Mary points out that without next-generation hardware designed to take advantage of the features and benefits of Windows 8, much of what Microsoft has “reimagined” loses its relevance.

I think that Windows 8 tablets are a foregone conclusion. They’ll appear eventually–probably in sync with the launch of Windows 8 itself. I don’t have tremendous confidence that they will be competitively priced or be able to go head to head with the existing tablets in the market, but I’m sure they’ll at least exist.

What I am more curious about are notebooks or ultrabooks that are “reimagined” to take advantage of Windows 8. I’d like to see some ultrabooks that also have a touchscreen display so you can take advantage of both the Metro and desktop interfaces of Windows 8.

On the desktop side, there are touchscreen monitors available (I know, I have one), but they’re impractical to use. For desktops what we need is new and improved office furniture that makes it more feasible to actually use a touchscreen display.

What do you think? Would you be more excited about Windows 8, or more willing to move to Windows 8 if there was unique hardware designed to leverage its unique features and capabilities as well?

Today, Microsoft Hardware has announced the Explorer Touch Mouse. With the Explorer Touch Mouse, the folks at Microsoft Hardware have expanded on the touch strip technology seen on the Arc Touch Mouse by providing vertical and horizontal navigation, allowing you to swipe your mouse in any direction. They also added the ability to change the speed of scrolling from slow, to medium and then “hyperfast” for speeding through lengthy documents. And you can feel and hear how quickly you are scrolling via the haptic technology built in to the mouse. It also uses BlueTrack Technology so it can be used on a variety of surfaces beyond just your desk.

If you’re part of the 18.62% of users that are already running Windows Vista, making the switch to Windows 7 should be a breeze. If you are one of the nearly 3 out of 4 user’s that has clung stubbornly (and arguably wisely) to Windows XP, there is a chance your computer system is from the Clinton-era and may not cut it for Windows 7.

Thankfully, Microsoft has an app for that. The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor will scan your hardware, as well as the software you have installed and the devices attached to your system, and identify any known compatibility issues. It will also provide guidance on how to resolve identified issues, and make recommendations for what you should do before upgrading to Windows 7 in order to assure a satisfying Windows 7 upgrade experience. 

Of course, if you bought your computer system before Al Qaeda became a household word, it may be time to go ahead and buy a new PC loaded with Windows 7 instead of upgrading.

If you are still hanging on (with a ‘from my cold, dead hands’ python-style death grip) to your antiquated Windows XP system, now is the time to upgrade. The question is- can you just upgrade your operating system from Windows XP to Windows 7, or should you invest in new hardware as well (which will ostensibly come with some flavor of Windows 7 pre-loaded)?

Of course, the same question can be applied for users running Windows Vista, but the hardware question will be a much bigger deal to those running the older Windows XP.

Michael Scalisi wrote an excellent article addressing this very question. The article walks through a Q&A asking important questions like “Will I get the most out of Windows 7 on my current hardware?” and “Does it make sense to sink money into my old computer?” Check out the article and answer the questions for yourself so you can start preparing for how you will make the move to Windows 7.