Why? Why didn’t Microsoft do this the first time? It was as simple as a Start button!
This past weekend, I geeked out in my man cave (maybe I should call it a man cove as I live on an island) and installed the new Windows 8.1 Preview. I completely document the Windows 8.1 Preview deployment experience here in a 10-minute video. You will witness the “real world” as I seek to go where no Harrybbb has gone before: using Windows 8.1. I encountered a few challenges along the way, including the inability to redirect the installation to Drive D, and how the installation must be completed on a monitor in landscape, not portrait mode.
Overall, it’s a serious WIN for Windows 8.1. Sure, the tired old guys in the SMB community are already complaining about it, but these nabobs of negativity seek out #FAIL. I am super impressed with the improved navigation via the Start button experience and the stability of the Preview release. I’ll continue to report on my journey as I download numerous applications and give Windows 8.1 a real test drive.
My prediction? Windows 8.1, now reportedly going to OEMs like Dell in a mere seven weeks (end of August) will provide the “reason for the season” in 4Q for SMBs to upgrade to this new OS. And don’t overlook the potential end-to-end experience from mobile phone – tablet – PC that no other manufacturer can match right now.
Again – watch my Windows 8.1 Preview installation video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuKGCGsGymQ&feature=youtu.be.