Shout Windows 8 and youre likely to hear Vista echoed back at you.
So why is that?
Why is Windows 8 still sputtering and choking along?
We have a few theories.
As always, Microsoft took something simple, and made it annoying.
To clarify, there are two retail versions: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Professional.
Then theres Windows 8 Enterprise that Microsoft will push at corporations and such.
And that is annoying.
Early adopters of Microsofts Surface RT tablet were probably burned the most on this.
Hardware-wise, the Surface RT is a very good tablet.
It has an excellent display and superior build quality.
If it only ran Metro and Windows Store apps, it would be a more focused product.
But RT is a three-legged dog in terms of execution and just makes the Windows franchise look confused.
The Start screen is a touch-centric interface.
On a tablet, it makes total sense.
To me, the average desktop user though, its kind of … big?
In fact, my most oft-used apps are already pinned to the taskbar.
But even if you are using a tablet, do you really want to use the Start screen?
The Windows Store is just awful.
Its disorganized, clunky, confusing and about 99% the apps are terrible.
How many Apple Mac owners uninstall all the apps that come with their computer?
$499 to use a tablet that runs none of millions of existing applications and programs.
$499 to jump into an app ecosystem that is untested and has a scarcity of quality.
Want to add the Touch Cover?
Youll have to pony up another $100.
Its also a powerful desktop-replacement quality computer, so it will run everything quite ably.
By way of comparison, an equally equipped iPad - 128 GB/Wi-Fi/Smart Cover/Apple Wireless Keyboard is about $900.
Pricey Software
And what if you simply want to install Windows 8 on existing hardware?
If you want to upgrade to Windows 8, Microsoftwants you to pay $119.
Meanwhile, Android is free.
It addresses needs not being fulfilled with the current version.
Windows 8 is not a must-have upgrade.
However, its not revolutionary.
If theres one thing Microsoft does well by now, its the desktop.
As a full-fledged upgrade though?
And theres nothing wrong with that.
Apple after all has been updating OS X incrementally every year.
Nobody really complains about this and it keeps Apple relevant.
Are you feeling Blue?
So how will Microsoft address these issues?
The answer may come as early as this summer when it releases its first update to Windows 8.
Such a point release would be a significant step in the right direction for the company.
Hopefully this will help Windows 8 distance itself from its current taint.
Early reports reveal that Microsoft isaddressing many of the issuesthat hinder the Start interface.
Ideally, itd be nice if RT transformed into something more focused and useful.
One out of three is not going to win any converts or soak up new buyers any time soon.
