Which do you prefer? Devices with Apple’s iOS or Windows 8.1?

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 13:07:07 -0400

I ask this question because had it been asked a little over a year ago, most responses would be iOS. However, since Microsoft’s release and the update of the 8.1 operating system, they seem to be making traction in not only the tablet market, but mobile phones as well.
I remember my first cell phone. Had it mounted in my car….a whole 100 minutes a month with additional fees for long distance and roaming (roaming was anywhere pretty much outside of my county). Then came the smaller phones. How many remember the StarTac? I felt like a King when I got that one.
Eventually I ended up in IT Sales for a global company. We were given Blackberry’s. What a status symbol it represented to many of us…we have finally made it…a company paid Blackberry where we could email AND text. WOW. But as with anything in the IT Market, it you don’t stay ahead of the game and an innovator (or at least an innovating thief – stealing someone else’s technology to make it better and claim it as your own), you will eventually fall behind, or worse, fall off.
When I worked at that company, the emergence of the iPhone and many Android phones were becoming available. Being able to do more than read email and text, these “Smartphones” opened up a whole world of productivity as well as Entertainment (Netflix app). Near the last year I worked there, the company decided to stop having company owned phones. They let us keep them if we would transfer the number to our names. My first course of action after having the account transferred to me?....off to the AT&T store so I could buy a new iPhone 4.
I have been a dedicated iOS device owner for years now. Eventually purchasing an iPad and then updating my phone to the 5S when they came out, I thought I would NEVER be interested in anything else again. And then I was introduced to the Microsoft Surface Pro 3.
I am with another global IT product and Services Company now and on occasion will go out to see my client’s with a Microsoft rep. I don’t like bringing my company laptop to meetings, preferring to leave that docked on my desk and bringing along my iPad. After a few meetings with the Microsoft Rep, I noticed his laptop/tablet. I asked to take a look at it and he showed me all of the features and functionality of it. I instantly wanted one. After a few weeks, my employer sent me one. I tried to find anything and everything with this that was subpar to an iPad. The ONLY thing I could find was this: it didn’t have the Hasbro Scrabble App that I love to play at night. That’s it…nothing more. Any and all other apps I used on my iPad are either offered for Windows 8.1 as well or they are similar apps I was able to download. Functionality? Now I am able to work on a Windows platform, where it is easy to view, create and edit documents/presentations for work. And what’s better? The Windows 8.1 phone will allow me to share all of the data and info…much like my iPhone and iPad does.
So my very long winded answer to my question is this: I prefer the Windows 8.1 devices now to any iPad or iPhone. AND as soon as Windows 10 comes out, I’ll have my old start button back that was in Windows 7 and prior.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 1:12 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 13:12:08 -0400

Is there no love for Linux? As an IT guy, I can't stand Apple for lack of advanced control and freedom and I can't stand Windows for bulky code and poor UI. Linux (or Android, for phones) is the very essence of freedom, power, and creativity.

That being said, if I had to choose I would choose windows. At least with Windows you aren't constantly being treated like an infant who has to be spoon fed and protected from electrical outlets.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 1:23 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 13:23:59 -0400

I do agree with your point but at the same time (and I used to be somewhat of a Linux man myself...long time ago when it was Red Hat 8) I hesitate using open source for security reasons.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Apr 3 at 2015 1:26 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 13:26:29 -0400

Windows on my pc's, android on my cells.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 1:39 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 13:39:57 -0400

I'm a big Apple person, but I am mulling around the idea of an Android phone. I feel like my camera quality is sub-part on my iPhone 5 these days, when compared to a friend's Droid. I utilize my camera significantly as a parent.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 3 at 2015 3:06 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 15:06:26 -0400

As an IT professional, I have to say I'm not thrilled with Windows 8.1 as a mobile phone solution. While I do use it on my Surface Pro 3; I still think Android and iOS have the market on lock. Look how fast RIM has left the picture. A few years ago, RIM with their BlackBerry Devices were dominating the market place. Now, with the enhanced security features of Andriod and iOS and the fact that sales bottomed out for RIM; the days of the BlackBerry are gone.

I'm not saying that Windows 8.1 is bad. Like I said, I like my Surface Pro 3. It's great for image editing and for traveling. I'm able to get all my work done while carrying something that is more half the weight of the laptop I was first given. I just don't think the phone hardware specs allow 8.1 to run as well as it can.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 3:17 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 15:17:40 -0400

Android. Never owned an Apple product of any kind and likely never will. I absolutely hate Windows 8.1 but I've gotten used to it on my laptop. I would install Linux on the laptop, but just don't have the time to devote to playing around with it to make it what I want.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Apr 3 at 2015 4:08 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 16:08:25 -0400

I made an earlier comment that I prefer windows on my pc's and android on my pads and cells. The reason I did not mention Apple is that it seems to me that they keep too much personal information and will only allow what they want and can control. Android at least, if you unlock or buy an unlocked version, you can change roms and apps, add to or delete anytime, do not have to maintain a Samsung account, and though I don't consider any os as "SAFE", I do want to have MY own choices.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 4:32 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 16:32:36 -0400

iOS, Apple.

Discussion complete.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Apr 3 at 2015 5:05 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 17:05:53 -0400

I love Apple products.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 6:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 18:49:16 -0400

how about none of the above?