Not really what Microsoft was hoping for with Windows 8. Instead of home PC users upgrading their machines and buying touch displays to interact with Windows 8, they are turning to Smart Phones and Tablets instead. This has resulted in a sharp decline in the new PC market.

“Unfortunately, it seems clear that the Windows 8 launch not only didn’t provide a positive boost to the PC market, but appears to have slowed the market,” IDC Vice President Bob O’Donnell said.

The newest version of Windows is designed to work well with touch-sensitive screens, but the displays add to the cost of a PC. Together, the changes and higher prices “have made PCs a less attractive alternative to dedicated tablets and other competitive devices,” O’Donnell said.”

Denver Post

A side note, about a week ago I purchased a new PC with Windows 8 pre-installed. Before I made this purchase I did have a chance to play/experiment with Windows 8 in Virtual Box. I had also played with Windows 8 a little bit on laptops at a local Office Supply big box store. Getting to the desktop is not that difficult simply pressing WinKey+D brings up the desktop. One complaint I have heard from a colleague who recently bought a touch screen laptop is not all programs support the modern UI and end up switching you to the desktop environment instead. With that being said, I strongly recommend ClassicShell.net as this FREE application, will give you a real “Start” menu and boot you directly in to the desktop.