The art of being user friendly...

[buchaille]

Found this link in a comment to an article in the Register.

It seems Microsoft are unable to design a box that is easy to open, so they needed a webpage to explain how to do it. Funniest thing I've seen for a long time

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/2e680b8d-211e-41c5-a0bf-9ccc6d7e62a21033.mspx

[M-Saunders]

Is that one of the "100 Vista features that will leave you speechless"?

M

[buchaille]

Is that one of the "100 Vista features that will leave you speechless"?
M

That would describe it pretty well. On the positive side, it could be regarded as thorough documentation.

[JS]

Maybe they think the average person wishing to install Vista needs that level of instructions...

[buchaille]

Just looked at it again, to put me in a cheery mood before I go home and face the kids.

I think the bit that cracks me up most is this:

Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
Which edition of Windows Vista am I using?

[M-Saunders]

I still don't understand it. Can't they make a video?

M

[JS]

In WMP format?

Wait a second.... a video to open the packaging for the software to play the video...

[wyliecoyoteuk]

Seems a little short on detail to me, where do you discard the sticker? in the bin or must it be recycled?

Personally, i think that the box is too pretty to be opened.
Better still, leave it on the shelf in the shop- seems to be the most popular choice.

[nelz]

Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
Which edition of Windows Vista am I using?

So they have finally produced something that is compatible across all versions of Windows and it turns out to be too complex for the average customer to operate.

It seems the infinite number of monkeys have given up on Shakespeare and are working on an infinite number of reasons to be speechless

[buchaille]

something that is compatible across all versions of Windows and it turns out to be too complex for the average customer to operate.

mmm, now you're not paying attention: it is only compatible for all versions of Vista. MS are now unable to tell you how to open Win98 packaging.

[Diagmato]

If someone cant work out how to open a Vista package, then how on earth did they unpack their computer in the first place! Unless they called the "tech guys" from PC World to come and do it for them.

[Rhakios]

Probably. I understand that PCWorld will now send some people over to unpack and set up your new PC for you. If you're short on brains and have deep pockets.

[wyliecoyoteuk]

Received an Irex Iliad today, opend it up powered on and started to read the PDF Manual, which started with "how to switch on your Iliad"

[Marrea]

Maybe they think the average person wishing to install Vista needs that level of instructions...

Hmm, the thing is though that the average person will never install Vista because the average person will always buy their computer with it pre-installed.

[Rhakios]

The art of being user friendly? Install cygwin. Vista seems at least halfway usable, at last <insert sighing smiley>