May 23 2011
Windows 8 in 2012?
Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer dropped what I would call a bit of a bombshell this week when he commented on the release date of Windows 8: 2012. WTF? Is Microsoft crazy to release Windows 8 just next year?
I’m still happy with my Windows XP and Vista installations. I haven’t even considered making the jump to Windows 7 until I build a new PC. The issues I have with my two current PCs are nothing to do with the OS, but rather the limitations of the old hardware which is tasked with running those two operating systems.
I can’t imagine a feature in Windows 8 that would make everyone want to upgrade from Windows 7. I would imagine Microsoft’s going to make an even harder push on the people like myself who have been resistant to move to Windows 7 and instead convince us to get their new Windows 8.
I just don’t see Steve Ballmer or anyone within Microsoft creating an advertising campaign that would win me over. For me, it’s all about the Benjamins. I don’t have enough cash to build a new system right now or anytime in the near future. So Microsoft can’t count on me getting on the Windows 8 bandwagon just yet.
A new PC’s hardware is expensive enough. A new OS is going to set a guy back another $100-200, depending on the feature set he wants.
As long as sheep use computers, Microsoft will release new versions. Personally I’ve never understood why anyone would upgrade to a newer version of a product because the old version was buggy…kinda like rewarding bad behaviour.