Guy, you're part of an unwanted user base
I saw a recent article about what today's user does with their computer: e-mail, play games, watch movies, send/receive photos, social network, and a couple other 'entertainment' options. The one use/function totally missing from the list? Work.
I'm beginning to think that Microsoft would be absolutely delighted if those of us who still expect an o/s to be functional for work would just get off the train and go to Linux. Well, I was considering saying 'go to [somewhere else],' but Linux is better! Think of all the comments posted here that would go away. Think of nothing but glowing, happy posts of how wonderful it is to be instantly notified every time you get a tweet or a new FB entry. Think of the potential for increased income for Microsoft when they release Windows 8 Desktop Fingerprint and Smudge Cleaner v.1 in either a spray or wipes.
Seriously, though, my question boils down to asking Microsoft if they are no longer interested in that portion of the user base that still uses a computer as a working tool, not a toy. I can't imagine, on a desktop, using a touch screen for my 10+ (social networking-free) hours per day. I can't imagine the waste of time playing clickey-clickey getting to things when, as many have mentioned, using alt+tab is almost instantaneous.
I still run XP on my desktop and W7 on my work laptop. On the laptop, it took a bit of time to customize it, including putting the 'quick launch' toolbar back, but other than that, it's great. I'd consider upgrading the XP machine to W7, but it starts hissing at me if I even think about it. But it's not my primary work machine, so we're both happy.
I have an iPad and a couple touch-screen phone devices, and for those, the touch screen is fine, smudges and all. I'd still not go to a W8 device .. sorry, I don't like the ugly screen and navigating on it is still a pita.
Microsoft is coming across as being totally desperate to 'catch up' to the market. Interesting to note if there is a good piece of software or app that's out there developed by another company, MS simply buys the company in its' desperation to be 'part of the crowd.' Then, as we all know, they basically destroy the product and discard it in favor of newer glitter.
I won't be implementing W8 .. but will see what comes out of W9.
