Windows 7 or 8

Hm, I might give 8 another shot some time. Does WinAero actually give you back AeroGlass?
Also, is the Start8 start menu more like the Windows 7 start menu now or is it still limited in functionality?

 

Full functionality... same as Windows 7, only more configuration options than Windows 7.

 

My tablet has a keyboard dock made specifically for it that has a touchpad.... You litterally don't ever have to touch the screen unless you really want to. It also came with a rubbery nosed stylus for the times I would prefer to touch.

I'd put a touchscreen on my M17x if I could, just to get the full Windows 8 experience.


The Asus TF300t (Transformer)

I do see your point, I just think writing tablets off for that reasoning is not giving them justice. And I don't mean to start an argument at all, but BlackBerrys are awful. There are Android phones with slide out keyboards still too, PhotonQ, Droid4, etc.

 

Expressing your opinion in a tactful manner as you have should not start any arguments. If it does, then the people that have an issue with it just need to chill out. It all boils down to personal preference, and there is no right or wrong answer.

I don't want to get the full Windows 8 experience for reasons I already stated about touch screens, but I realize that some folks have a different preference. I do use a desktop with Windows 8 and a 27" touchscreen. The keyboard and mouse are used 99% of the time as a matter of preference. I would describe the experience of using the touch screen in the Modern UI as "meh" for the sake of brevity.

I have an Android phone and a BlackBerry. The BlackBerry is used in a corporate environment and does a fantastic job (flawless, in fact,) for what is intended. I would never purchase a BlackBerry tablet, but to be fair, I would never purchase any tablet only because I hate them. (Nothing about smartphones or tablets excites me.) As far as the phones go, I like the Android OS much better aside from the slimy screen that comes along with it. I don't have a slide-out keyboard and don't plan on spending money on getting one with that feature. I'd rather spend my money on something more exciting. If an Android phone had been available with a slide-out keyboard for the same low price as the budget HTC One-V that I have, I would have opted for that... unfortunately, it was not so I will have to just deal with the slime, LOL.

It is what it is... just an inexpensive device that serves the limited purposes for which it exists. Whenever I have the opportunity to use a real computer, I always do. When circumstances are such that I do not, the BlackBerry and Android will both get me by for a few minutes at a time in a overwhelmingly modest fashion.

 

I personally don't like the layout changes for Windows 8, but each person is different. Because of this, this is what I have done.

I have Windows 7 running. I then installed VIrtualBox and loaded up Windows 8. Like someone else said above, you can upgrade later if you like Window 8 and this is a perfect way to try it out. What I did for Windows 8 is followed a great tutorial on how to try to make Windows 8 work like Windows 7 here: How to make Windows 8 look like Windows 7 | Reviews | CNET UK

Also, I love having Quick Launch so my desktop doesn't get cluttered with shortcuts, so you can use this (for Windows 7/8): How to bring back the Quick Launch toolbar to the Windows 8 Desktop | Computerworld Blogs

Someone above says Windows 7 performs a bit better, which definitely makes me want to stay on that OS until another version comes out (or 8 gets some serious updates).

 

Well I will have to say my opinions in here:

Pros:

Windows 8: Feels more stable. I can undervolt it a lot. Pretty amazing features, such as notifications, etc. Super fast to boot and turn off. Faster doing any task. CPU works very cool at idle.

Windows 7: "Easier" to use since I have been using it for years. I have the ultimate version. Haven't found any incompatibility.

Cons:

Windows 8: Some incompatibility, but I have been able to solve everything so far, just Google and read.

Windows 7: Many, many, many Blue Screens. I can't undervolt it under 1.2V. CPU usage is ~10% at idle. Makes my CPU run hot even at idle. Sometimes it just get pretty damn slow and I have to re install it to solve it.

NOTE: I'm running this with my M17 R1 and so far I'm loving it!

 

I'd go with Windows 7. Part of the reason I like my alienware is the desktop wallpaper with big mean alienware logo roaring at my face and the metroUI hides that...
But with all honesty, most info on this forum are probably based on Windows 7 platform and might not work on Windows 8. Why risk it? You can always upgrade later.

 

This is only true if you don't have Windows 8 set up correctly. Windows 8 is actually more configurable that Windows 7 in many aspects. In the default configuration the way Microsoft thinks we ought to be using it, Windows 8 really sucks. Unless you are using a mickey mouse device like a touchscreen tablet, the default UI is a piece of crap in my opinion. But tweaked, it's actually a better OS.

Windows 8 Desktop Environment

Windows 8 Modern UI (aka Metro or Start Screen)

 

Windows 7 for me no doubt! Been using Windows 8 since November until 2 weeks ago and I'm glad the new Alienwares are still offering Windows 7 so I just recently ordered the AW 14 with windows 7.

The thing I'm going to miss about Win8 is the task manager where you can see your cpu clock speed but luckily I have the cool hwinfo to use instead ;-)

 

I use HWiNFO64 and it works awesome with Windows 7 and 8. I also recently discovered Open Hardware Monitor. It is very similar, minus fan control. Check it out. It even includes a nice gadget.

click to enlarge in new window​

 

I'd have to say Windows 7 on this one. Aside from the having to pay $5 to bring back the start menu which should never have been removed i've also found 8 hugely unstable and has some major compatibility problems because of the heightened security measures they have implemented. The lack of aero glass and no OEM background option put the final nails in the coffin for me - if I want to go backwards i'll use XP.

 

That's why you don't like it. You haven't liked any of the changes in all the OS. The only reason that I'm away of Windows 8 is the same one that makes me stay away of Windows 7. My AW got a FPS drop of 40 in both OS. But I really like the style of Windows 8. BTW you did have the start menu, just it wasn't how you want it to be. You payed because some smart dude thought that people will pay to make it look like Windows 7 and he is right.

 

And here I am 2 months later agreeing with you.
I now use Windows 8 on all my machines.

 

8. Many under the hood improvements. Start menu is overrated.

 

On the contrary, I find it absolutely indispensable. However, it's easy to fix their mistakes with the help of Stardock and others. It's a shame Microsoft didn't do it right the first time. But, I got over it and I'm elated with Windows 8 having tweaked it to work properly. Since I side-graded to Windows 8, I don't think I have used regedit this much in the last 3 or 4 years. I just hope they don't dumb down their product any more than they already have or damage it beyond repair in the next release.

 

I'm using 8.1 preview now, and the start menu don't look nothing like the one on windows7.

 

No, the tiles are larger consume more screen space, making it necessary to do more scrolling, right? if so, no thanks. Do the 8.1 Modern apps open in a window, or do they still go full screen like a stinkin' cell phone? Are all the window backgrounds flooded with white space and the UI require sunglasses like the current version? It seems like the UI was designed by an imbecile. They should have hired someone with a flair for aesthetics, more like Martha Steward instead of Bugs Bunny.

 

I feel like with 8.1 Microsoft tried to meet us half way and not all the way. They wanted to try to gradually move us to the Whole windows 8 interface with a tiles to the point where we don't want the start menu anymore.









It isn't going to work.

 

Very simple solution for me, grab windows 7 and take advantage of it while alienware is still offering it and that's what I did on the new AW 14. Case closed lol

 

That's what i did on my new AW17 too. Just can't get used to the tiles of Windows 8.

 

I agree. It's kind of like trying to conceal a small amount of feces in brownies and not telling anyone. You might not smell it, but you know its there as soon as you take a bite.

 

Lol that made me giggle and I almost choke since i'm on my lunch break. :laugh:

 

aaahahaha. same thing happened to me. lol

 

Speak of Windows 8 tweaks, really liking the new Stardock WindowsBlinds 8. The "Precision" theme is very cool.

Spoiler

 

You've set windows 8 up really nice there Mr. Fox. If I had windows 8, that's what I'd be aiming for.
The thing that bothers me abit is as a user we have to pay extra for those apps to essentially restore lost functionality that cost nothing on Windows 7.

P.S. Your brownie analogy had me lol-ing

 

I am happy with W8 in my M14x R2 right now.

BTW, I tried for 2 days to set up Windows 8.1 Preview with no success, I get a Black Screen after installation and I have to return to normal Windows 8 Pro. Don't know what's happening though

 

Possibly graphics drivers not working probably. They released some on the windows update catalogue just a few days ago to fix it, but I've heard you can't go from 8.1 preview to the 'normal' version without formatting.

 

If i had seen that i might have ordered Windows 8.

I tried another start menu on another windows 8 m17x R4 and it just BSOD'd on me.

 

Off topic but Mr.Fox, mind sharing your wallpaper with us?

 

They could at least make us hash brownies.

 

Ask and ye shall receive...

 

:thumbsup:

 

Ew WdaF man. Can't you think of another example?

Anyway, is it possible to boot straight to desktop on Win8 or Win8.1 now?

 

No boot to desktop officially yet, you can use classic sheel or something similar to do that for you though, but pressing Win+D goes to desktop or the start button will go to the desktop anyways.

 

Are you talking about Win8 or Win8.1?
Also will Win8 users get Win8.1 for free via windows update or is it a chargeable upgrade?

 

its a free upgrade

 

I see. So anything with Win8 as base will be free? I.e Win8.2 which is already in development.

 

I think Micro$oft not listening to their customers is really crappy and disgusting, so that was a good example. If one were to keep eating those nasty brownies, they would eventually become desensitized to how disgusting they are. Maybe that's the same concept they are counting on here with Windows 8.1 still failing to give back the features that are missing... "They're only customers. What they think they want does not matter. Ignore them and they'll eventually get over it. We know what they need and want better than they do." (Gee, that sounds an awful lot like the way our screwed up government works.)

 

Seems like a good example to me. I was laughing pretty hard.

I think Windows 8 has the potential to be intuitive with touch, but I wouldn't be using it this way for my primary system. To me, it just wouldn't make sense when I have a mouse and keyboard for input. Although, I am considering something like an Aspire S7 for on-the-go productivity. However, I'm not sure if I would end up liking the touch screen or just end up using it like I use my M18x whenever possible.

I do like some aspects of Windows 8. I like the ribbon UI, the overall flexibility of the OS, and I actually get improved performance in some games. The overall FPS seems to be a bit lower, but I'm finding the minimums to be higher. I notice the difference more, this way, and I think it may be due to better multicore management. I will probably stick with Windows 8, moving forward, because that flexibility enables me to shape it into an OS that suits my tastes.

That said, I'm essentially running a modified version of Windows 8, much like Mr. Fox is using. It's unfortunate to have to go out of your way to add a significant portion of the functionality and usability that Windows 7 has. The most frequent complaints could easily be fixed by giving users the start menu and focusing on functionality, rather than pushing the modern UI. However, that isn't what Microsoft wants to do. So, I'm constantly tempted to downgrade. Silly little things like driver certificate enforcement is annoying to me, and I don't like jumping through extra hoops to get something simple done. I've never had to Google so many things moving to a new OS.. it's counter-intuitive. What Microsoft is doing, as a whole, leaves a bad taste in my mouth. They are doing some really anti-consumer things, lately.

The fact that 8.1 just adds the button, by itself, seems to me that Microsoft is flipping the bird at us. It's somewhat hard to believe they are really that clueless. I think it's a combination of Microsoft not caring, nor listening. They are too busy trying to create an ecosystem that they are in control of.. they would rather you buy an Xbox and a Windows tablet than build/buy an enthusiast PC.

 

I agree totally... well said, Optimistic Prime.

 

I agree with you too, Brother Prime! - Although I haven't given Windows 8 another shot since 8.1, I find myself already being disillusioned with it all over again. I will probably stick to Windows 7 for the time being.

 

Yep, that's why they lost 1 billion already...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I just don't see why people hate Windows 8. I actually like/love the start screen, mail app and more stuffs that it have. The only thing that I hated, but I already solve it, was that I couldn't use Alien face recognition and/or vitakey fingerprint reader to login.

But now that I solve that it looks more than just amazing!!

 

Don't forget their Online Services Division...

http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-reorg-earnings-reports-2013-7

 

I think it is a matter of personal preference. I love my "butchered" version of Windows 8, but it got that way only because I disliked the things that some folks like and some are willing to tolerate. I don't care for the rows of tiles, scrolling, swiping, screen flipping, and really loathe the extremely limited light colored pastel and white themes. It makes using a PC feel like a cartoon environment when using the default UI. Most of all I dislike the full screen apps. I find navigating the default interface to be inefficient, slow and cumbersome compared to a classic Windows UI. I don't want my PC experience to be even remotely similar to using my smartphone. This is neither right nor wrong, just personal preference.

But, as long as I can tweak it to work the way I want it to, I'm good with it. My only real complaint is their apparent lack of concern for customer preferences and an agenda of some sort will be further limiting to customers ability to tweak things as time marches on. There is a disturbing trend toward limiting end-user mods and restricting functionality. Windows 8 is the first Micro$oft operating system that supports Gestapo-grade control at the hardware and firmware level. When it reaches the point that your options are to take it or leave it, there will be no discernable advantage to owning a Windows PC versus a Mac. Linux could end up being the only option left, but only so long as your BIOS hasn't blacklisted Linux installation. (This technology already exists, but it's not status quo.... yet.)

At the end of the day, Windows 7 is the better operating system simply because Windows 8 hinders performance. I've already upgraded all of my systems except for the M17x R2 to Windows 8, so I am committed to it. But, I have a dual-boot setup on my M18x R2 because sometimes nothing matters except for performance. For those times, features take a back seat and Windows 7 is the only way to fly.

Windows 7

Windows 8

 

I'm thinking about buying an alienware 18 and can't make me mind up whether to go for win 7 (which i use now) or windows 8. I've tried windows 8 in stores and am not impressed with it. But I don't know if 8 might improve with updates. Also i'm getting 32gb installed which means if i go win 7 i'll have to pay an extra £140 for ultimate. Of course I could get win 8 for the same price and buy a retail copy of win 7 ultimate for the same price as alienware charge to have it preinstalled.

What os did you guys get with your alienware 18?

I'll be using the laptop for gaming and running audio software like fruity loops and ableton live.

 

get Windows 8 and buy this

Windows 8 start menu returns with Start8 from Stardock!

 

will the start menu still work after the 8.1 update as ms have added a tab where the start menu is i think?

 

If you care for DirectX 11.2 = you have to use windows 8.

And you should care about DX11.2 since XboxOne/PS4 uses it. Games are done with consoles in mind. Thats why most games today still uses DX9.C almost 10 years after its release. The new "minimum" is 11.2.

I personally use Windows 8 and hate it. I guess that Win 8.1 will fix many of the things including the huge performance hit in gaming compared to Win7.
It should also be easier/cheaper to upgrade to Windows 9 that could be released next year.

If you don't care about DX 11.2, always go for Win7.
(and no one knows if Nvidia 7 series is hardware compatible with DX11.2. "But they ran the DX 11.2 demo on a GTX770. Yes. But that could be software, not hardware support)

 

Current Nvidia cards aren't DirectX 11.2 compliant. They aren't even DirectX 11.1 compliant. AMD Radeon 7xxx cards, on the other hand, are fully DirectX 11.2 compliant (although their drivers aren't yet). But I'm sure it will take a while until DirectX 11.2 becomes truly relevant in the latest games.