This way to the stars

Microsoft bashing

What if Microsoft had redesigned the iPod box?



This video, although a parody, does say some truth about Microsoft's design ethos. This is the box containing the Microsoft XP Operating System sold in Japan:


Look similar to the box in the video? They're both designed as if the people buying them are completely dumb, since every spec is outlined on the outside. Although Microsoft software is aimed at the mass market, there's no need to be patronizing; heck, everyone knows that Windows upgrades are basically just face-lifts of previous ones anyway. Setting the package up in neon lights far from encourages people to buy the product; in fact, it makes the thing look like an eyesore and gives the idea that the product itself was made in the same careless slap-dash way.

Microsoft could really learn a lot from Apple. Less really is more; products that are streamlined and designed in a subtle way really speak volumes over those littered with cartoonish graphics, large company logos, and exclamation points outlining why you should buy them. A more soothing and simple design would show that the product prioritizes usability and customer satisfaction, instead of boasting about new features (half of which we don't understand and use anyway).

Here's a nice article that expresses it really well: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/g/a/2003/10/01/notes100103.DTL.

I actually stumbled on the video while searching the Web about Windows Vista, the newest upcoming version of the Windows OS that promises to "revolutionize" the PC experience. I learned a lot from trolling tech sites that tested and reviewed the beta version; apparently, aside from being another major face-lift from XP (Vista will look like Mac OS X, enabling transparency, 3D graphics, and those cool glassy icons that light up during mouseover), Vista will feature major security overhauls, upgrades of the Media Center, better network connections, a sidebar for widgets, faster and more integrated search, improved Start menu (yes, it's still there!) and navigation system. And yes, Internet Explorer 7 will finally feature tabbed browsing.


Windows Vista makes for great eye candy.

However, upgrading to a new Windows OS has a price. A very expensive price. Using Vista won't be cheap; in order to enable those special glassy and transparency effects, your computer will need to have a super-fast and advanced graphics card. Your computer will need to have lots of memory too. In fact, the only way you could use a Vista and not have your head fume is by buying a new computer with the OS preinstalled. New Computer + New OS = Big Money. Is it worth it?

Rarwg. I wish I can switch to Apple. I'm sick and tired of Microsoft's upgrades, patches, and monopoly.

I hate Bill Gates.

posted by steph @ 12:47 AM