We complete our in-depth Windows 8 review with a look at the touch interface, and examination of Windows 8 versions and which you should buy, plus our expert verdict on Microsoft's revolutionary operating system.
Windows 8: No touchscreen? Use a touch mouse
Microsoft's Touch Mouse has been available for a while and was designed to make it easier to use Windows 7. It's buttons form a sort of touchpad, and it supports gestures using up to three fingers.
Connect it to a computer running Windows 8 and, along with the latest software, it can be used to show the Charms bar and flip between open apps. Other gestures show the app bars (the equivalent of swiping in from the top or bottom on a touchscreen), and zoom in and out wherever semantic zoom is supported by apps.
All the Windows 7 gestures can be used in Windows 8, too. This means you can scroll and flick both horizontally and vertically to navigate around documents and web pages. You can also manage windows on the desktop, snapping them to the left or right, minimising and maximising them and hiding or showing all running programs.
Since there's no scroll wheel, there's no middle click, but you can assign new gestures to add this feature. It can take a while to get used to swiping instead of rolling a scroll wheel, but once you've mastered all the gestures you'll wonder how you lived without them. Although not cheap at around £70, it's considerably cheaper than buying a touchscreen.
Windows 8: what about Windows Phone?
We were fully expecting that the final version of Windows 8 would have built-in, native support for Windows Phone 7 (and, when it launches, Windows Phone 8) handsets. However, although there's still time before Windows 8 officially launches, there is currently no native support at all. Connect a Windows Phone 7.5 handset such as the Nokia Lumia 800, for example, and the drivers will be installed automatically.
Next, you'll be prompted to download the Zune software, just as you have to do in Windows 7 or earlier. This doesn't run in the Modern interface, so the experience of using Windows Phone 7 in Windows 8 is no different to using it with Windows 7.
Rumours suggest that the Windows Phone companion app will be available in the Windows store when Windows 8 launches on October 26th, and this will run in the new interface and provide the sort of integration you'd expect with the Modern UI apps. We'll have to wait and see, but we'll update this section as and when the app becomes available.
Windows 8: Which version should you buy?
Things are a lot simpler than previous versions of Windows. There are just two versions you might consider for a PC or laptop: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. Both have the Modern UI interface and the traditional desktop, but their features differ.
Windows 8
Windows 8 is the equivalent of Windows 7 Home Premium, and lacks Windows Media Player. This isn't too much of an issue as the Modern UI apps take up the slack.
What you do get is the ability to connect to another PC using Remote Desktop (but you can't remotely connect to a Windows 8 system), and Storage Spaces to combine several hard disks into a 'Storage Pool' which can have RAID-like redundancy for better file protection. There's built in support for ISO and VHD images too, which means you can 'mount' them as virtual hard drives or optical discs.
Windows 8 also has the option to switch not only the keyboard language, but also the Windows interface as well – handy if you speak more than one language.
Windows 8 Pro
Pro is aimed at business users and enthusiasts, and replaces the Professional and Ultimate verisons of Windows 7. It has all the features in Windows 8, plus some extras.
With Pro you get the ability to connect remotely from another computer, join a domain and encrypt the contents of your disk with BitLocker so someone can't remove your hard drive and access its contents on another computer.
Strangely, Windows Media Player is an optional add-on for Windows 8 Pro, but the pricing hasn't yet been fixed for this.
For most people using a laptop or PC at home, the basic version of Windows 8 will suffice. You're unlikely to miss any of the features in the Pro version, but enthusiasts who regularly use Remote Desktop might want to opt for Pro.
Windows 8: Pricing
If you buy a PC, laptop or tablet running Windows 8, the cost of the OS is included in the price. It's the upgrade price which is important and Microsoft has followed Apple's lead in drastically reducing the price compared to Windows 7.
As long as your computer is running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7, you can upgrade to Windows 8 for just £25. If you happen to need to buy a new computer right now, you should be able to upgrade for just £15. These prices are unlikely to last for long, though, and everything points to a price increase in January 2013.
The price for Windows 8 Pro hasn't been decided for the UK.
Windows 8: verdict
Use Windows 8 for a few minutes and chances are you'll hate it. It takes a lot longer than this to get used to the Modern UI and the way that most things scroll left and right instead of up and down.
It's easy to dismiss the Windows 8 apps as gimmicks, as many are shallow and lack features. However, we're certain that this will change as the core apps are developed and as third-party apps for well-known brands begin to appear in the Store.
It's also questionable whether the new Modern UI is even necessary or useful on a PC or laptop. You can go for days without ever seeing it as Windows 8 returns to the app you were using when put the computer to sleep. If you were running apps on the desktop, that's what you'll see after typing in your password on the Lock screen.
When you do use the new Start screen, the live tiles can become rather overwhelming as they all flash information at you. Some are arguably pointless, as there's little value in seeing faces from random contacts appear on the People tile, for example.
It's hard to get used to working on the desktop without a Start menu, but the universal search is a great tool for quickly finding apps, files, settings and even searching the web.
In fact, there's a lot to like about Windows 8. It's noticeably faster than Windows 7, yet its hardware requirements are no more demanding – it runs fine even on older machines. Not only does it start up and shut down quicker, but it's also faster at copying files and loading web pages. More than ever before is hardware accelerated, so even something as basic as word processing is slicker and more responsive.
It's also more secure, which is an important benefit these days. Yes, you can install a different security suite if you want to, but there's decent protection out of the box.
As it's more efficient with power, you'll be able to work longer on your laptop between charges.
The fact that it's the first OS that integrates the online services we all use every day means the information you want is easily available without having to open a browser and go to a website. Whether you want to see what people are up to, send someone a message or check your own personalised news feed, it's all built-in.
We understand that Microsoft needs to get the Windows Store on as many devices as possible in order to persuade developers to build apps, but it makes it feel like the Modern UI exists for laptops and PCs just for that reason. That said, Windows has had to modernise in order to avoid being left behind and we can see many people loving the new simplified apps.
Although we're yet to get our hands on a Surface tablet, the fact that it will have Office pre-loaded and a built-in keyboard makes it a more compelling productivity tool than an iPad. The fact that you can have two apps on screen at once also helps.
As we've said, you really need a touchscreen to get the most from Windows 8, but with the right hardware, it's quick and even fun to use with a keyboard and (touch) mouse.
It's important to remember that Windows 8 is effectively a brand new operating system. Yes, it will run your old Windows programs, but as far as Modern UI apps are concerned (and Windows RT tablets), this is just the beginning.
Combining the interface, performance, security and new features, Windows 8 leaves us impressed. For just £25, it's a no-brainer upgrade from Windows XP or Vista, and even for Windows 7 users, it's a worthwhile purchase.
Comments
Douglas Gillette said: IMO windows 8 stinks Getting the task bar on the right to show up on my laptop takes 25 attempts sometimes ugh
lfeather said: You are out of your minds Windows 8 is garbage It may work well on touch-screen computers but it has seriously annoying bugs when it comes to using a touch pad It also has disturbing security issues like always being connected to the Internet and not actually closing windows when you think youve closed them You have to take extra steps to close them which is annoying and wastes time Windows 8 is another example of how Microsoft is willing to foist garbage on consumers with the plan to fix it later maybe
Karen Walters said: Windows 7 is the best by far and is what Vista should have been Windows 8 is fine for tablets users but awful on a desktop and no amount of switching back and forth will ease that pain Windows 8 features what I like is that opening apps is easy search is easy switching to desktop easy laptop starts up in about 30 secs Now its time to wait for windows bluehttpwwwemailmonkscommobi
JustAGuy1231 said: All you ever hear are people who hate Windows 8 and people who argue how possible it is to adapt to It has not made anything easier or better for the people using it It flat-out ignores the vast majority of its customer base mouse and keyboard and assumes that because it is Windows those people will just have to deal with it
Frederick said: Still cant believe they havent added a start menu into windows 8If anyone just ran into this problem like I did I would use httpdraalincomusing-class the same way this guy didNot having my Windows 7 start menu put me in tears lol
KAL said: I have android when I got windows 8 I used the android to get me accustomed to windows I have voice google and just installed the transelater
KAL said: I have been using windows 8 PRO since it came outyoumust learn how to operate it to appreciate itI am a Human not a ghost like you peopleI have been on the computer for over 10 years I AM 83 YEARS OLD AND NOT FEEBLE MINDED LIKE MOST OF YOU PEOPLE I LOVE IT AND IT IS EASY TO USEIT WAS TIME TO COME OUT WITH AN ADVANCED AND SPEEDY VERSION OF WINDOWSI HAVE HAD ABOUT 4 VERSIONS AND AM HAPPY WITH THIS NEW VERSION technology is here and be prepared for many changes
Oliver said: Youre a moron if youd take Vista over any Windows let alone Windows 8
Oliver said: You dont want to use apps fine then dont Microsoft arent making you hence why there is still a desktop which I use equally much by the wayThe first Windows could run more than 2 programmes at once and so can this WindowsWindows 8 was designed with tablets in mind I think in a very wise move Any fool can see that computers as we know them are dying out somewhat and who wants to be the company with the old outdated products Combining tablets and PCs makes more sense to me than tablets and phones - this way youre not dumbing down a PC like Apple dumbed down their iPad to basically be a massive iPhone which isnt really that productive Surface tablets are miles ahead of phones in terms of functionality and as I said you can still use PCs just how you used them with Windows 7 Why does no one have a problem with Apple designing one OS for phones and tabletsApart from anything Windows 8 is really good to use if you tackle it with positivity and are willing to try things out Dont be stuck in the past and give things a go before deciding
Kieran McMullen said: think about it for 20 years people have bought Windows and no one has needed a manual at all in all that time no one in this day and age expects to be surprised by what they buy how would you feel if your car suddenly had a totally different dashboard because they want to appeal to the moped-friendly world its just unrealistic
Kieran McMullen said: but I dont want to use apps I never need apps and ITunes has been able to do that for years yes you can use 2 apps but that is absolutely pointless the first windows could run way more than 2 programs at once and thats all that apps are a simplified type of program but if you want that Buy a tablet I want a COMPUTER something that can do many things without being asked to slow down because some people cant keep up Windows 8 simply wasnt made for COMPUTERS Microsofts folly was making one operating system for every different machines and needs clearly tablet users are fine with that but Microsoft has delivered a terrible terrible software package for everyone else I dont care if theyve added lots of stuff for touch users they simultaneously ripped out all the good stuff from the last one I dont understand why there should have been a divide a long time ago because the 2 formats cannot exist together and if they can Microsoft has yet to show it
Oliver said: Whats the problem with making your tablets as powerful as PCs Its a heck of a lot better than Apples clever plan of limiting their tablets to the function of smartphones anywayWindows 8 runs really well on my desktop and laptop metro and desktop modes
Oliver said: You obviously havent used it Of course you can multitask like you can in Windows 7 when youre on the Desktop You can also split the screen for two apps one of which may be the desktop and all the tasks you have open on it if you so wishSo effectively you can now multitask with one extra task and some going on in the background eg Xbox Music too
Kieran McMullen said: youre not multitasking as effectively though are you Its more duotasking now isnt it
Kieran McMullen said: but what about when a problem occurs on a system too expensive to chuck and replace and the user doesnt have enough control over the OS to fix it or what if you have a job you cant work in IT with just a smartphone its a ridiculous notion
Kieran McMullen said: But the classic mode is a neutered version of the original they took the start menu away forced fullscreen programs on us and basically made a smartphonePC Frankensteins monster of an operating system no one needs this kind of OS on an expensive laptop when they have a phone already the only reason I can think of for Microsoft removing all these features and even giving up on the idea of windowed programs themselves is that they just refuse to admit that theyre wrong all I hear when I use win 8 is no no this way is better no no we wont give you a choice between two methods we know what you want more than you doMake 2 different operating systems or lose the serious user altogether Microsoft
Ian Sandeman said: Away and read the instructions
James said: I buy a dam product I expect it to work the way I want to make it work If I wanted to use a cell phone as my computer or a pad that is what I would use Instead there is no OPTIONS whereas Microsoft is cramming this BS down peoples throats The platform does not work properly and is junk Others who feel the same way cant be all wrong IF you a little boy or girl whos wants their computer to work like a cell phone fine not everyone does use your cell phone for computerI hope MIRCOSOFT fixes this product and let people decide what they want or dont want instead of trying to think for the people themselves and what they may or may not want OBTW fixes the mother friggin bugs in the BS products before putting it out there
Norman said: See Moron
Norman said: You mean you cant multi-task in Win 8 like in previous versions of Windows Holy crp I wish I knew that before I started multi-tasking with it