Grab Your Favorite Beverage

Love the Lenovo.

If you read my previous blog post (click here), you know that my laptop died a few weeks ago.  I knew it was coming, and decided to make the jump the day it died ( I ordered the new system then my current system over-heated for the last time later that same day) and purchased a laptop with Windows 8.  My husband has been using it since the preview was available and he loves it.  Plus, I was at a Microsoft event the week prior and liked what I saw.  I knew I’d have to learn it at some point, so it seemed like a good time to dive in.

My new laptop arrived the following Tuesday night and I planned to set it up (transfer files, etc) the next day, since it was my scheduled “work at home day”.  I expected I would have the time to figure it out, get used to it, and play with it before I got started on any work.

By 9 am Wednesday morning, I had two client issues I had to deal with, and I still hadn’t transferred my files, or even had Office 2013 (which I am really liking) installed or configured.  Luckily, I had been working in the cloud during my non-laptop period, so I continued working, using web-based services on my new laptop until I could find the time to set it up for my workflow.  I assumed I would just be able to carry on, Windows is Windows, right?

Soon, I encountered a problem: not only was I trying to help my clients with their work, but I was trying to do so on a new operating system (which I was struggling with) without my standard “go-to” applications and I was becoming very frustrated.

Once I had my clients hiccups resolved I configured the system for my use.  I noticed some great new features in Windows 8 that I love, such as image mounting (awesome), and the fast boot-up time.  I can’t wait to jump-play with Hyper-V (I know that will be a huge plus for me).  And when I have some free time, I’ll play with Windows to Go.

Despite all the pluses, I am not sure I am really liking it yet.  As I mentioned before, I had to learn how to navigate Windows 8 on the fly.  Heck, I even had to Google how to restart it.  The interface formerly known as “Metro” is confusing, and I don’t understand why it’s on a non-touch device.  I find “searching” the requires more clicks/keystrokes.  Switching between “Metro” apps and the desktop is confusing and requires more clicks.  I am not even sure if Skype is open!  For a standard 9-5 Monday-Friday job, I am not sure I would recommend Windows 8.  My husband said I was being such a “user”, but if I am struggling, then I know my business clients will as well.

I’ll follow up in a few weeks with my feelings after a month of Windows 8.