#windows 81

I did say I was going to get back with you after I updated to Windows 8.1 and I didn't. My procrastination won out once again. But all wasn't bad. In fact, it was the first time I updated a Windows product without a hitch! The entire process took about 2 hours. After which I watched as the friendly folks at Microsoft informed me that they were automatically updating my apps (so nice of them). Once it was complete, my tablet rebooted all by itself and I was presented with...

Windows 8.1!!!

A deep sigh later...

I suppose now would be the time to talk about all the differences and such, but truthfully, there isn't much to talk about.

Yes, we got our "Start" button back. Which is about as anticlimactic as it can get. It serves absolutely no purpose in itself. The home key on my tablet, as well as the ever present windows key on my keyboard serves the exact same purpose. However, if you right click (gasp, the horror) on the start button, you'll get a friendly pop up menu that almost looks like what you've been used to up to Windows 7, but you'll quickly get that you can't go back home feeling when you do. You can also get the right click effect on tablets by touching and holding the start button icon on desktop. Admit it, touching and holding are the first two things you want to do when you think about the Start Button anyway.

The Windows Store received an update. I can't say that it was a complete overhaul, but it is a step in the right direction.

Microsoft also debuted its native Facebook app because other than the start button, that's been the next highest priority. Yeah, I know, right?

Don't get me wrong. True, the anticipation of waiting for Windows 8.1 was far greater than actually using it. I guess I expected more than what was delivered. It's a very good upgrade. I still feel distance though.

Comparing Apples To Oranges

I can say this though. This update went smoother and I was much more satisfied with the results than the iOS 7 update. I never experienced any dizzy spells from icons rushing out at me in 8.1.

Speaking of iOS 7...Where's my start button for that? Even better, where's my rollback to iOS 6 point whatever number they were on before they went to 7 button??

I know, I know. I'll stop comparing apples to oranges now. (I don't mean that of course.) And isn't it ironic that one of the names there just happens to be Apple?

Overall, a more deserved name couldn't have been given to a product. Much like the name implies, I myself am giving it the same score on the Rickter Scale.

8.1