Not Satisfied With Windows 10? You Have 30 Days to Rollback

With Microsoft rolling out the Windows 10 update yesterday the chances are you've had the chance to download and test out the new operating system, if not look here for details on manually downloading it, and while most of the tech world seems to unanimously agree that Windows 10 is a hit you may not feel the same. Luckily Microsoft offers you a bit of a reprieve thanks to the Windows Recovery option.

When planning ahead for this major new operating system roll-out Microsoft seemingly thought of everything. They even thought far enough ahead to give users a 30 days option of using the new OS and still having the ability to roll back to their previous version of Windows if things went wrong with the upgrade or if for some reason the user just wasn't happy.

Now this process might seem a bit seamless, but we have seen reports from Gizmodo and other tech sites that this may not be as cut and dried a roll-back as it may seem. So we are going to try our best to help you out with the process and issues we have seen.

First and foremost, back-up your data! I know we harp on this all the time, but you just never know what might happen and you always want to be safe with anything important! Now that that is done getting the rest started is as easy as going to the start menu, clicking settings and heading over to the Update & Security option then choose Recovery. From here you should see the option to 'Go Back' to whatever version of Windows you were previously running, in this case Windows 7.

From there you'll see a new page with few feedback options, just select a reason, any will do, for the rollback and then click Next. After a warning and a confirmation, the rollback process will start. The process can take as short as a few minutes to about half an hour depending on the speed of your computer.

Some of the apps might appear to be deleted at first, or might not even start (like Google’s Chrome browser), which means you’ll have to reinstall them. Make sure to search for them on your machine first though, as some missing apps might still be there.

Once the process is complete is when you may start to see some issues. Due to the roll-back process some apps may appear to have been uninstalled and may need to be reinstalled, and some of the settings changes you've made in applications may also be lost. Also, make sure you remember the log-in password for the previous version of Windows since the password for Windows 10, if you have changed it, will not work!!

As Gizmodo pointed out, this doesn't necessarily mean that Windows deleted any of these apps or the associated files. Generally speaking they are still on your computer, it is just that Windows has lost track of some of the file associations (in some cases) and the app locations. So in most cases you can still navigate to the specific folders with Windows Explorer and launch them, but it may simply be easier to re-install each app.

You may still encounter other issues as you go back to your previous version of Windows, so you’ll just have to address them yourself as you go along or you can comment below with questions and we'll walk you through anything we can help out with. Another thought might just be to stick it out with Windows 10 a bit longer especially considering it is available for a free upgrade and has been widely praised in reviews!.

Microsoft Reported to Offer Free Windows 9 Upgrades For Windows 8 Users

With a plethora of Windows 9 rumors swirling around and the widely expected introduction expected at Microsoft's upcoming event being help in San Francisco next Tuesday, rumors have risen that we may see some unexpected news from Microsoft that the company may break from tradition and offer its newest operating system as a free upgrade!

Popular geek site BGR originally reported the rumors, which it had found thanks to Indonesian tech site Detik earlier this week. The reports quoted Microsoft Indonesia president Andreas Diantoro as saying that "the Windows 9 upgrade will be available free of charge to all existing Windows 8 users once it's released."

The original Detik article is in Indonesian, but a quick translation through Google Translate, will allow you to view the full article which states amongst other things that Microsoft will indeed announce Windows 9 during the Sept. 30th event. It goes on to state that once released, Windows 8 users "will be able to easily install the Windows 9 update after downloading it from directly Microsoft."

While neither article makes it clear whether other Windows users who are on older versions of the OS will get any other special offers, it does make sense that Microsoft would make moves to try to boost sales of Windows 9 as it is actively trying to move as many people as possible from the older, and no longer supported, Windows XP operating system. Additionally Windows 8 sales have been seen as slumping, so offering Windows 9 as a free download might be a great incentive for users to make the transition to Windows 8 now knowing that they'll be able to move to Window 9 once it is released.

Intel 2-in-1s: Getting The Best of A Tablet And Laptop All-In-One Device

The argument over which is better the laptop or the tablet is a never ending one. Each has their own merits with neither necessarily being a "winner," only a preference based on your specific needs. However, when choosing out latest geek gadget we asked ourselves, why choose between either? Why not get the best of both and get something that will offer the extremely convenient and portable features of a tablet, with all the powerful features a laptop has to offer?

When looking for the latest addition to our gadget family we took many factors into consideration. First, and foremost we had to think about what tasks we would need the device to handle on a daily basis and what we thought would be imperative for the device to perform. For example, for us a keyboard or the ability to use a keyboard is essential. Try typing out several long blog posts on a touchscreen and you will soon see why! We also needed something that offered a great deal of portability. I like to travel light and carry as little as possible.

Filling all of our needs has always been a bit tricky. Being tech junkies, of course we also have impeccable taste, so whatever devices we decide to grace the office with have to meet the highest standards. Given this, we decide to add our second #Intel2in1 device.

Meet our new Dell Venue 11 Pro! She came to us fully loaded and ready to tackle any of the geekiest tasks we could toss her way. Under the hood is an Intel Core i5 4210Y processor (3MB Cache, 1.5 GHz Dual-Core) processor, Windows 8.1, 4GBs of RAM and 128GB internal storage. To keep productivity up we added on Dell Tablet Keyboard with a built-in rechargeable battery that Dell says will increases our Dell Venue 11 Pro tablet's battery life by 50 percent.

As a stand alone tablet the Venue 11 Pro offers a 10.8 inch IPS Display with FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution with 10-pt capacitive touch. Which paired with Windows 8.1 gives you a fairly good tablet experience. Multi-touch is really response, the screen is bright and clear and videos really pop. Coupled with the keyboard and wireless Logitech mouse however, is where we really see her shine. The Core i5 and 4GBs of RAM means she purrs like a kitten, especially when compared to our other tablets and even our Samsung ATIV 2-in-1 that features an Intel Atom CPU. Multi-tasking with even some of the most demanding tasks we needed to accomplish was flawless.

Battery life was one area we were really concerned. We have not had the best of luck with out laptops nor our tablets. We are heavy users that like to have a full bright screen while running multiple programs. Both of which eat through battery life quickly. Both tablets and 2-in-1s should have great battery life. Tablets are built around a comparatively lower-powered processor, which typically gives tablets better battery life versus a 2-in-1 and considerable better life compared to laptops.

Here we were extremely surprised. Under fairly heavy usage our Core i7 based Samsung laptop gets a few hours at most battery time. Our tablets usually fair pretty well, but they aren't used nearly as much. When using the Dell Tablet Keyboard the battery on our Dell Venue 11 Pro was still running strong after 3+ hours, with 60-65% battery life left. That means we could have easily made it through a full work day on a single charge. Something we just can't do with most of our other devices.

The ability to seamlessly switch from a powerful tablet to an equally powerful, fully productive, laptop that really made us decide on an #Intel2in1 device. When on the go we can unplug and slim down with just the tablet, yet still have full access to all our Windows apps and content. Then when we need to ramp-up the power usage we can plug in our accessories like a keyboard, mouse or even external HDD and have more than enough juice to keep up with all our need.

For more details on the Dell Venue 11 Pro be sure to check back for our full review, which should be available shortly. If you need more details on selecting the best device for you checkout these suggestions from Intel!

#spon: I'm required to disclose a relationship between our site and Intel This could include Intel providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.

Microsoft Asks OEMs To End Windows 7 PC Sales Oct 31st

Microsoft has set a deadline for OEM PC manufacture's such as Dell, HP and others to stop the sale of Windows 7 equipped home PCs as of Oct. 31st. End of sales refers to the date when a particular version of Windows is no longer shipped to retailers or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

On the Windows Lifecycle site where it posts such policies, Microsoft now notes that Oct. 31, 2014, is the end-of-sales date for new PCs equipped with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium or Ultimate.The setting of such deadlines is nothing new to Microsoft, and users wanting to get their hands on per-manufactured machines will still have the option of business machines equipped with Windows 7 Professional.

Microsoft's practice, first defined in 2010, is to stop selling an older operating system in retail one year after the launch of its successor, and halt delivery of the previous Windows edition to OEMs two years after a new version launches. The move is an intentional one, with Microsoft hoping to spur sales of its newest operating systems as well as keeping consumers updated to the latest versions.

Often citing high consumer demand, some OEMs, notably Hewlett-Packard, have made headlines for marketing PCs with previous version of Windows Pre-loaded. Most notable in the case of Windows Vista and Windows XP. Poor feedback and low consumer demand for Vista prompted many OEM's to release PCs with downgrade options to XP.

Microsoft's Windows 8 originally showed impressive numbers, hitting 100 million licenses sold as of last May. However, since then sales have slumped and the new OS continues to lag behind its predecessor.

Tami Reller, Microsoft's executive vice president of marketing, announced that Microsoft has sold 200 million Windows 8 licenses in about 15 months. That's way ahead of Windows Vista, which only hit 180 million licenses after 18 months, but well behind Windows 7, which only took a year to reach 240 million licenses sold.

With Windows 7 still holding a dominate market share one would have to question why Microsoft would be pushing so strongly to stop the sales of the popular OS. Perhaps they are looking to avoid the fiasco of Windows Vista and Windows XP?

7 Windows 8 Applications To Get You Started

The following is a guest post from Jason Clark. Jason writes about web tools and internet marketing for RankWatch.Com a rank monitoring software that allows you track your business' ranking on Google Places, Yahoo Places & Bing Places.

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Windows 8 is the latest operating system from Microsoft and is already showing up on computers all around the world. One thing many of you will notice is that getting up to speed with Windows 8 will be a little more difficult than it was with early versions of Windows. The reason for this is that Windows 8 is completely different from any other Microsoft OS. Windows 8 is more entertaining and puts applications squarely at the center of the system. With all of the changes many people will need a guide to the top Windows 8 applications to get you started. We will show you some of the best applications you can load up on your new Windows 8 device.

1. Netflix
The Netflix application for Windows 8 is a free download and is easy to operate. Those that subscribe to Netflix will find this application a must. This application uses and tile-based interface that is both intuitive and beautiful. If your device has a touch screen, you will find the application even more functional. Another advantage is that you can stream movies directly through the application, which seems to offer a better picture that is smoother as compared to streaming them through a browser.

2. IM+
All types of social media are very popular and instant messaging is no exception to the rule. For this reason you should have a good IM application. While the Windows 8 messaging application is functional it currently only supports Windows Messenger and Facebook Chat, this could change in the future. If you do not want to wait, and you want to chat with all of your friends on any network then you should download IM+ from Shape. It is free, is supports many different chat networks, and it allows you to enable push notifications that help you stay in touch with your friends no matter what application you are using.

3. MusiXmatch Lyrics
This application is already available for other OSs such as iOS and android. This application has the ability to find the lyrics for nearly every song that has ever been written. The application has a database featuring nearly 6 million songs and has the latest hits out of the United States and the United Kingdom.

4. Norton-Satellite
While this application cannot replace the security of a full anti-virus program, it can be a useful security application. Some of the advantages of this application are that it is simple to use, and it scans all files from social media sites and many other sites as well.

5. SmartGlass
SmartGlass is a Microsoft application that works in conjunction with the XBOX 360 so it will probably be one of the most popular Windows 8 applications. The main purpose of the application is to offer those that play games on the XBOX a complimentary screen for the console. This application will convert the screen of any device into a companion screen for the XBOX. For those that use a tablet this application can turn your tablet into an XBOX remote which allows you to launch applications, videos, games, or other XBOX functions directly from your tablet.

6. TuneIn Radio
Along with a good IM application, we all need a good radio application as well. TuneIn Radio is the best one available for the Windows 8 platform. TuneIn Radio has access to more than 70,000 radio stations from all around the globe. TuneIn gives users the ability to browse radio stations based on their music preferences. For example you can browse sports, news, music, or comedy stations to name a few of the search options you will have available to you. You can also pin your favorites to the start screen for access that is quick and easy.

7. Multimedia 8
Multimedia 8 is the Windows 8 version of the Windows Media Player, but it has some added functionality included. The application will allow you to search music files that are located on a station, videos, playlists, and will access files that are located on the internet. This application also offers many other features.
While the Microsoft app store is still under construction, there are many applications available for Windows 8. These are the top Windows 8 applications to get you started no matter what type of device you are using, there are sure to be many more applications for this OS in the future

Microsoft Accidentally Activates Windows 8 Pro For Free

Christmas may have just come a little yearly for a few lucky software pirates as a glitch in Microsoft's Activation System is inadvertently fully activating pirated copies of Windows 8 Pro.

The flaw, first made public by Reddit user noveleven (Reddit has since removed the post)– shows that with just a bit of work, anyone can access a Microsoft-approved product key and activate a copy of Windows 8 Pro for free.

The glitch is found when users of partially activated version of Windows 8 visit the Microsoft add-on site to request a Windows 8 Media Center Pack license. Users simply need to supply an email address to be sent a free license meant to activate the new upgrade. However before sending out the new the Media Center keys the system doesn't check to see if the copy of Windows is legitimate or not. If users have a KMS-activated copy of Windows 8, with or without a legitimate license, the new Media Center key van be used to fully activate their systems.

The free upgrade to Windows Media Center only lasts until January 31, 2013, so the window is only open for a few more months for pirates to use the work around. Assuming that is that Microsoft doesn't close the holes before then.

I don't advocate pirating Windows in this way. Honestly it's cheap enough to upgrade that you might as well just go out and get a legitimate copy of Windows 8 if you really want o upgrade. This not only keeps you on the up and up but it gives you the option to re-install down the road if needed. This work around will only last on your system as long as you keep the same active install.

Windows Store For Windows 8 Has Over 7,000 Apps And Why That Doesn't Matter

According to researcher Wes Miller, the Research VP at the third party analyst company Directions on Microsoft, the number of Windows 8 apps published in the Windows Store has topped 7,800 worldwide. Yet that hasn't stopped many detractors from claiming there are not enough apps for Windows 8 available to download from the Windows Store.

The truth is that Microsoft has been very busy publishing a lot of apps in the store on the eve of the Windows 8 launch on Friday. The exact total that Wes Miller published was 7,873 marking an increase of over 2,000 apps compared to a week ago and represents the biggest growth spurt yet for the number of apps in the storefront. The growth spurt is undoubtedly due to the upcoming press conference and full blown release of the new operating system, making it even more likely that Microsoft will reveal even more Windows 8 apps at its press event.

So why then has Microsoft been taking so much flack for not having enough apps to compete with the iPad?

Let's step back a minute and look at what we are talking about here: Many sites that claim there are not enough applications for the Microsoft Surface are mistakenly talking about the Windows RT version and not talking about full blown Windows 8 Pro based Microsoft Surface tablets. In this instance they are correct. At this point in time there are very few Windows RT apps.

Second we are talking about 7800+ apps that are design specifically for Windows 8 and specifically for the new touch interface. This number sounds miniscule when we are talking about 100's of thousands of apps now in the Apple App Store or in Google Play. What many of Microsoft detractors are forgetting (along with some of my fellow tech bloggers and mainstream journalists) is that the Windows 8 based devices run a full blown version of Windows. One that is capable of running almost any Windows 7 (likely even Windows XP) based application.

So now we have to add to that 7800+ apps that are design specifically for Windows 8 to all of the applications currently on the market that are Windows compatible. I can't even guess at a number for that, what hundreds of thousands? millions?

People are always going to find something to bash MS about. The simple fact is they are entering the market with something totally different than has been done before. When Apple hit the market with the iPad and iOS and Google hit the market with Android they had to reinvent the wheel when it pertains to their applications. For Microsoft its all about getting the key apps that people are going to want the most and working their way up.

To add a side note: With Windows 8 you can run Android apps through emulation with something like Bluestacks or the BlueStacks powered AMD AppZone Player. You won't get full compatibility with all the apps in Google Play but AMD promises with the AppZone player that you get at least some limited access to the 500,000 mobile Android based apps available today. Can you do that with your iPad??

How To: Dual Boot Windows 8 With Windows 7 or Windows XP

With the official release of Windows 8 just a few days away I figured I'd give readers a quick easy how-to for setting up a dual boot between Windows 8 and either Windows 7 or Windows XP. This guide will give you a chance to see how easy (or difficult) it might be to setup both operating systems on your machine, and hopefully give you an idea of what to expect before potentially upgrading.

I'm assuming your PC is already running fine and is either currently running Windows 7 or Windows XP. If its not and you are going to do fresh installs of either operating system then the procedure is a but easier. Just note that if you are planning to re-install or do fresh installs of the two OS's you want to dual boot you need to install the older operating system first.

Step 1: Back-up, Back-up, Back-up!

You should already have a back-up plan or option in place. If you don't now is a good time to get one started. Setting up a dual-boot or even upgrading an installation generally isn't that risky but problems can occur and from time to time mistakes can be made. I strongly suggest backing-up anything important on your current install.

Step 2: Creating a new partition for Windows 8

Anytime you install a secondary operating system you'll need either a second partition on your hard drive or even better a secondary drive. If you don't have two hard drives or two partitions that is fine. We'll just need to create one so you'll need to make sure you have plenty of empty space on your hard drive. If you don't then you'll need to clean-up some space.

To create a new partition you may need to use third-party tools such as the Partition Wizard or GParted, both are free tools and fairly easy to use. They will allow you to set aside some of the current free space on your drive for the new partition. This will in turn become your Windows 8 partition.

A partition with a minimum 20GBs free space is the bare minimum according to the Windows 8 system requirements. Personally I'd start with no less than 40GBs because you'll want plenty of space for applications. If you are a heavy application user you might even want significantly more

If you already have an existing secondary partition or drive you can format that and use it as well. Simply open My Computer, right-click on the drive that you want to format and select Format option to open Drive Properties. Here, select File System as NTFS and then click Format button to quickly format the drive.

If you plan on doing a fresh install of Windows 7 or Windows XP you can also simply format your existing drive (after moving and backing up your data) and setting up two partitions right from the start.

Step 3: Installing Windows 8

Assuming you have your secondary partition created and your older version of Windows is already installed its time to install Windows 8. For this you'll need your boot-able install media. This can either be your DVD or USB drive depending on how you purchased it through Microsoft.

To get started you are going to have to make a few changes to the computer's bios settings. Insert your Windows 8 DVD into the optical drive or connect Windows 8 USB drive to your PC. Reboot the computer and enter the bios. Entering the bios is a bit different on each computer so check your manual for instructions. Usually you'll press one of the 'F' keys or delete. You'll need to look for the boot options and set it to boot from USB or DVD (depending on your needs). After making the necessary changes to the BIOS and selecting "save" your PC should restart. If you have connected a bootable USB, the setup should begin automatically. And if you have used a bootable DVD, you may need to press any key when you see Press any key to continue message.

Once the installation steps begin you should see a license agreement followed by an options screen. Be sure to choose Custom, not Upgrade. Next you'll see a list of available partitions; click Drive options (advanced), then select the unallocated space you created earlier. This is very important: Make sure you are selecting the empty space and not the partition or drive with information on it. The partition you want should display the full amount of available space, in which case go ahead and click Apply.

Follow the standard Windows 8 installation procedures. If you've ever installed an operating system then is fairly familiar and there shouldn't be any surprises. The entire install should take about 20 minutes, after which your system will boot Windows 8 and run you through the usual initial-setup stuff. (You might have to remove your flash drive or DVD so the installer doesn't try to run again. It did on my system.)

Step 4: Verifying your installation

Once installation of Windows 8 is complete reboot your PC and make sure that you get Earlier version of Windows option in the boot menu. Windows 7 users should see two options, one listed as Windows 8 and one as Windows 7. For Windows XP users you should see the option listed as "Earlier version of Windows". If you can’t see your Windows XP entry (Earlier version of Windows entry) in the boot menu, follow the next steps in step 5 to add Windows XP entry to the boot loader.

From now on, when you boot your PC you'll see a start-up menu that gives you a choice between your other version of Windows and Windows 8 -- and it'll proceed with booting the latter by default. If you want Windows 7 or Windows XP to remain the go-to operating system, click Change defaults or choose other options while this menu is visible, then click Choose the default operating system.

Step 5: For XP users only - adding Windows XP to the boot menu

Reboot your PC and boot into Windows 8. Open Run dialog box, type sysdm.cpl and hit the enter key to open System Properties dialog. Switch to Advanced tab, and click Settings button under Startup and Recovery section. Here, select Earlier version of Windows as default operating system. Click Ok and then Apply button. Reboot your PC and you should have successfully added Windows XP boot entry to the boot loader. Reboot your see Earlier version of Windows (Windows XP) entry in the boot menu. If you are still having issues seeing the option to boot to Windows XP you might need to try the Start-up repair tool or boot recovery options. For this you'll need to boot to your Windows 8 media and select repair.

Final thoughts:

I've ran dual-boot setups for years, primarily for testing new operating systems before completely upgrading. If you are simply testing Windows 8 (or another OS) I strongly suggest using separate hard drives and instead of running a traditional dual-boot setup disabling the second drive while installing the second operating system. This won't give you the option at start-up but it will make life easier if you decide not to keep the newer operating system. If you plan on keeping Windows 8 for the long haul then following the procedure about will work fine.

These instructions will also work for testing the Windows 8 Release Preview, which I suggest doing before you plop down some cash on the new OS. I've tested Windows 8 and it has some new features that I liked, but it has a lot more than I didn't.

Acer Sets The Bar With The New Iconia W700 Windows 8 Tablet

As the release date for Microsoft's newest iteration of Windows draws near, more and more leaked information about possible Windows 8 based tablets and their pricing has cropped up. Much of it to the dismay of the general public.

Most companies have shown target price ranges of nearly $800 for the tablet alone, with the additional costs for docking stations or keyboards pushing the pricing for the device to well over $1000, and this is for the basic entry level models with lower end Intel Atom based CPUs.

Acer might just have raised the stakes a bit. Today the company formally announced its new Acer Iconia W700 Windows 8 tablet, which will ship with a cradle and keyboard included at a mere $800. This isn't just an entry level Atom based device either. The Iconia W700 will feature an Intel Core i3 CPU, 4GBs of RAM and an 64GB SSD. For those willing to spend a bit more and want a bit more horsepower there will also be an option for for an Intel Core i5 or the addition of extra storage with a 128GB SSD.

The W700 has a rather impressive 11.6-inch touchscreen IPS display boasting a Full HD 1080p (1920x1080) resolution. It will feature a front facing 1-megapixel camera capable of shooting 720p video and a rear 5-megapixel camera capable of 1080p video. The Iconia W700 it measures less than half an inch thick and weighs only 2.3 pounds. Acer says it provides up to eight hours of battery life.

The tablets include one USB 3.0 port, a Micro HDMI port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack while the included cradle adds and additional three USB 3.0 ports. You will also get a slim-lined Bluetooth keyboard along with an HDMI-to-VGA dongle for those wanting to use their tablets with a larger screen.

The Acer Iconia W700 will be available on Oct. 26 at leading retailers across the U.S. in several configurations. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices range from $799.99 to $999.99.

While pricing seems a bit on the high side in comparison to other equally equipped tablets or even similarly spec'd Ultrabooks the price for the Iconia W700 isn't nearly as bad as it sounds. An iPad or Android tablet with 64GBs of storage space and a keyboard would be fairly comparable.

Update: Here’s a quick breakdown of the three W700 models and what they offer:
Acer Iconia W700-6691

• Intel Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz Processor w/Turbo Boost up to 2.6 GHz
• 11.6″ 1920 x 1080 resolution LED backlit TFT LCD display w/ 10-point multi-touch screen
• 4GB of DDR3 RAM
• Intel HD Graphics 4000 w/128MB RAM
• 64GB SSD
• 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.0
• 5MP, 1080p rear-facing camera
• 1280×1024, 720p front-facing camera
• 1 USB 3.0, 1 Micro-HDMI, 1 3.5mm headphone/mic jack
• Up to 9 hours battery life
• 17″ (L) x 3.28″ (W) x 9.25″ (H), 2.09 lbs

Acer Iconia W700-6465

• Intel Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz Processor w/Turbo Boost up to 2.6 GHz
• 11.6″ 1920 x 1080 resolution LED backlit TFT LCD display w/ 10-point multi-touch screen
• 4GB of DDR3 RAM
• Intel HD Graphics 4000 w/128MB RAM
• 128GB SSD
• 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.0
• 5MP, 1080p rear-facing camera
• 1280×1024, 720p front-facing camera
• 1 USB 3.0, 1 Micro-HDMI, 1 3.5mm headphone/mic jack
• Up to 9 hours battery life
• 17″ (L) x 3.28″ (W) x 9.25″ (H), 2.09 lbs

Acer Iconia W700-6607

• Intel Core i3-3317U 1.8GHz Processor
• 11.6″ 1920 x 1080 resolution LED backlit TFT LCD display w/ 10-point multi-touch screen
• 4GB of DDR3 RAM
• Intel HD Graphics 4000 w/128MB RAM
• 64GB SSD
• 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.0
• 5MP, 1080p rear-facing camera
• 1280×1024, 720p front-facing camera
• 1 USB 3.0, 1 Micro-HDMI, 1 3.5mm headphone/mic jack
• Up to 9 hours battery life
• 17″ (L) x 3.28″ (W) x 9.25″ (H), 2.09 lbs

Microsoft Announces Windows 8 Launch Event

While it has already been confirmed that Windows 8 will officially launch Oct 26th Microsoft has announced plans for a Windows 8 launch event to take place Oct. 25 in New York City. The invite simply states, “You’re invited to celebrate. Windows 8” with few other details.

Could this mean the company has other things in store for the announcement? It's entirely possible! What that might be could be anyone's guess. But speculation is that Microsoft will be showcasing the much anticipated Microsoft Surface tablet and perhaps even revealing the actual pricing of the new devices.

Since its official announcement Microsoft has been rather tight lipped about the upcoming tablet, providing very few details past what we already knew. In a recent interview with The Seattle Times, Ballmer hinted about pricing, putting the scale in line with what we have come to expect from iPad pricing. “I think most people would tell you that the iPad is not a superexpensive device…. (When) people offer cheaper, they do less. They look less good, they’re chintzier, they’re cheaper,” Balmer said, adding, ”If you look at the bulk of the PC market, it would run between, say, probably $300 to about $700 or $800. That’s the sweet spot.”

New Windows Based Convertible Laptop-Tablet Hybrids Debuting At IFA 2012

The 2012 IFA consumer electronics show is under way in Berlin, Germany with several top companies showing up to showcase their latest and greatest tech hardware. We only have a few more months before the official launch of Windows 8 and Windows RT, so it was expected that many of the major PC players would have next-generation Windows equipped hardware on display. And so far they have not disappointed!

So far this year we've seen an incredible influx of Windows based devices as many manufactures are looking to cash in on not only the expected release of Windows 8 and Windows RT but the largely successful tablet market. We are seeing a strong push for Windows based tablets, mainly convertibles or hybrids whichever label you prefer to slap on the laptop-tablet combination. Asus, Dell, HP, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba all had models on display.

Looking to build on the strong foundation that the ASUS Transformer and Transformer Prime have laid down Asus showcased a pair of Vivo Tab models. The first is running Windows 8 with a dual-core Intel Atom processor and the other is coupled with Windows RT and a quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 chip. Not only do the two Asus offering offer a detachable keyboard dock but they also offer a pressure-sensitive stylus which would be perfect for note-taking and sketching. The Vivo Tab offers an 11.6-inch display while the Vivo Tab RT measures 10.1 inches. It’s also the thinnest and lightest of the bunch, measuring just 8.3mm thin and weighing 520g. (more details via Asus)

Dell’s offering comes int he form of the new XPS Duo 12 and XPS 10. The XPS 10 will run an ARM SoC and Windows RT. The XPS Duo 12 (which actually measures 12.5 inches on its display’s diagonal) will run Windows 8 and an unspecified Intel chip. Unlike most of the other models shown the Dell XPS Duo 12 is more of a clamshell laptop and a tablet in one. It offers a swiveling screen rather than the detachable keyboard. The XPS sticks with a more conventional design with the traditional tablet look and feel as well as a more traditional keyboard dock. (more details via Dell)

Dell XPS Duo 12

Looking to re-enter the tablet market after the much maligned HP Touchpad, HP has introduced the company's first Windows 8 hybrid the new HP Envy X2. The Envy X2 is powered by an Intel System-on-Chip (aka SOC) Atom based processor, features and 11.6-inch screen with 64GB of internal storage, microSD expansion, NFC support, and, of course, integrated Beats Audio. Its detachable keyboard also incorporates a giant powerpack, and it should comfortably provide all-day battery life. HP has also made sure that the dock won’t accidentally dislodge by building in a mechanical latch to supplement a pair of strong magnets. (more details via HP)

HP Envy X2

Samsung introduced the new Windows RT based ATIV Tab  which features a 10.1-inch display, 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, 2 GB RAM, either 32 or 64 GBs of internal storage and a microSD slot for expansion. For those looking for the full Windows 8 experience as well as the option of a keyboard Samsung also revealed the Samsung ATIV SmartPC and the ATIV SmartPC Pro. Both feature an 11.6-inch HD display, S Pen integration, and a 60-day free trial of Microsoft Office, but the Pro packs a much more powerful platform. While the SmartPC boasts a 1366-by-768 display, 2GB of RAM, and a next-gen Intel Atom processor, the SmartPC Pro offers up a 1920-by-1080 display, 4GB of RAM, and an Intel Core i5 chip. (more details via Samsung)

Sony has opted to take its own approach the a "hybrid" laptop tablet combo with a slider type device it is calling the Sony Vaio Duo 11. You can either use it as a tablet or slide back the display up at an angle locking it in place to make use of the hidden keys. Sony has decided to pack the Vaio Duo with tons of fire power giving consumers  the choice of processor with options ranging from a Core i3 all the way up to an i7, up to 256GB of SSD storage, 1080P displays, NFC, GPS, HD-ready cameras, and stylus input. (more details via Sony)

Toshiba’s taking a similar approaching with the Satellite U920T slider. It’s matching the XPS Duo with a 12.5-inch screen, and options will include Core i3 or i5 processors and SSD storage up to 256GB. You’ll also get an HDMI port and SD card expansion with the U920T.

Conclusions

With all these devices coming down the line one thing is for certain, consumers are going to have a ton of choices and some tough decisions to make. I'm personally not a big fan of Windows 8 on a desktop, but some of these convertible tablets look amazing. In fact they are just what I've been looking for for the past couple of years. You get the portability and ease of use of a tablet along with the productivity of a full fledged laptop.

It looks like I might have to pony up some of that hard earned cash and join the portable revolution!

Registration For $15 Windows 8 Upgrade Is Now Live

Microsoft's discount upgrade offer for that we previously reported on has now gone live. Customers that bought a qualifying PC between June 2 of this year or plan to buy one before the end of January 2013, can now register to pick up their copy of the new OS for $14.99. Just go to Microsoft's upgrade offer website, where you'll be asked to put in some information about your PC and the product key that came with the older version of Windows and on or around Oct. 26, when Windows 8 officially launches, you'll get an email and upgrade online.

The offer is for customers (e.g. Home users, students, and enthusiasts) who purchase a qualified PC. A qualified PC is a new PC purchased during the promotional period with a valid Windows 7 OEM Certificate of Authenticity and product key for, and preinstalled with:

Windows 7 Home Basic;
Windows 7 Home Premium;
Windows 7 Professional; or
Windows 7 Ultimate.

The promotional price is limited to one upgrade offer per qualified PC purchased, and a maximum limit of five upgrade offers per customer. Each upgrade license will apply to only one PC and may only be installed on PCs with a valid base license to a qualifying operating system (i.e., Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista or Windows 7).

Register now at http://windowsupgradeoffer.com and for more information about the offer checkout the Windows Upgrade Offer FAQs

Evaluation Copy Of Windows 8 RTM Released To The Public

Just a few short week ago Microsoft confirmed it had finalized Windows 8 and issued the release to manufacturing copy to their OEM partners. Now it looks like they have gone one step further and released a 90-day evaluation copy of that very same Windows 8 RTM for just about anyone to download and test out.

Originally intended for developers building Windows 8 apps and IT professionals interested in trying Windows 8 Enterprise on behalf of their organization before making their final purchase decisions, the evaluation copy was posted to the MSDN and TechNet subscriber page. However that page is currently assessable to anyone. All you need to do is register for the trial and begin the download.

The download generates an .iso file, or disk image, that must be burned to physical media, such as a DVD or a flash drive, or installed in a virtual machine. Once installed the evaluation is valid for a full 90 days of use. At which time, Windows 8 blackens the desktop background, displays a persistent notice that the OS is not genuine, and most draconian of all, shuts down the PC every hour without giving the user a chance to save works in progress.

When the evaluation period expires, users will have to replace it with a purchased copy or another operating system, and reinstall all applications, other software and files. "It is not possible to upgrade the evaluation to a licensed working version of Windows 8," Microsoft warned. If a user downloads and launches the evaluation copy today, it will run until Nov. 12, 2012, about two-and-a-half weeks after Microsoft officially launches Windows 8. This means you won't want to rely on it as a primary operating system, as once it expires you'll likely need to do a full format and fresh install. However for those wanting to test out the full release without relying on the leaked torrented copies this is ideal.

The trial copy of Windows 8 Enterprise must be activated within 10 days of its first launch, but Microsoft said a product key was not required. It is available in Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish.

To download the 90-day try-before-you-buy -- available in 32- and 64-bit versions -- start at this Microsoft website.

Windows 8 RTM Leaked To Torrents

Last week Microsoft revealed they had finalized the code for Windows 8 and that they would be releasing the release least to manufacturing (RTM)copy of Windows 8 to all of their OEM partners. Shortly following that announcement it had already been discovered that a copy of that build had been leaked to the Internet and was available on several major torrent sites.

The RTM build has been identified as Windows 8 Enterprise N. The "N" tags it as being aimed at European users which means due to regulations in the EU market it omits some of the features the traditional version would carry. Microsoft has not verified whether the leaked build was legitimate or not, however the consensus from many users and reports was that it was the real deal.

Leaks of upcoming Windows releases are common place. Almost every major milestone of both Windows Vista and Windows 7 hit the web well before their launch. Traditionally Microsoft tries to keep users from installing leaked builds, claiming that they can be infected with malware. So far they have been mum about the Windows 8 leak.

The torrent is roughly a 3GB download which includes not only the Windows 8 Enterprise RTM installation files but a number of screenshots two internal activation videos intended for the Microsoft partners who will be deploying Windows 8 Enterprise. I don't condone pirating software but anyone downloading it should not that you will not want to run this as your main operating system. Not only could it be infected with malware, rootkits or other viruses that have yet to be detected you won't have a valid Windows 8 Enterprise activation key to use with it. Even if there is a "workaround" Microsoft has been working hard at improving its anti-piracy mechanisms, and there’s a good chance they’ll be able to detect and kneecap leaked installations.

Microsoft has already said we can expect a October 26, 2012 release date for general availability.

Windows 8 Officially Releasing Oct 26th

Speaking at Microsoft’s annual sales meeting Steven Sinofsky, President of the Windows and Windows Live Division, announced at that customers will be able to get Windows 8 – whether in upgrade fashion or on a new PC – starting on October 26^th. These details were later confirmed on the Windows Team Blog

Microsoft has made several major announcement about the upcoming operating system but this is the first time we've had definitive confirmation of a release date. There was no mention as to the possibility of a full version retail release. However, popular Windows Blogger Paul Thurrot has said he believes Windows 8 will come in upgrade form only and that there will be no retail full versions of Windows 8. How this would work for new PC builds is yet unknown and Paul's post was a bit confusing on the issue!

So far Microsoft has confirmed  the Windows 8 product lineup as well as a $15 upgrade promotion for new Windows 7 systems being sold. Earlier this month a new $39.99 upgrade promotion was added for all current Windows users wishing to upgrade to the new OS. Availability of that program should coincide with the October 26th  release date.

Windows 8 Officially Being Released In October

Microsoft has confirmed the company is all but done with development of Windows 8 and the company is ready to ship the new operating system's “Release to Manufacturer” (RTM) build to OEM partners in August. For consumers the operating will officially launch by the end of October.

Speaking at Microsoft’s annual Worldwide Developer Conference in Toronto, Windows Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer Tami Reller, made the official announcement. The exact release date is yet unknown, with Beller only saying "late October", however this is the first official confirmation of a possible released date the company has given since announcing Windows 8.

Microsoft has already confirmed the Windows 8 product lineup as well as a $15 upgrade promotion for new Windows 7 systems. Earlier this month a new $39.99 upgrade promotion was added for all current Windows users wishing to upgrade to the new OS. Availability of that program should coincide with the October release.

Windows 8 Pro Upgrade To Cost $39.99 For All Current Windows Users

According to today post on the Windows Team Blog all current users of Windows XP and above will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99.

If your PC is running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 you will qualify to download an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $39.99. As and added bonus for those of you that want Windows Media Center you'll be able to add it for free through the “add features” option within Windows 8 Pro after your upgrade.

When you use Windows.com to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro, the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant makes upgrading simple by walking you through the upgrade process step-by-step from purchase to download and then of course installation. The Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will check to make sure your PC is ready for Windows 8. It will provide a detailed compatibility report that lets you know of anything you may have to address before or after the upgrade and outlines actions to take.

After your download finishes, you can choose to proceed with the upgrade (“Install now”) or install later either from your desktop or by creating your own media. If you choose to create your own media, you will be able to create your own bootable USB or .ISO file which can be burned onto a DVD for upgrade and backup purposes. If you prefer, you also have the option of purchasing a backup DVD for $15 plus shipping and handling.

If you aren't too big on digital downloads then Microsoft is going to make available a physical DVD, however the cost of the upgrade rises to $69.99. Which honestly doesn't make sense given the cost of the back-up DVD and considering how easy it is to create your own hard copies!

To note, this is a promotional price that will run until January 31, 2013. If you want to get the cheap upgrade price, you best act quickly and Microsoft has not said what the cost will be after January 31, 2013. Microsoft has not given word as to when Windows 8 will officially be available but they did hint that they are moving "closer to general availability."

Ultrabooks and Convertible Tablets All The Rage At Computex 2012

The Computex 2012 conference in Taiwan featured tons of the latest gadgets from some of the biggest names in the industry. Just about everyone showcased new gadgets all ripe and ready to get geeks salivating. Amongst the most talked about devices this year were convertible tablets and ultrabooks.

Each year, major players in the IT world visit Computex to launch their new products. Since a large portion of the businesses in the world have research and deployment centers or production facilities in Taiwan, this exhibition attracts observers, analysts, and journalists of computer and information industries from all over the world to discover and report the latest technologies, developments, and trends. Almost every year you will see the latest trends from major developers and this year is no different, just about everywhere you look you see the major manufactures releasing similar products.

This year's two top trends seem to be convertible tablets, that is to say tablets with attachable or detachable keyboards or slide or flip type models. We also see the addition of several new "ultrabooks" even a few convertible models with removable keyboards and even dual screens .

Ultrabooks are here to stay!

When Intel announced the ultrabook concept at Computex in 2011 it was unclear if they would take off. The ultra-slim, ultra portable notebooks bore a higher than usual price tag which immediately placed them into their own niche category. If this year's Computex is any indication the "ultrabook" has broken through and is here to stay! At this year's Computex almost every major PC vendor introduced a new ultrabook and Intel says that there are now more than 35 ultrabook systems available or soon to be, with more than 110 designs expected in the next year.

Intel Corporation Senior Vice President Tom Kilroy officially introduced the next wave of ultrabook systems during a keynote address. One of the new features Intel is pushing for the new devices is touch-enabled technology. Intel believes that touch capability is a key component to the ultrabook experience and will be increasingly important across a wide range of devices. Kilroy said touch will also help fuel even more innovation and new experiences, particularly for ultrabook convertibles.

Kilroy outlined a slew of new features OEMs must include in any Ivy Bridge-based PC they want to market as an ultrabook. Intel’s Anti-Theft and Identity Protection technology, for instance, must be delivered out of the box, along with the company’s enterprise-focused vPro PC management system. All next-generation ultrabooks must also come equipped with USB 3.0 capabilities and Intel’s Thunderbolt input/output technology for faster content transfer and loading. Specifications surrounding battery life and thickness remain intact; all ultrabooks must be less than 21 millimeters or 0.8 inches thick and deliver at least five hours of battery life.

While the ultrabook name is meant purely as an Intel marketing strategy and branding several companies are also introducing, super thin, super lightweight AMD based units, which can't officially bear the title "ultrabook" but are going to be considered by most as ultrabooks none the same.

Convertible tablets make a major splash

The second major player of Computex were the convertible tablets or hybrid laptops. Several vendors, including ASUS, Smasung and Lenovo showcased tablets with detachable keyboards or convertible laptops that let you flip the laptop screen over when you’re done typing so that you can use them as a tablet. While these aren't new, we saw several new offerings from companies that weren't previously represented in this category.

ASUS made a big splash with the all new ASUS Taichi. A true dual screen notebook featuring two independent screens, either 11.6" or 13.3", one on each side of its lid. The displays can show different content and can be used by two different users at the same time. The company also introduced the Tablet 600, a device in the company's "transformer" range that can change from tablet to laptop by featuring a detachable keyboard and the ASUS Transformer Book a convertible ultrabook — allowing users to instantly switch between a ultrabook and a tablet by simply detaching the screen.

Lenovo, decided to throw their hat into the hybrid laptop arena with their IdeaPad Yoga PC, which the company showed off for the first time at CES 2012. The product is a hybrid of an Ultrabook-based notebook with a tablet. The screen is designed to swivel so that you can use it as a regular notebook with a physical keyboard and then flip the screen around so you can use it as a rather large touch screen tablet.

Samsung unveiled several new devices including two tablets with attachable keyboards that are scheduled to arrive in markets in October. The two tablets, called the Samsung Series 5 Hybrid PC and the Samsung Series 7 Hybrid PC, both run Windows 8 and feature 11.6 inch touchscreens. Along with the tablets, Samsung showed off a convertible laptop device with a touchscreen. The Samsung Notebook Series 5 Ultra Convertible is built with a 360-degree hinge, allowing the notebook to flip into a tablet.

It's unsure if these "convertible" models will see any success. Some models, notably the Dell Inspiron Duo, (which we thought had potential) have been major flops. The one exception to that rule is ASUS' widely popular Transformer and Transformer Prime. While not specifically convertible tablets they do offer an attachable keyboard that has been seen as a popular add-on to the devices.

Press Releases:

• ASUS - ASUS announces the ASUS TAICHI and ASUS Transformer Book at Computex 2012
• ASUS unveils new Innovative Transformer Products at Computex 2012
• Lenovo - Lenovo Unleashes Ultrabooks to Power Next Chapter of Great Ideas
• GIGABYTE - GIGABYTE Participates in Computex 2012 Unveils "Thunderbolt" Motherboard and "World's Lightest Notebook"
• Intel - Intel, Industry Shaping Future of Computing Experiences on Intel Architecture
• Acer - Acer Unveils Windows 8 PC Lineup: Ultrabooks, Tablets, and AIO Desktops
• Acer Presents Windows 8 Tablets
• Acer Introduces Premium Touch Ultrabook — Aspire S7
• Toshiba - Toshiba Reveals Next Generation PC and Tablet Designs Built for Windows 8
• AMD - AMD Makes “Life More Brilliant” at 2012 COMPUTEX TAIPEI
• Nvidia - Putting The ‘Ultra’ Into New Dual Core Ivy Bridge Ultrabooks

Microsoft Confirms $15 Windows 8 Upgrade Promotion

As speculated on a few weeks ago, Microsoft has confirmed the rumors regarding the Windows 8 Upgrade Promotion.

Starting this weekend consumers purchasing a qualifying new Windows 7 PC will be given the option to purchase a downloadable upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $14.99. The new Windows 7 PCs must feature preinstalled copies of Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate and include a matching and valid OEM Certificate of Authenticity in order to be eligible.

Per Microsoft’s Press Release today:

”Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Windows Upgrade Offer for consumers purchasing a qualifying new Windows 7 PC. The Windows Upgrade Offer provides consumers who buy an eligible Windows 7 PC the option to purchase a downloadable upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of just $14.99 (U.S.) during the time of the promotion, which will be redeemable when Windows 8 is generally available. The Windows Upgrade Offer is just the first of many consumer offers that will roll out in conjunction with the general availability of Windows 8.”

“We’ve seen a great interest in Windows 8, especially given the availability of the Windows 8 Release Preview this week, and yet we know many consumers want a new PC now,” said Tami Reller, chief marketing officer and chief financial officer of Windows at Microsoft. “The Windows Upgrade Offer gives people the flexibility to purchase the new Windows 7 PC they need today, with the knowledge they can easily get Windows 8 when it’s available.”

“This program begins tomorrow in 131 markets including the U.S. and Canada and is available for consumers buying new Windows 7 PCs that are preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate and include a matching and valid OEM Certificate of Authenticity. The Windows 7 PC must be purchased new during the eligibility period June 2, 2012–Jan. 31, 2013, and redeemed before the program expiration at the end of February 2013. Consumers who register for the Windows Upgrade Offer will be able to download Windows 8 starting the day it is made available generally. The upgrade can be installed on any eligible and compatible Windows PC and comes with 90 days of support from Microsoft.”

The Windows 8 Upgrade Promotion will be valid June 2, 2012 through January 31, 2013, for complete details visit http://windowsupgradeoffer.com.

Microsoft blog post: The Windows 8 Release Preview & Windows Upgrade Offer - #windows8
Dell: Windows 8 Upgrade program is here!
HP: Buy a Windows 7 PC, Get Windows 8 Pro for $14.99

Windows 8 Release Preview Now Live

As posted yesterday it was leaked that Microsoft was planning on releasing the final build of Windows 8 to would be testers. Earlier today the Windows 8 Release Preview site went live and the full download is now available.

Windows 8 Release Preview Setup will check to see if your PC can run Windows 8 Release Preview and select the right download. Setup also features a compatibility report and upgrade assistance. Make sure your devices are connected to your PC and turned on before you run Setup. Built-in tools for creating an ISO or bootable flash drive are available for some previous versions of Windows (excluding Windows XP and earlier). You can find system requirements and additional information in the FAQ and in the links on this page.

Note before you download: Windows 8 Release Preview is prerelease software that may be substantially modified before it’s commercially released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here. Some product features and functionality may require additional hardware or software.

If you would prefer not to use Windows 8 Release Preview Setup, you can download Windows 8 Release Preview in ISO format instead.

64-bit (x64)  Download (3.3 GB)  Sha 1 hash — 0xD76AD96773615E8C504F63564AF749469CFCCD57

32-bit (x86) Download (2.5 GB)  Sha 1 hash — 0x8BED436F0959E7120A44BF7C29FF0AA962BDEFC9

Product Key:TK8TP-9JN6P-7X7WW-RFFTV-B7QPF

I strongly suggest that anyone that plans on downloading and testing the release preview backs up their system before hand and/or does not test it on a crucial system. There have been no reports of issues but this is still software that is in the testing phase and it might not work with all your applications and recovering from the update might be a tremendously tedious process.

For more details about the release preview checkout this post on the Windows 8 blog "Delivering the Windows 8 Release Preview"