The Microsoft was the juggernaut in the computer world before the Apple came, Microsoft Windows platform held more than 95% of the market share. But apple with their simplified OS came in June 2007 that now powers the iphone, ipad. Now with launch of the smart phones like iPhone and tabs like the iPad, the era of computers was going to over in some time.

To compete the market, Microsoft launched the Windows Vista, but it doesn’t did very well, Microsoft now strikes back with windows 7 but it also didn’t seemed to break the ice. In contrast Apple now has taken over with their revolutionary iPhones and iPads.

The reality was that in the age of smart phones with iOS and android we took leap from the normal desktop computing. This despite the little known fact that the Microsoft has first introduced the Tablets but because of poor software and hardware capabilities it didn’t do well and Apple took over.

Now The Microsoft introduced the all new Windows 8 and they seem like back in game with a bang. In the version showed at computex, windows 8 borrowed the Metro UI from the Windows Phone OS. But look further and there were elements of the old windows as well. Windows 8 is also compatible with the ARM chips. Although the compatibility with Metro UI and ARM is quite impressive but is it pretty faces to hide the old desktop core.

Windows 8 is stunningly fast, fluid and stable. It is a fully functional UI which allows us to access every aspect of the desktop. Windows 8 also offers a bolstered Windows desktop via “Fuzzy Hit Targeting” which enhances the touch interface input on the old interface. Besides this they have also added the ribbon interface to the Windows Explorer.

It sips less power than any other Windows. It definitely is the compelling alternative to the Appple’s dual pronged approach where they have the iOS for the iPhone and MAC for the full fledged computing. With Windows 8 the interface has optimized for the touch from ground up. As a bonus the Microsoft managed to keep the old desktop hidden and give windows 8 an edge in usability.

The on-screen keyboard is quite good, which can even be split for thumb typing is a huge improvement from windows 7. Apart from this, the OS is also quite smooth on a non-tablet device, though it can take some time for getting used to.

As far as multitasking goes the Microsoft has rocked it. On the metro UI we get a phone like experience where we can swipe between apps from the left. If we hold down the apps for long we can have 2 or 3 apps running side by side. When not in operation the Windows 8 automatically suspends the application.

For security Microsoft has put in Windows defender that now includes anti-virus and anti-spyware tools. We can even boot from the USB but if windows detect any malware it right away blocks it.

With Xbox live support the Windows 8 have become tastier for the gaming enthusiasts. And with all other new features, Windows 8 is definitely game changer.

Edit On 18-Oct-2011 :- The Dell Alienware M11X is a gaming laptop designed for gaming enthusiasts, at first glance it looks like it has been taken from transformers movie. The packaging of the device has all the bells and whistles you would expect from a alienware device. It comes in rather large briefcase type box that is divided in to two sections, the first house the 11 inches device and the other houses the manuals, charging cord, adapter, installations CDs- which is kind of weird, as seeing how the device doesnt have CD drive although you do have the option of picking up an external drive when you purchase the device.
The M11X is a gaming machine so doesnt even think of its weight to be light, it is about 2Kg in weight and has a masculine build with enough curves to make it an attractive machine, if one uses the M11X in public it will definitely catch all the eyes.
The M11x has an 11 .6 inch WXGA displays with a resolution of 1366X768, which is great for watching HD movies, the audio output of the device is awesome and doesnt distort at high frequencies. The laptop is given with two ports for attaching headphones which is a common feature found on all Dell Laptops.
Now comes the gaming capabilities. This is the main reason why one will buy this laptop. The device will run almost all the games you want to play but a small screen size disappoints as you dont get the full experience of the game you are playing. The customizations offered are pretty good. With all the extreme hardware the start up time is not very good, it takes about a minute and a half to startup, performing as a standalone notebook, the alienware M11X is a mixed bag, the keyboard looks stunning with its customizable backlight and the keys are really soft to typ on. On the other hand the keys on the keyboard are very cramped.
The device has two USB 2.0 accompained by the two headphone ports and a microphone jack to the right, the left of the device houses one USB 2.0, Ethernet port, card reader, display port and HDMI out.
The battery life is quite impressive, while the CPU running to its 100% the battery lasts for about 3Hrs 30minutes. And on the economy use the battery will last for about 5 hours. There are 5 LED lights at the bottom of the device that indicate the battery level.
The alienware M11X is a terrific machine but falls just that bit short, its hardware and build quality is perfect for gaming but lacks in ergonomic structure, so M11X is a perfect laptop for gaming enthusiasts who are in to travelling.
For the price tag of 64k we are getting a nice machine to play are favorite 3D games on.

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