Just on time, the Windows 8 Consumer Preview is available for download.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/consumer-preview


If you don't want to use the installer (chances are you don't want to install this on the computer you downloaded it on), you can get the ISO here.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/iso

See? Told you it would be the 29th


Gizmodo, Engadget, Paul Thuttor and several pundits already had their review written and ready for release after the blackout. Seems well recieved so far.


http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/microsoft-windo ws-8-consumer-preview-detailed-impressions/


http://gizmodo.com/5889001/windows-8-consumer-preview-hands-on-no-g oing-back


http://www.winsupersite.com/article/wi ndows8/windows-8-consumer-preview-windows-8-consumer-preview-142335

 

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I'm installing it now...

The install experience still needs some work. After putting in the DVD and booting from it, I see a small picture of a betta fish in the middle of the screen. And I'm staring at this betta fish for about 10 to 15 minutes without any indication that anything is happening. I almost rebooted thinking my DVD might be bad, but then something finally happened. I imagine an actual loading screen that pleads me to wait will replace this fish image later (hopefully).

You'll also need a Windows 8 key during the install (thought Windows 7 beta even allowed you to enter this afterwards). That Windows 8 setup program provides a key.

Install still in progress...

Starting to think I might actually skip this version. Ha....sigh.


PS. My complaint is the UI of course. It's gotten a tiny bit better. But still, combining a tablet and desktop UI... maybe someone can figure it out, but this is definitely not it.

Definitely takes getting used to. Once you realize that the metro screen is the start menu, always opened it helps to make more sense.


Need and app? Start typing the name, no other keystroke needed and it will start working on the results as it takes you to the search screen.


Mousewheel scroll up/down moves the start screen left/right


Upper left corner, swipe (or click) down, and you get thumbnails of all open apps to choose to switch to


Lower left corner, left click toggles between desktop and metro, right click gives a large menu of old school applets (device manager, uninstall programs, run, computer management, etc - most of the control panel applets)


Upper and lower right corners (or Win - C) opens charms menu for metro options


Lower right click pans out for view of the entire metro start screen

 

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Its that trend to make everything whizzbang flashy different neat, for some reason people fall for it. I hate bouncing animated icons, 3d scrolling windows, the "weee zoomed out here are 27 windows you can't read!" type effects. I don't need something covering half my screen. We need widgets like we need a second butthole. I honestly at this point imagine people with as many widgets as haphazardly piled as possible, just like IE toolbars for the people too stupid to avoid installing them. "Weee, a list is overwhelming, here have a bookshelf view in case you want to masturbate to the covers of your romance novels!" You know what, I DONT EVEN PUT REAL BOOKS ON A BOOKSHELF LIKE THAT BECAUSE ITS RETARDED. And inefficient as hell. I also don't bother with the folder thumbnail view.

Oh, but that transparent aeroglass feature was awesome for letting me see a blurry outline of something that looked like I smeared vasolene on my glasses! Yeah, lets keep that. Desktop composition is awesome, because I need my computer to use that much more electricity when I'm just browsing. This + shadows for my windows and mouse cursor make all the difference in my every day productivity!

/rant

Actually, I like gadgets. I have 9 up on my second screen.

Note I said second screens. I wouldn't want them on a single screen.

 

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I would like Microsoft to better utilize something called "windows" in the UI. Kinda weird that Microsoft is going windowless with it's Metro UI and Start screen, while we see efforts in the Android community to evolve past the single screen restriction that tablets have, with things like Cornerstone and TouchWiz UX.

Touch and tablet friendly doesn't have to mean full screen only. They really should allow the option of running Metro style apps in windows and the Start screen really shouldn't take up the entire screen on a desktop.

Connecting to a non-broadcasting network was a bit of a chore...

First don't go to Start, Settings, Wireless. You can connect to broadcasting wireless networks there, but there is no way to manually connect to a non broadcasting network I could find.

Go to Start, Desktop.
Right click the wireless icon next to the clock.
Open Network and Sharing Center.
Click Set up a new connection or network.
Click Manually connect to a wireless network.
And then put in your router info like normal

There must be an easier way.

They have a lot of streamlining left to do if they think people are going to accept this new 'start screen'. I shouldn't have to go hunting for my settings.

I DO like the new app direction, though. The Metro styled apps blend brilliantly with the OS and are very functional. I do NOT like being forced to scroll horizontally for damn near everything though, holy crap.