Whereas only the boldest system administrator would roll out Windows 8.0, Windows 8.1 with boot to desktop enabled is not likely to be too painful. The restored Start button on the desktop is excellent for keyboard and mouse users, not just for getting to the menu, but also for its right-click administrative options, including Shutdown. That said, Windows 8.1 is an easier transition. None of this is any comfort to existing Windows desktop users who just want to get on their work and find that the Windows 8 user interface changes get in the way. They work well as tablets, with the keyboard as a backup option when you need it. The new wave of devices has removable keyboards, more in the style of Surface.

Talking to Toshiba at a trade show, I discovered – to no surprise – that the first wave of hybrid laptops with twisty screens had flopped, being too heavy and awkward to work as tablets, and too expensive to appeal as laptops. There are signs too that Microsoft’s OEM partners are beginning to make sense of Windows 8. Finally, Microsoft offers touch newbs a lifeline

The square register app