I think that for the first time in a while Microsoft does have a pretty clear direction, but execution of the details have tripped them up a lot. Ballmer is definitely a number cruncher and he actually did pull Microsoft through the anti-trust stuff very well. Now that that's over he did finally focus on technical strategy but it was very late to come in the mobile space.
The technical platform of Windows 8/RT and the Modern UI are very solid foundations Even the most vocal Windows 8 opponents say all that is needed is a Metro off switch and Windows 8 would be flying off the shelves. I don't believe that simply because the new PC market is shrinking. The ability to make Windows work on different devices and in different ways is absolutely critical to the future of Windows. But perhaps a new CEO can clean up the details. It's going to be interesting and hopefully they will be able to get a great candidate and go from here.
This!
I remember Windows 7 beta. I installed it on a separate partition. After a week, I didn't even boot into XP. The beta was THAT good.
When Windows 8 beta came out, I did the same thing. After a week, it was deleted and Ubuntu was in its place.
Then I got to try a Windows RT tablet in my store. I GOT IT! It worked, was smooth, had office, was light and had a great feel to it. The touch UI was great for a tablet. I would actually like to get one. The only issue is I cant justify it when I have an Ipad and android tablet.
I think a lot of us here are [H]ardcore PC or Mac users. I admit. It does not work well for a non-touch based PC. but for a touchscreen. it is amazing! Better than apple and android in my opinion.
I also think a lot of people compared it to a full desktop or laptop, and this was microsofts fault for putting desktop mode in and not explaining it well enough. I look at it as a tablet UI with the addition of a comfortable desktop as extra. true, you can not run desktop apps, but neither can the ipad or android tablets!. If microsoft had more developer support, I could see them overtaking android. that and they need to fix windows phone to make it more streamlined.