Someone Named Raluca Budiu Doesn’t Like Windows 8: What if She’s Right?
Microsoft’s (MSFT) latest operating system, Windows 8, is set for wide release in October -- and the entire personal computer world is waiting for it. The latest issue of Bloomberg Businessweek says the industry “is in the doldrums as consumers and corporate IT planners hold off on purchases” in advance of this big software debut.
Companies like Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) and Dell (DELL) are struggling. HP’s third-quarter revenue was down 5%, and earnings per share were down 9% (before a monster $10.8 billion write-down). Over at Dell, revenue fell 8% and net income fell 18%.
But let’s hope they’re not betting on Windows 8 to save their hides. Microsoft's got its own problems.
MSFT Revenue Growth data by YCharts
Those consumers and corporate IT planners Businessweek mentions are not like rabid Apple (AAPL) fans who line up outside Apple stores before the latest release. And why should they be? CNET ran an early take on Windows 8, picking up on the comments of Raluca Budiu, a User Experience Specialist. Her take: Windows 8 feels designed for mobile, not desktop, and Microsoft’s “priorities appear wrong.”
Continuing: “Desktop is different than mobile and it’s not going to go away in the 21st century… when it comes to doing more complex research and putting together multiple sources of information, users always say they’d rather do it on the desktop.” Read more of what she said here.
So in short, desktops will stick around for a while, as YCharts told you earlier. But if PC makers find their way, it sounds like it will be despite Windows 8, not because of it.
From the editors of YCharts.YCharts Pro Investor Service includes professional stock charts, stock ratings and portfolio strategies.
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