively efficient, within a web environment.  I think when website UI becomes much more dynamic, the tile setup will enable menus to be more fluid, accessible, and usable.  There won't be as much changes to CSS and DHTML in dynamically adding and changing tiles for scalability, user driven content, etc..., IMO of courseÂ
ok lets review the microsoft operating system life cycle and new system introductions
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good
bad
good
bad
good
bad
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aka
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98
me
xp
vista
windows 7
windows 8
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I will wait for the next system because if they keep on doing as they have done before, the next one should be good.
New Laptop with Windows 8 is a nightmare