UPDATED 12:35 EDT / NOVEMBER 16 2012

Breaking Analysis: Has Windows 8 Turned the Tables – Is Mac the New “Old School” PC?

A survey shows that Windows users are not rushing to do Windows 8 upgrades – what’s slowing them down? An antivirus company called Avast has released results from a survey they conducted of Windows PC users. Findings show that most Windows users in the U.S. know about Windows 8 but few have immediate plans to upgrade to Microsoft’s newest operating system.

SiliconANGLE Contributing Editor John Casaretto attributes this to several factors. Since the survey was done a day before the Windows 8 launch, Casaretto says it’s important to note many of the survey participants had not actually touched or used Windows 8 at the time of the survey. He also reminded viewers that the economy is still in a recession, and with plenty of Windows devices running well on Windows 7, users may not see a need to upgrade right away. He believes another reason could be that consumers still covet their beloved iPads.

For consumers who have been exposed to Windows 8, it seems as though the Metro interface is a concern in having to re-learn an operating system. Casaretto commented on Microsoft’s strategy saying, “I think What they’re trying to do is get [the product] in people’s hands and get them accustomed to it.”

The survey indicated that 42% of Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP users who are ready to buy a new PC intend to switch to an Apple product. Could the reluctance of this group to lose the keyboard and mouse components and transition to that touch interface be turning the tables and making Mac the new “old school” PC? Casaretto acknowledged there’s a shift in the market, but disagreed that the tables have turned completely.

It seems as though consumers are more willing to try Windows 8 out on a mobile device versus a traditional PC. Casaretto agreed, stating that “People are looking at Windows 8 as a mobile platform.” He said Microsoft has some work to do in getting the word out to try Windows 8 and proceed from there.  See the entire segment with Kristin Feledy and John Casaretto on the Morning NewsDesk Show.


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