Windows 8 users, check in.

[Phempa]

I posted this on another forum, so I'm gonna copy it and paste it here.

For those who aren't aware, Windows 8 is available for free directly from Micr0s0f+ as a developer preview.

I'm using it now, and I have my opinions.

I'd like to hear yours.... anyone else using it?

I'm using it on my Acer Aspire 5738PG-6306 multi-touch laptop.

Edit: I wouldn't say it's "pointless" for someone without a touchscreen, but it definitely adds a LOT to the overall experience. While not required, it is highly suggested.

Here's the link to download the developer preview, for those who want to give it a try.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/br229516

Here's an article on dual-booting with Windows 7, thanks to paulgt2164:
http://lifehacker.com/5840387/how-to...8-side-by-side

Edit:

As a general note - you should not install this as your primary operating system, as there is a good chance it could "hose" your system (software wise.)

It would also be a good idea to back up anything important that you want to keep to something external before installing.

This "release" is not even "beta" yet - and nowhere near a "release candidate" - so use at your own risk.

Here's a video review I just made on my impressions so far (living with it for about 24 hours):

This is the desktop interface after swiping your finger from the right side of the screen.


Pressing start (from the side of the screen, or from the old start button location) brings up the Metro UI, as shown below:


This is Internet Explorer 10 Metro. There are currently 3 tabs open. They are accessible by swiping down from the top or bottom of the screen.


Your display can be split between two apps at once (one app takes roughly 1/4 of the screen, leaving the rest for the other app):


or between a metro app and your desktop:



Some other nice improvements lie within the Task Manager. Color coding makes finding problems easier, and keeps you well-informed:





This tab keeps detailed records of Metro-style apps:


Another AWESOME feature....
built in drive emulator!!!!!
This is in the right-click menu on a disc image file:



Try it for yourself, it's free!

[verothacamaro]

That shit looks rad!

How well does it work?

Fast? Sluggish?

[Leung]

what are the stat requirements? I'd be interested in taking this for a test drive on my laptop that i don't use very often.

[Phempa]

Runs great on my laptop, which was designed for Windows 7.

Amazingly, the Metro interface is very smooth. Here are my specs, it's a few years old now.

Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 @ 2.2 GHz
4GB DDR2 PC2-5300
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570
5400 RPM SATA drive
15.6" screen, 1366 x 768 resolution

[Leung]

I've got an Intel 1.6ghz processor and 2 gigs of ram. it originally had Vista on it until i installed a bootlegged version of 7.

[foamypirate]

Tried it on a non-touch pad laptop and a desktop. Fucking hated it. If I want a smartphone interface, I'll buy a fucking smartphone.

[Ander]

Anything revolutionary?

Looks just like iOS...lol.

[ibr_adam09]

Hey Phempa ! I'm still rocking the Acer Aspire 5738 multi-touch that you've suggested to me a while back. Lovin it so far ! Just had to replace my battery after a year and half. Any how I may have to give this Win 8 a try. I haven't gotten any problems with windows 7, but maybe my other laptop with vista (that I finally resurrected ) will b the first guinea pig.

[Phempa]

Hey Phempa ! I'm still rocking the Acer Aspire 5738 multi-touch that you've suggested to me a while back. Lovin it so far ! Just had to replace my battery after a year and half. Any how I may have to give this Win 8 a try. I haven't gotten any problems with windows 7, but maybe my other laptop with vista (that I finally resurrected ) will b the first guinea pig.

Do it!

Just back up your data and reformat your Acer with Windows 8!!! It's very cool on a touchscreen.

I haven't had to replace the battery on my Acer yet, maybe I got a good one :P

[deevergote]

Sweet! I'm still running XP...

Has Microsoft finally made IE a browser worth using?

[rexload]

nice review man. looks like it has some new useful features... but the Start menu is now like a smartphone?... i don't know if i could live without the normal Start menu!

[deevergote]

Since it's optimized for touch-screen use, the smartphone style start menu makes a ton of sense. It'd be great if they have it set up to go back to the traditional start menu for people that still use a rodent, though.

[HappyGilmore]

Sweet! I'm still running XP...

Has Microsoft finally made IE a browser worth using?

Deev my friend you are a lil bit behind . IE 9 has finally come around and it is pretty damn good. But nothing IMO beats Google Chrome though just saying.

[Ralphie]

I uninstall internet explorer on every computer i touch.

Its fucking horrible.

[ibr_adam09]

I uninstall internet explorer on every computer i touch.

Its fucking horrible.

It's good for one thing though, ...downloading other browsers.