Should I go with Win 8 or wait for Blue ("8.1")?

By MtnDewCodeRedFreak
in Microsoft (Windows)

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

MtnDewCodeRedFreak

Posted
Posted

Hey y'all.

I've been thinking of upgrading to Win 8, but I have heard numerous reviews on here.

Then I heard about Blue, an update to Win 8, which would have an updated kernel - NT 6.3.

The problem is, I don't want to turn down a great deal of Win 8 Pro at 40 bucks (until the 31st of this month), but at the same time I keep wondering if Blue would be avail to Win 7 or Win 8 at a discounted price.

So, is Blue worth the wait? I have Win 7 Ultimate SP1 x64, btw.

Grand Master

zhangm Supervisor

Posted
  • Supervisor
Posted

You're better off paying the discount price for 8 right now. Blue will cost money or it won't as an upgrade.

If you don't: If "Blue" is going to cost money, you'll have to pay for Windows 8 + Blue, which will probably be the full retail price at whatever time Blue comes out. If "Blue" is free as an upgrade, you'll still have to pay the retail price at the time that it is released. In either case, you won't benefit from the upgrade pricing that exists now.

Also, this isn't very useful with N = 1, but as far as upgrade pricing goes:

http://camelegg.com/product/N82E16832116713

Contributor

tkaw220

Posted
Posted

You're better off paying the discount price for 8 right now. Blue will cost money or it won't as an upgrade.

If you don't: If "Blue" is going to cost money, you'll have to pay for Windows 8 + Blue, which will probably be the full retail price at whatever time Blue comes out. If "Blue" is free as an upgrade, you'll still have to pay the retail price at the time that it is released. In either case, you won't benefit from the upgrade pricing that exists now.

Agree.

Grand Master

Dutchie64

Posted
Posted

just download the upgrade from the web, and don't install it yet. Just 'park' or burn the ISO, so you have a cheap W8 DVD lying there for installation.

And when "Blue" comes out, you have an instant upgrade path!

The MS offer is too cheap to pass, get it! ;-)

  • Pygmy_Hippo
  • Like 1
Grand Master

Orange Battery

Posted
Posted

I haven't found much in 8 that justifies my upgrade, if anything it makes things harder (unless you're on a tablet, it works well with fingers, just not mice).

I can't imagine Blue doing much for the ui, ms have made their minds up and its touch all the way.

Basically I would say keep 7, if you don't have a tablet then wait for win 9 and hope ms change their direction a bit.

Community Regular

ingramator

Posted
Posted

Take the plunge while the offer is still available! No one knows anything about the so called "Blue" release so don't let it get in the way of what you want. Windows 8 is a great OS and I strongly advise you upgrade on the fronts of security, stability, performance and many improvements to the UI including the new start screen, task manager and file explorer/copier!

Enthusiast

Hey_Wtf

Posted
Posted

I haven't found much in 8 that justifies my upgrade, if anything it makes things harder (unless you're on a tablet, it works well with fingers, just not mice).

I can't imagine Blue doing much for the ui, ms have made their minds up and its touch all the way.

Basically I would say keep 7, if you don't have a tablet then wait for win 9 and hope ms change their direction a bit.

well i don't have a touch screen and i like win8 over 7,I am an avid desk top user "power user" it is so much easier to get your fav programs with a mouse click than scrolling up to start button and and scrolling through programs that you don't use

  • Kamil Kowalski and johnporter29
  • Like 2
Veteran

migo

Posted
Posted

For all its faults (and it does have a lot of them, mostly small), Windows 8 is better than Windows 7 in every way. If you're a stickler for tradition you might object to the lack of the start menu, but hey, there's an app for that.

Windows 8 boots faster. The desktop mode is more functional. The compatibility troubleshooter works better. If Windows 8 didn't have Metro in it at all, and were just a classic UI, it would be well worth upgrading to for $40. As it is, Windows 8 is that plus more - if you don't like Metro, don't use it. If you like it for some things, and not others, switch between the two (it could be better integrated, but again, it's not a step back from Windows 7, so it's more an issue of imagining how Windows 8 could be better, rather than comparing it to something else).

I'd say just go for it.

As for the faults, I really don't want Microsoft thinking that we're fond of the walled garden.

Grand Master

Orange Battery

Posted
Posted

well i don't have a touch screen and i like win8 over 7,I am an avid desk top user "power user" it is so much easier to get your fav programs with a mouse click than scrolling up to start button and and scrolling through programs that you don't use

I am more than happy to learn, how do you get to your fav programs in Win 8? and how do you get to the ones that you dont use all the time but know where they are.

Veteran

migo

Posted
Posted

I'd stick with 7. Theres no need to go to 8 at all unless you are on a tablet.

there's plenty of reasons. as I said, if windows 8 were only the legacy desktop, it would be worth upgrading to. people who say it's only for tablets simply don't know what they're talking about

I am more than happy to learn, how do you get to your fav programs in Win 8? and how do you get to the ones that you dont use all the time but know where they are.

Imagine if you had to launch all your applications from the desktop instead of your start menu, and you have a habit of running apps in full screen so you have to minimise first.

Enthusiast

AeonicVision

Posted
Posted

I upgraded to 8 the day it came out, and I've been very displeased with it on my desktop so far.

I think it says something when Windows 8 is on sale for a 1/3rd of what Vista was sold for, and yet has a slower adoption rate...

Windows Blue isn't guaranteed to be any better, either. Half the logic of this thread so far has been on the assumption that you will HAVE to buy a new Windows product eventually and a cost analysis. If Windows 8 continues to sell slowly, Windows Blue could be even cheaper as the Windows desktop market declines with time.

Grand Master

neo1911

Posted
Posted

I am using Windows 8 RTM since MSDN availability. Frankly for me it's still very very buggy compared to Windows 7. Things like saving system image to network location does not work which did perfectly in Windows 7. The new task manager reports wrong CPU frequencies. My music stops playing when screen turns off. Also few other unwelcome changes like missing WiFi manager increase my frustration.

You will discover your own favourite set of annoying things. If you are prepared to live with them, upgrade.

You should wait for blue and see how that shapes up. If not then stay with your current OS till Windows 9 gets released and ask same questions :p

Grand Master

*RedBull*

Posted
Posted

Pick up 8 before it's too late to get the savings. dual boot it with Win7. Personally, I really like 8. I like 7. But I've not used 7 hardly at all since I got 8 pro. You're choice. Make it. or don't, and that's still a choice made. lol

Grand Master

+Warwagon MVC

Posted
  • MVC
Posted

just download the upgrade from the web, and don't install it yet. Just 'park' or burn the ISO, so you have a cheap W8 DVD lying there for installation.

And when "Blue" comes out, you have an instant upgrade path!

The MS offer is too cheap to pass, get it! ;-)

Actually you not only have to buy it before January 31st 2013 but you also have to activate it by then too :p

Grand Master

neo1911

Posted
Posted

Actually you not only have to buy it before January 31st 2013 but you also have to activate it by then too :p

May be I am wrong but as I interpret, once you buy the upgrade and you receive the key, it can be activated anytime in future and not limited to before 31st Jan. The $40 and $14 offers however do expire on that day.

Experienced

Nomad_

Posted
Posted

I downloaded the Windows 8 Enterprise 90-day evaluation ISO and installed it on my Acer laptop, I have been using it for a few months now. I am NOT going to spend $40.00 to upgrade any of my computers to this Irritating mess called Windows 8.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/jj554510.aspx

Grand Master

Nashy

Posted
Posted

I'd stick with 7. Theres no need to go to 8 at all unless you are on a tablet.

This. I decided to go against everything and upgraded. Surely those praising it for being the next best thing aren't all mental.

Well. They are. The OS is a friggin mess. Start 8 makes it usable.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • Price Drop: Save 86% on Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus lifetime digital license

      By News Staff · Posted

      Price Drop: Save 86% on Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus lifetime digital license by Steven Parker Today's highlighted deal comes via our Apps + Software section of the Neowin Deals store, where you can save 86% on a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Windows. This bundle is for families and small businesses who want classic Office apps and email. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote. A one-time purchase installed on 1 Windows PC for use at home or work. Lifetime license for MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, & OneNote One-time purchase installed on 1 Windows PC for use at home or work Instant Delivery & Download – access your software license keys and download links instantly Free customer service – only the best support! Microsoft Office Professional 2021 (for Windows) includes: Microsoft Office Word Microsoft Office Excel Microsoft Office PowerPoint Microsoft Office Outlook Microsoft Office Teams Microsoft Office OneNote Microsoft Office Publisher Microsoft Office Access No faffing about with subscriptions, just classic apps that don't expire. Good to Know ONE-TIME PURCHASE INSTALLED ON 1 DEVICE Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Access options: desktop Full versions No subscriptions – no monthly/annual fees Version: 2021 Updates included* *Support for this version of Office ends on Oct 13, 2026 A lifetime subscription to Microsoft Office 2021 Professional normally costs $219.99, but this deal can be yours for just $29.97, that's a saving of $190. For full terms, specifications, and license info, click the link below. Get Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for just $29.97, or learn more Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • The Trump administration doesn't want you to use OpenAI's GPT-5.6 without its approval

      By ad47uk · Posted

      The only reason I want to know where you from is because if you are not from the U.K, then why should you care what we in the U.K do or don't do? Racist I am not, I am fed up with the amount coming over here and feel they can come over here and think we need to support them. Do you know how much it costs this country to support these people coming over here? Even when we give them a place to live it is not good enough. We had a barge that was being used to house immigrants, oh but that was not good enough. A mate said to me at the time, when he was homeless, he would have been happy to live on the barge, instead of ending up sleeping on a bench on the beach. I am not scared to say what my family heritage is, unlike you who is scared to say where they are from or where they live. Father side U.S, mother side Wales, still have family living in the U.S. A mate who sadly died a few years ago, had a load of people from different races recording in his studio, I got on with all of them. Skin colour don't bother me, where they are from don't bother me. Religion don't bother me as long as they don't push it onto me and it is not crazy stuff. I am not religious. But if you are not living in the U.K, then why should you care if we are in the E.U or not? This the problem, too many people poking their noses into where it don't belong. But you believe what you believe, if you think I am racist, then be it, I really do not care. Just grow a pair
    • Why it's almost impossible to produce a smartphone in the United States

      By dismuter · Posted

      If he hasn't been able to figure that out, then why is he obsessed with tariffs? Because that's one of the most prominent tools to level the playing field when you have high cost of labor.
    • Microsoft released Windows 11 KB5102558, KB5095615 Setup and Recovery updates

      By hellowalkman · Posted

      Microsoft released Windows 11 KB5102558, KB5095615 Setup and Recovery updates by Sayan Sen This past week Microsoft released the newest preview update (C-release) under KB5095093. Alongside those, Microsoft also released new dynamic updates. For those who may not know, dynamic updates bring improvements to the Windows Recovery process in the form of Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) updates, which are also called Safe OS updates. The dynamic updates also affect the Setup file binaries in the form of Setup updates. These Dynamic Update packages are meant to be applied to existing Windows images prior to their deployment. Dynamic Updates also help preserve Language Pack (LP) and Features on Demand (FODs) content during the upgrade process. VBScript, for example, is currently an FOD on Windows 11 24H2. This time both recovery and setup updates were released for Windows 11. The company writes: "KB5095186: Safe OS Dynamic Update for Windows 11, version 26H1: June 23, 2026 This update makes improvements to the Windows recovery environment (WinRE). After installing this update, the WinRE version installed on the device should be 10.0.28000.2335. KB5102558: Setup Dynamic Update for Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2: June 23, 2026 This update makes improvements to Windows setup binaries or any files that setup uses for feature updates in Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows 11, version 25H2. KB5095615: Safe OS Dynamic Update for Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2: June 23, 2026 This update makes improvements to the Windows recovery environment (WinRE). After installing this update, the WinRE version installed on the device should be 10.0.26100.8737." Microsoft notes that both the Recovery and Setup updates will be downloaded and installed automatically via the Windows Update channel.
    • Politically funny images of the World

      By +Edouard · Posted

  • Recent Achievements

    • Conversation Starter
      jessse3334 earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • Reacting Well
      JuvenileDelinquent earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • One Month Later
      Excellence2025 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Excellence2025 earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      flexorcist earned a badge
      Week One Done

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      507
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      200
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      151
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      73
    5. 5
      macoman
      62
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!