Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen Discusses His Windows 8 Complaints

Don't particularly enjoy some of the design decisions Microsoft has made with Windows 8? You're in good company - even Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen finds things to complain about, especially with regards to multi-monitor usage.

One of the more common complaints about Windows 8 made by the general public is that it's "made for a tablet", and if that's something that personally drives you nuts, you'll love the fact that every one of Paul's complaints is the direct result of that being the case.

Love it or hate it - Metro interface for Windows 8

With multi-monitor setups, Allen finds it challenging to raise the "charms" bar inside of the Metro interface due to the fact that your cursor, when pointed near the corner of the screen, can easily navigate to the next display. Further, he also mentions that it's impossible to keep the Metro interface on one display permanently, which would be ideal for those who like a dashboard.

Another complaint is pretty mind-boggling to me. Because Windows 8 can associate a protocol to either an app in the Metro interface or on the desktop, you could find yourself looking at the opposite interface depending on how things are configured. As Allen's example lays out, clicking on a URL while using Outlook on the desktop can open it up in Internet Explorer inside of the Metro interface - and I assume the vice versa can also be true. This is a major beef with me because I'm drawn to OSes that improve efficiency and workflow - not those that destroy it.

Want to open a bookmark you saved in the desktop version of IE in the Metro version? It's not going to happen, as both apps do not work with the same profiles. I'm also not sure it's even possible for an add-on to be developed for this, as Microsoft has strict rules about what can and can't be done when it comes to Metro apps. Microsoft could however remedy this issue itself, and competitors are likely to fill the void at some point.

HotHardware in Metro's Internet Explorer

Other complaints from Allen include the inability to build hierarchies inside of the Start screen (a la iOS and Android with their folders), the difficulty of scrolling a desktop app on a tablet thanks to their thin scroll bars, no immediately-available clock on the Start screen and finally, the fact that when using a desktop app on a tablet, clicking on a text box will not raise the on-screen keyboard.

These complaints aside, Allen does say that he's enjoyed using the OS and looks forward to its future. However, adding to the "it's for a tablet" complaint, he goes on to state, "I'm particularly excited about the prospects for Windows 8 on a tablet. The tablet interface is elegant, responsive, and stacks up nicely with other tablets on the market."

Not content with the issues mentioned above? Don't fret, as Allen continues, "I am sure most the minor issues I pointed out will be addressed in the next release of the operating system."

That's reassuring.