Windows 10 is only days away from being released from its cage to the users around the world. But what does this mean for the average user and is upgrading as simple as Microsoft puts it?
Lets find out!!
Ok, lets be absolutely clear. A free upgrade is a pretty good deal. It better than good. Its $100 goodness you save when upgrading to the new OS. But what does this mean to you? Well you get a free upgrade. That’s all really Microsoft says. But what actually happens is bigger than just a free upgrade. You will get a free upgrade for the PC’s life. That’s good. But how ? Well, If you have a non – pro version of Windows (e.g Windows 8 or Windows 7 Home Premium or lower) you will get Windows 10 Home. This is for the average consumer that wont really use the Computer for anything Business like. However, this version of Windows 10 is probably not the best. Why? Because you will be forced to upgrade your PC every time a new update comes along. Obviously, the new Windows 10 experience will not make this bothersome ,but still, you should keep that in mind. Every single update that Microsoft sends out to you will be an update you have to install whether you want it or not. Also, Windows 10 will be a service like experience. So, once a new feature is ready, you will get it. No fancy launch, no wait, just a simple update will give you that new feature. Therefore, there will be frequent updates from Microsoft to improve the experience you have with your PC. However, the Pro version of Windows 10 will remain the same as Windows 8 in terms of updates. You may choose to not update your Machine. This means that you can skip some updates that you think are not worth doing. Also, most of the feature in Windows 8 Pro will be available in Windows 10 Pro which is good.
Windows 10 user experience. I don’t need to tell you that Windows 10 is good. Why even believe me when there are thousands of other reviews. Well, the thousands of other reviewers say the same. Its the best Windows experience to date. The start menu is back; the UI is very polished; Cortana has arrived to PC’s, much faster than the Windows 7 experience ; better app integration to the desktop etc…. I can go on and on forever. This version of Windows is good.
However, not for the device I’m using. I use a Surface Pro 3 for everything. From the looks, to the weight to speed to the alright keyboard. The Surface is a beast. It was designed with WINDOWS 8 IN MIND. Not Windows 10, WINDOWS 8. Use the tile interface for touch and desktop for everything else. For the Surface, it seems a step backwards. The tablet mode in Windows 10 , for me, isn’t great. I don’t like the scroll orientation. The tiles are smaller. The all apps page has disappeared and is now tiny for small sized screens. If Windows 8 integrated Cortana, Edge browser and improved the speed (just a little), I would not upgrade to Windows 10 on the Surface Pro 3. I will still use Windows 10 on my desktop and on my Lenovo laptop. But it seems a step back for the Surface tablet.
I really couldn’t describe to you the magnitude of hatred I have for the Windows 10 Tablet mode. Windows 8 makes sense on the Surface Pro 3. And that isn’t the end of my troubles. If I want Windows to sync seamlessly with Windows 10 mobile, I need to update the Surface to Windows 10. And that makes me angry.
So, its kind of a mixed bag this upgrade. For people with phones, laptops and Desktops, this is the best deal you are going to get. Even if I had to pay for Windows 10, I would have. But, for my Surface, it is going to be a tough choice. At the end of the day, you’ll be deciding what is best for you. Please do keep in mind, once you upgrade, you have one month to make a choice whether to stay with Windows 10 or go back to your original Windows. After the one month, your Windows license is taken and you will be left with a Windows 10 license (or something like that. You will loose the right to go back to Windows 8 for free)
Stay tuned for more…..
PG
WisePCAdvise 