Microsoft may bring back start button and boot to desktop for Windows 8.1

It's hardly a secret that the computer-buying public hasn't fallen head over heels for the Windows 8 start screen. In fact, a whole cottage industry has sprung up around returning Windows to its version-7 glory. The latest rumors indicate that Microsoft may be moving to squash these apps, by enabling 8.1 to boot directly to the desktop and reinstating the start button. Code recently dug up in a DLL, buried within the bowels of a leaked version of Windows Blue strongly suggests that this relatively minor revision of the desktop and tablet OS could offer users a way to skip the live tiles and go right to the familiar UI of Windows past. An entry for "CanSuppressStartScreen" was found by quite a few different forum users in the TwinUI.dll file. Unfortunately, we were unable to confirm this ourselves. While there's no hard evidence for a return of the start button just yet, the reliable Mary Jo Foley has heard from at least one source that Redmond is considering bringing the little logo orb back. Of course, nothing is certain yet. There's no guarantee that either feature will actually make it into the final version of Windows 8.1, but we're sure at least a few of you have your fingers crossed.

Source: ZDNet, WinBeta

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By: Unknown On 10:58 AM

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Intel NUC review: a little desktop PC that holds big promise

More Info Intel enters mini-computer fray with Core i5-powered NUC Intel's Core i3 NUC mini-system bares it all for IDF (hands-on video) Intel's NUC mini-PC internals exposed, available for around $300 in early December

The name says it all. Late last year, Intel quietly introduced the Next Unit of Computing (NUC): a miniature, barebones desktop PC that represents a modern take on the traditional beige box. The NUC sits a mere two inches tall and comes nestled within a 4-inch square chassis. It also retails for just shy of $300. Don't let its diminutive size or price fool you, though. The Core i3 system is speedy, stable and more than capable of handling day-to-day computing tasks. Yes, it's a hell of a departure from the noisy monstrosities we lusted after just a few years ago. And it's a lot quieter, too.

Before you get too excited, though, let's temper that enthusiasm just a bit. As with any bare-bones kit, you'll need to install your own memory, storage, wireless networking components and operating system. In other words, unless you're willing to get your hands a bit dirty, the NUC isn't for you. And then there's the question of its price, which becomes a lot less tempting once you factor in the laundry list of necessary components. So, is the NUC deserving of its "Next Unit of Computing" title? Let's explore this question together.Intel NUC reviewSee all photoswhen.eng("eng.galleries.init")

Hardware

If you've ever longed for a computer that kicked legacy technologies and power-hungry components to the curb, the Intel NUC will come as an incredibly refreshing piece of hardware. It's a minimalist contraption that includes only the bare essentials needed in a modern desktop computer. We're talking SSD storage, integrated graphics, HDMI video and just a smattering of ports -- more on that in a minute. Given the NUC's small enclosure, it can even be mounted to the back of a monitor or television with an included VESA bracket. The entire system is powered by an external 65W adapter, but curiously, the kit doesn't include a power cable. You heard that right... you'll need to add a cloverleaf-style cord to your shopping list; otherwise you'll be out of luck when it comes time to fire up the computer. Seems a bit Scrooge-like, if you ask us.

The Intel NUC is based on the company's third-generation of Core i3 processors. That is to say, we're looking at an Ivy Bridge setup. The dual-core 1.8GHz processor (i3-3217U) is of the low-power variety that you'd typically find in laptops and comes soldered to the motherboard. Naturally, Intel HD 4000 graphics is part of the mix, and is integrated into the CPU itself. Expansion is limited to a pair of DDR3 SO-DIMM slots (16GB max), one full-size mini PCIe slot that supports mSATA SSD drives and one half-size mini PCIe slot that's perfect for WiFi and Bluetooth. Thankfully, wireless antennas come pre-installed in the NUC.

Despite the NUC's modern internals, its naming scheme is as archaic as it gets. The Core i3 system comes in two varieties: the DC3217BY and the DC3217IYE. Needless to say, if Intel wants to get serious about the NUC, it'll need to put friendlier names at the top of the to-do list. Fortunately, we can do a better job. On one hand, you have the NUC Thunderbolt, which combines a single HDMI port and one Thunderbolt port that can be used to drive a secondary display (up to 2,560 x 1,440). Alternately, the NUC Ethernet provides two HDMI ports and, you guessed it, a gigabit Ethernet port. Both systems offer three USB 2.0 ports (two on the rear, one up front), and a Kensington lock port. Since the system lacks dedicated audio output, you'll need to ensure that your monitor features built-in speakers. If you find yourself needing other ports, such as USB 3.0, Firewire and the like, you can always snag a port replicator such as the Thunderbolt Express.

While you're probably more interested in connectivity than colors, it's worth mentioning that the NUC Thunderbolt features a red top panel that's made of plastic, whereas the NUC Ethernet sports a black top panel that's fashioned out of aluminum. Regardless of version, both NUC models are plain, plasticky affairs that place function ahead of aesthetics. It wouldn't surprise us to see Intel put a bit more effort into the NUC's industrial design in subsequent iterations, but it's clear that the current generation is geared toward the hobbyists that are more interested in the system's inner beauty.

Setup

Speaking of inner beauty, if the NUC appeals to you, then prepare to fall in love. Not only is the motherboard an engineering marvel, but the system is also so easy to build that you might just get a bit misty-eyed after it's all said and done. In our experience, the entire process took under 10 minutes, which included a generous amount of time merely admiring Intel's handiwork.

Put simply, so long as you're comfortable installing RAM, you'll have no trouble building a complete system from the NUC. To install the wireless module, you'll merely attach the pre-routed pigtail antennas, place the card in the lower mini PCIe slot and screw it down. Then rinse and repeat for the SSD, which is situated above the wireless card and secured onto a standoff on the motherboard. After that, snap in two sticks of RAM and replace the bottom cover, which is secured by four screws. It's frighteningly effortless, and it sure beats the mess of cables that you'd be forced to deal with in a typical desktop setup.

Naturally, the components that you select will play into the NUC's overall performance and final price. We chose to configure ours with 8GB of Crucial DDR3 RAM, a 32GB Crucial m4 mSATA SSD and an Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 wireless card, which provides both WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0. If you're looking to run Windows 8, keep in mind that you'll really need a minimum of 64GB storage -- simply because the OS is a glutton for space. Speaking of Windows, it's a relatively big-ticket item that adds another $100 to the cost of a fully furnished NUC. Needless to say, you can also swing for a free Linux distribution and spare the expense. To give you a better idea of what a completed NUC will set you back, we've compiled a theoretical shopping list from NewEgg.

Intel NUC with components (from NewEgg) Intel NUC $299.99 Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 $31.99 Crucial DDR3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1600MHz RAM $77.99 Crucial m4 64GB mSATA SSD $84.99 C2G 27400 power cord $3.99 Windows 8 System Builder $99.99 Total $598.94

Once properly outfitted, it's easy to see that the NUC isn't a budget computer. Not that it deserves to be positioned as one, but it's important to lose any rose-colored visions of its $300 price tag. At the minimum, you can plan on its price effectively doubling, and even then, you'll need to chase down a keyboard, mouse and display.

Lastly in the setup process, you'll need to snag the OS of your choice and then load it onto the NUC. Since the machine lacks an optical media drive, this final step is a bit more labor-intensive than your typical PC build, but it's manageable nonetheless. Assuming you don't have an external DVD reader handy, your best bet is to install an OS via a USB drive. If you're looking to install Windows, you'll need to grab a utility from Microsoft known as the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool. Despite its name, the software also works for Windows 8, and is needed to create a bootable flash drive from an ISO file of the Windows install disc.

As a word of caution, if you choose to install Windows 8, then you must purchase Windows 8 System Builder. Even though Microsoft's product packaging makes no mention of it, all other versions of Windows 8 -- whether purchased at a retail outlet or as a download -- are merely upgrade copies. Also adding to the complexity, Windows 8 System Builder can only be purchased as a DVD, which means you'll need to buy the disc merely to convert it to an ISO file for use with Microsoft's utility. Needless to say, Microsoft could make the process a lot easier by selling Windows 8 System Builder on flash drives.

Performance and impressions

The NUC is, without a doubt, a snappy little devil. Granted, we regularly test laptops that are more powerful, and the system's integrated HD 4000 isn't ideal for gamers (delivering 14 fps at 1080p in Euro Truck Simulator 2, for instance), but when it comes to running Windows 8 and day-to-day computing tasks, the NUC's an absolute pleasure. Applications are always quick to launch, fullscreen 1080p video plays effortlessly and web browsing is wonderfully smooth. Given our components, the NUC was able to bring up the Start Screen from a cold boot in approximately 11 seconds, which is common among systems with SSD storage, but comes as a breath of fresh air nonetheless.

PCMark7 3DMark06 3DMark11 3,625 4,855 E1153 / P627 While the NUC did get a bit warm during our benchmark tests, it was only under these conditions that the fan noise rose above ambient level. The system is otherwise wonderfully quiet, and even when playing 1080p video, you'll need to place your ear within inches of the system to hear the fan -- and yes, this holds true even with the sound muted.

Perhaps you've been eyeing the NUC as a secondary computer. Say, in the living room? The NUC's small size, low noise levels and ability to effortlessly process 1080p video suggest it might be an ideal HTPC, but the system still has a few limitations. First, SSD storage remains fairly expensive and limited in capacity, which means that you'll need to access your personal content either over a network or from an external hard drive. The NUC's lack of expandability also comes into play, eliminating the possibility of adding a TV tuner card. Naturally, you could always snag an external unit, but once you begin adding other devices to the mix, the computer's small size begins to lose its appeal. The system also lacks niceties such as IR capabilities and dedicated audio output, which would provide extra utility in the living room. On the upside, the NUC is a fantastic system for playing emulator-based games on the big screen.

Later this year, we can look forward to Intel's release of chips based on the Haswell microarchitecture. While we're expecting to see a slight bump in speed for the CPU, the fourth generation of Core processors will bring a sizable performance boost to the integrated graphics chipset. No release date has yet been made official for Haswell, but it'd be entirely logical for Intel to update the NUC as part of its refresh. With that in mind, if you're currently on the fence about the NUC, it could very well be an update worth waiting for.

Wrap-up

Now, it's time to address the question that we put out there at the very beginning of this review: is the NUC really deserving of its "Next Unit of Computing" title? Absolutely. The NUC stands as proof that traditional, mid-tower PCs deserve to go by the wayside for the average consumer. The system is speedy, small, power-efficient and quiet. It strips away years of legacy cruft and provides only the essentials that most users need to be productive and have a rewarding computing experience. Sure, the ultramodern approach may be unsettling to some, but we saw similar hesitation when the floppy drive and optical drive were cast aside, and these upheavals are certain to continue. So long as you're willing to accept the inherent tradeoffs of such a minimalistic computer, the NUC provides excellent incentive to roll up your sleeves and build your next PC.

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By: Unknown On 10:44 PM

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Dual OS phone with Android and desktop Ubuntu not likely to arrive before 2014

It's beautiful. It even works. But if there's a downside to the notion of an Android phone that runs full-blown desktop Ubuntu when docked to a big screen and keyboard, it's the need for patience. Nearly a year after the first announcement, we've had an update from one of the key project leads, Richard Collins, to the effect that work on a converged Ubuntu for Android device is running on schedule, but won't culminate in an actual product until shortly after the launch of the first Ubuntu-only smartphone:

"We are planning to very quickly follow our initial launch [of an Ubuntu-only handset] with the converged device which will have high-performing system components that will allow Ubuntu to run as a desktop OS when docked."

Considering that the first Ubuntu smartphone isn't expected until early 2014, pending agreements with manufacturer and carrier partners, we could be looking at another 12-month wait. Still, the company probably wouldn't flesh out its roadmap like this unless things were going well behind the scenes. It's also possible that Canonical will release early builds of the dual OS for us to try -- just like it's going to cater for experimental GNex owners next month. In fact, Collins told us that we "might not have much longer to wait" before we see something new on Ubuntu for Android, even if it isn't a finished product. Read our full interview with him right here.

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By: Dilusha On 11:34 AM

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GNOME 2: Still king of the Linux desktop

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Katherine Noyes has been an ardent geek ever since she first conquered Pyramid of Doom on an ancient TRS-80. Today she covers business and tech in all its forms, with an emphasis on Linux and open source software.
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It seems fair to say that Linux users enjoy a degree of choice that's unmatched by the proprietary players in the desktop computing world, what with the wide variety of both distributions and desktop environments from which they can choose.

For that reason, it's all the more striking when large numbers of users express a marked preference for the same thing.

GNOMEThe GNOME 3.4 desktop (Click image to enlarge.)

Case in point? GNOME 2.

Despite the best efforts of projects including Ubuntu and GNOME itself to entice users with new, mobile-style interfaces—namely, Unity and GNOME 3—legions of Linux users have resisted with equal vigor, demonstrating in no uncertain terms that their longtime favorite still holds the key to their computing hearts.

The king returns

GNOME 2, of course, was long the default desktop interface in numerous Linux distributions, including Canonical's popular Ubuntu.

In 2011 the dramatically redesigned GNOME 3 arrived on the scene, however, right around the same time that its like-minded cousin, Unity, was made desktop Ubuntu's default interface. Both sparked considerable controversy.

Such has been the strength of many Linux users' preference, in fact, that over the past year or so we've seen the emergence of multiple efforts to recreate the good, old GNOME 2 experience, including the MATE and Cinnamon desktops and even whole distributions such as Fuduntu and SolusOS.

Then, finally, to the joy of many, the GNOME project announced that it was bringing GNOME 2 back.

What users want

This situation is by no means restricted to the Linux world, of course—just look to Windows 8's Modern UI for a parallel example on the proprietary side.

It is, however, a vivid illustration of the disconnect that seems to have arisen recently between software makers and large numbers of their users.

Both Unity and GNOME 3 have their fans, to be sure—as, no doubt, must Modern UI—but the fact is that new and shiny isn't always what users want; sometimes, they just want what has worked for them for years.

On that critical criterion, I hereby crown GNOME 2 this year's king of the Linux desktop.

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By: Dilusha On 9:49 PM

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Plex desktop app becomes Plex Home Theater, adds AirPlay and HD audio

Plex wants us to settle in for some holiday viewing in front of our home theater PCs, and to that effect it's delivering a major beta update to its desktop app -- including a new name. The more clearly defined Plex Home Theater syncs up with the XBMC 12 beta and simplifies Plex's own update process. For those in the living room, shifting to the newer base brings AirPlay streaming from nearby Apple-friendly gear as well as 10-bit H.264 video and HD audio. Behind-the-scenes updates bring more efficient video rendering and fix some older bugs, such as audio sync with SD footage. The catch to enjoying all this? As the upgrade is pre-release code, Plex is limiting early access to PlexPass subscribers. Media mavens still willing to pay the premium can check out the source link for an upgrade to their end-of-year movie marathons.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Software, HD

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Via: GigaOM

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Top 10 Windows 8 business desktop PCs

The arrival of Microsoft Windows 8 has prompted the inevitable surge of interest in what the operating system can do for business, and is prominent in thoughts about upgrading ageing systems in small, medium and large companies.

While the new operating system has attracted criticism in the consumer space, the fact that it is tailored more tightly to the hardware provides a nuMber of distinct advantages for businesses. These include far faster boot times - down to ten seconds from cold - greatly improved power efficiency, and enhanced security from a new secure boot. Also, at its core is an enhanced release of Windows 7, with the same deployment tools, just a bit slicker.

It also promises consistency in working from desktops, laptops, tablets and phones, and to homogenise the workflow and the user experience across all these devices. While training staff in its use is an issue, this could ultimately be reduced as all your devices will work and run the same software with unified cloud storage.

This is all leading IT managers to look into the best value and best running Windows 8 desktop PC options on the market. The range of desktop systems is as wide and varied as business needs themselves, from deployments of hundreds of basic desktops to a single purchase of a high-end specialist system.

Currently the tier one range of Windows 8 equipped systems is limited, and if anything we're seeing a move to all-in-one systems, which are actually hitting a competitive price point and competitive specification. The following provides a guide to some of the best options in the market.

If there's one thing Dell knows how to build well, it's a business PC. Its latest Vostro 270s Compact Tower range isn't doing anything to detract from that. From its solidly built mini-tower case to its well selected spec and price point, everything about the Dell Vostro 270s is designed to please the business user.

It's a mere 10x14 inches and is just under four inches thick, weighing just 6kg. That diminutive size does have one drawback, just a single drive bay slot, but with even this basic model utilising a 500Gb hard drive storage shouldn't be an issue.

Again the impressive aspect is even this basic model comes with a full third generation Intel Core i3 3220 Ivy Bridge processor. That gives it excellent processing power, more than a match for every office task. It also provides a decent 3D capability, if you should need it. At this price something does have to give and that's the 2Gb of memory and the one year collect and return warranty.

Proving that an all-in-one (AIO) investment doesn't have to carry a heavy price tag, the new Lenovo ThinkCentre M72z comes with Windows 8 Pro 64-bit installed and a 20-inch display that is touch capable. Designed for the modern office, out of the box it's capable of a seamless VoIP and video chat capability with its built-in mic and front facing camera.

Many AIOs have their roots in the consumer market and lack the security and management a business would expect. But Lenovo has a business background and the ThinkCentre M72z has everything you would expect from a business desktop either built-in or available as an option. For example, it automatically detects when you're away and locks the system.

This is excellently priced, considering that it includes an office competent, latest generation Pentium G645 dual core processor, a decent 4Gb of memory plus a 500Gb main drive and the 1600x900 20-inch touchscreen. It's also highly power-efficient. The only flaw is a basic one-year warranty, but this can be extended up to five years.

Get workstation power but without paying a workstation price; Acer has built a high-end desktop that is up to workstation tasks. Running a third generation Intel Core i5 3330 3GHz processor, its four HyperThreading cores can process eight threads simultaneously, tackling all but the most demanding tasks.

Installed with 12Gb of DDR3 memory as standard, it does fall short of the full 16Gb of which the system is capable. But a basic 1Tb drive can be accompanied by another two SATA drives for expanded storage, and it's good to see 802.11n wireless sitting next to the usual Gigabit LAN.

There's the token addition of a Nvidia GeForce 605 graphics card with 1Gb of memory, but this isn't going to offer much more performance than the integrated Intel graphics and is largely useful for its additional graphic outputs, which enable multi-monitor installations. While this will lack the bulletproof design of high end workstations its Intel hardware and drivers will ensure solid running.

Lenovo delivers a system that's all about getting work done and comes with the long-standing black and angular Lenovo styling. The Edge 71 family starts with this highly competent second generation model powered by an Intel Core i3 2100, and can be configured with anything up to a Core i7. This explains why the base option is just 2Gb of DDR3 memory, but that's enough for the office basics and Lenovo has updated the range to Windows 8 64-bit with memory expandable up to 8Gb.

Even the base unit provides dual monitor output, and comes with a host of business security features including USB disable, Computrace and Auto PC lock that uses a webcam to detect when the system is unused and locks it. With smart touches like a spill-resistant keyboard, a design that eMbraces maintenance plus the choice of a full tower or slimline desktop, the Lenovo ThinkCentre Edge 71 is designed as a robust workhorse.

Acer delivers the ideal low cost, high tech office solution that even comes pre-installed with Windows 8 64-bit. Don't let the low cost put you off; Acer might be better known for its laptops, but this small form-factor desktop is well built, both in terms of it physical chassis and also its internal Intel architecture.

The base model is powered by the Pentium G645. This is a 2.9GHz dual-core processor that was released at the end of 2012 and is based on the last-generation Sandy Bridge 32nm process. Putting it inline with the Core i3 2x00 range in terms of power and features, though it does lack Intel vPro support.

The supplied 2Gb of DDR3 memory is basic but can be expanded up to 8Gb. The integrated Intel HD Graphics supports dual monitors and usable 3D capabilities. It's packing a speedy Gigabit LAN and a roomy 500Gb hard drive, which should be good enough for standard office work. Uprated models provide Intel Core i3 and i5 processor options with Intel vPro support.

Acer brings its consumer know-how to a workplace all-in-one. It's an interesting proposition, and if you contrast it with the Acer XC600 with its lesser specification you can see your extra investment is going into its impressive display.

Based around a 23-inch, 1920x1080 pixel touch-enabled display, this Acer Aspire ZS600 delivers a pin sharp image from about as large a display as this class of PC is going to support. This base model is running the latest generation Intel Pentium G640 dual-core processor with 3Mb of L2 cache, which is based on the solid Intel Core i architecture and is more than up for all office tasks.

Acer isn't messing around either with 6Gb of memory (from a maximum of 8Gb), the usual roomy 500Gb of drive space, Gigabit LAN, wireless 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.0 all in for the deal. The one-year return to base warranty is the main weakness for the system. It can be upgraded to one-year on site with two additional return to base, but again this might not suit all needs.

It's amazing to think that HP was considering pulling out of the PC market, but then that CEO left and life went back to normal. If you need a solid PC system that's going to work day-in day-out then the HP Pro range should draw your attention.

Specifically this 3500 range is based on a no-nonsense microtower system, which comes with Windows 8 Pro 64-bit, a goodly 4Gb of memory and a low cost but capable Intel Pentium G645 processor. With an optical drive and a roomy 500Gb of drive space this system has everything you need to get your business up and running, while remaining expandable as you go.

Support costs are kept to a minimum by the basic one-year onsite warranty. There's nothing here that's going to change the world but with HP's reliability it's a system that you can be sure will keep on running.

Promoting its green credentials Fujitsu is keen to point out its environmental designs for its Fujitsu Esprimo E400 E85+ range. It minimises environmental hazards and utilises 86% efficient power supplies to keep down power consumption.

Running the Intel H61 chipset, it's able to offer a range of processors from the basic Intel Celeron right through to the latest Ivy Bridge Intel Core i7 3770. This model utilises the balanced Intel Core i3 2120 with its integrated HD Graphics 2000, Gigabit LAN and has an installed 500Gb hard drive. There's a basic 2Gb of memory that's suitable for the supplied Windows 8 Pro 64-bit operating system and the system can be expanded up to 16Gb.

The slimline chassis can be used horizontally or vertically and measures just over a foot square and four inches thick, so it's small enough to be tucked away under most desks or used as a monitor stand. Helping to sweeten the deal Fujitsu offers a reasonable one-year on-site warranty.

The HP Compaq 6300 isn't the smallest or best looking system, but it sure is flexible. The HP Compaq range exists to service the business sector and the new HP Compaq 6300 MicroTower aims to be a low cost, Intel powered system that's packing the latest technology.

This base machine comes with the latest generation Intel Pentium G640 dual-core processor, and is more than up to handling standard office tasks and documents. Key to your business is the micro-tower design. With more room inside it means the specification can be tailored to your needs and the system expanded over time. So serving you for longer and providing a better return.

HP Compaq can offer a flexible range of configurations with this base system only comes with 2Gb of memory, but it can support an impressive 32Gb. A sensible 500Gb hard drive is thrown in and you'll have to work with the integrated graphics, but it can handle dual displays as standard.

It's not without reason that the all-in-one is often overlooked in the business environment. The regularly required upgrade and maintenance cycle PCs of old required didn't really play to the strengths of an AIO, while their custom design also incurred extra costs.

Modern versions like this Dell OptiPlex 9010 manage to coMbine the power of a desktop with the space saving and elegance of an all-in-one. Dell even includes a touchscreen for the price, which makes these a desirable way of presenting interactive data and information.

With the latest third generation Intel Core i3 3225 processor, 64-bit Windows 8 Pro, 4Gb of memory and 500GB of storage, not forgetting that vibrant 23-inch 1920x1080 LED display, all in the base machine, there's an awful lot to like here. It may seem more expensive than other plain desktops, but remeMber you get the display included in the price and three years on-site Dell service, which offsets that extra cost.

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By: Dilusha On 9:54 PM

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Apple and Lenovo desktop PCs tops in satisfaction

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Christopher Null is a veteran technology and business journalist. He contributes regularly to PC World, Wired, and The Daily, and is a technology columnist for Executive Travel magazine.
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In our 2012 reader survey of tech satisfaction, reliability, and service, the results for desktop PCs painted a somewhat different picture than our poll in the laptop category. Here, performance clearly remains a critical feature, although softer issues such as design and peripheral quality are still areas of discussion.

Compared with laptops, desktops saw a slightly wider spread of satisfaction scores. Apple desktops scored highly on average and took top marks for design and peripheral quality, but surveyed consumers dinged them for relatively poor expandability. The picture gets muddier from there, with most competitors clustered together. HP for Home and Dell for Home landed around the average for satisfaction with desktop features; Sony and eMachines ran significantly behind the pack in that regard, with several average scores below 8.

HP for Home and Dell for Home rated just below average for ease of use, while Dell for Business rated slightly above average.

Interestingly, Lenovo for Home and Asus took the highest score (8.8 out of 10) on performance for the price. HP for Home even outscored Apple in this measurement, earning an 8.6 (Apple received a mark of 8.5), and Dell for Home also posted an 8.5. The average score for this measurement among all brands was 8.4.

Looking at overall satisfaction levels, we found that survey respondents were happiest with their desktops' operating noise and performance for the price.

Although desktops have a reputation for being more reliable than laptops are, this turned out not to be the case when we looked at users' responses: A mere 0.01 point separated laptops and desktops on users’ ratings of overall reliability.

Of course, some things don't change. As with laptops, hard-drive failure issues were readers’ primary desktop reliability complaint. On the other hand, motherboard failures, relatively uncommon on laptops, were tied for the second-most cited problem with desktop computers. Graphics-card hassles and OS glitches also wound up on the list of reliability complaints.

BrandOperating noiseDesignQuality of included peripheralsPorts and connec- tivityExpand- abilityPerfor- mance for the priceChart notes: Each listed number is the average response from surveyed readers on a 1-to-10 scale where 1 is “extremely dissatisfied” and 10 is “extremely satisfied.” Brand ranking is based on the average scores across all feature-satisfaction measures. Acer for Home includes the Aspire and AspireRevo lines. Dell for Home includes the Inspiron and Studio lines; Dell for Business includes the Vostro, Optiplex, and Inspiron lines. HP for Home includes the Pavilion and TouchSmart lines; HP for Business includes the HP Pro 3000 line. Lenovo for Home includes the IdeaCenter, Essential, and other lines; Lenovo for Business includes the ThinkCentre and other lines.

BrandAny significant problemsSatisfaction with reliabilityChart notes: A “significant problem” is one that stops or seriously impairs operation of the PC during the first three years of ownership. Satisfaction scores are on a 1-to-10 scale where 1 is “extremely dissatisfied” and 10 is “extremely satisfied.” The average score is 8.5.

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By: Dilusha On 12:52 AM

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Data shows Windows 8 wilting in desktop and tablet market

Despite a mum Microsoft, we're slowly learning that Windows 8 sales are, well, pretty slow.

The new Windows operating system launched at the end of October, and though Microsoft claims it sold 4 million copies in the first three days of launch, the unofficial stats haven't been as rosy for the OS during its first month on the market.

Our latest bit of evidence comes from web analytic company NetApplications. It said that as of Nov. 11, Windows 8 has captured 1.04 percent of the global desktop market share.

That is about the same OS market share as Linux, at 1.4 percent. Apple's OS X holds a 9 percent market hold.

To compare it to other Microsoft operating systems, Windows 7 has 45 percent, Windows XP 39 percent and Windows Vista take up another 5.4 percent slice.

The weekly survey represents raw data, and isn't as polished or accurate as other surveys with bigger sample sizes, but it's a decent bellwether of the direction sales figures are heading.

The numbers don't bode well for Windows 8 Touch either. NetApplications pegged it at 0.02 percent of the tablet space, slightly better than Windows 8 RT Touch which, statistically, has captured zero percent so far.

The stats line up with consumers' attitude demonstrated by a previous survey conducted by security firm Avast. According to the survey, 70 percent said they don't plan to upgrade to Windows 8.

W8's lack of traction is understandable. Most PC users aren't as in tune with Microsoft, unlike Apple users who mostly keep up with company news and jump at new products.

Windows 8 for the desktop is also a bit of a departure from it's predecessor. With its fresh features such as the non-Metro Metro tile style, many users may not want to commit the brain power to learning new OS tricks and don't really see any reason to upgrade.

The tablet environment is also a hard one to break into at the moment. The iPad is currently trying to hold off a torrent of Android tablets from taking over in the near future.

Though Apple captured about 87 percent of the tablet market when it debuted the first iPad in 2010, its commanding lead has slipped to about 50 percent in October, according to numbers from IDG. And as Apple losses its shine, Android tablets have gobbled up most of the difference.

With the two big tablet operating systems fighting for dominance and the momentum Android has built, it's hard for a new tablet OS to break onto the scene.

The fact that consumers aren't really sure the difference between Windows 8 Touch and the RT version has probably intimated a few buyers as well.

But Android wasn't always the mover and shaker in the tablet world as it is today, and Microsoft may learn something from the Google OS, which hovered at a single digit market share during its first two quarters after release.

Android only saw sharp growth during its third quarter, and it took two and a half years for it to challenge the iPad. And Android even has a hard time getting its users to upgrade to the newest OS environment.

Gingerbread is still the most popular version of Android despite its advanced 2-year age and three major upgrades (Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich and the newest, Jelly Bean). The old OS is still used on about half of all Android tablets and phones.

Despite the second-hand data, we won't know much for sure until Microsoft breaks its silence and releases some hard numbers.

For right now, it's pretty safe to say Windows 8 isn't selling as well as Microsoft would like, but the OS isn't doing horrible for its first month.

If Windows 8 flops, it will by no means ruin the company, but it might make a big dent in revenue. And it seems the new OS has a lot of uphill battling to do before conquering the desktop and mobile markets.

Via The Next Web

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By: Dilusha On 4:20 PM

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