Start8 full logo flatMaximumPC does a head-to-head on Windows 8 start menu replacements. Start8 takes it!

"we prefer Start8 even though it costs $5, because it is so polished that it looks and feels like a Windows Power Toy, and we like being able to open a mini version of Metro, too. It’s also easier to use and configure, and provides more than enough functionality to justify its price."

Read the full head-to-head over at MaximumPC.

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/stardock_start8_vs_classic_shell2013


Comments
on Mar 13, 2013

Well, of course. Duh. 

on Mar 13, 2013

It’s also easier to use and configure, and provides more than enough functionality to justify its price."

"Why I like Stardock software", in  20 words or less.

on Mar 13, 2013

   Start8 is great.

I was recently watching TwitTV, their "Know How" show with Leo and Iyaz. Iyaz did a segment on Windows 8 start menu replacement software. He recommended Classic Shell and RetroUi, as he blew off Stardock and Start8. I could not believe my ears. TwitTv  certainly lost points with me because of their comments. SMH

 

 

on Mar 13, 2013

winstar4
He recommended Classic Shell and RetroUi, as he blew off Stardock and Start8.

'kinidiot.  Sounds like the sort of bloke who'd recommend driving the wrong way down a one way street and an eggbeater for hemorrhoid removal.

I tried Classic shell in the early days of Win 8, and frankly, while it was useful to a point, it is nowhere near as complete or as useful as Start8.  I haven't tried the other one but my educated guess is that Start8 wipes the floor with it.

I've read a few reviews regarding Start8, decor8 and ModernMix, and all of them have been full of praise and recommendation.  Fact is, when MS fails us, Stardock delivers.

on Mar 13, 2013

starkers
Fact is, when MS fails us, Stardock delivers.

You only say that because it's true. 

on Mar 13, 2013

DUH!!

on Mar 13, 2013

I've read a few reviews regarding Start8, decor8 and ModernMix, and all of them have been full of praise and recommendation.  Fact is, when MS fails us, Stardock delivers.

All the reviews I have read have all been positive.

on Mar 14, 2013

Leo's been pretty evenhanded over the years.  Did he actually mention/review Start8 or just 'dismiss' it by not mentioning it?

on Mar 14, 2013
Having added Stardock software to my Windows 8 system now allows me to use it full time rather than switching between 7 & 8...Thankyou.
on Mar 14, 2013

Daiwa,

You can see it for yourself here:

http://twit.tv/show/know-how/32

Scroll to minute 11 in the video if you do not want to see the whole video. Iyaz and Leo mention aka "dismiss" Stardock there.

After looking @ that video again, I am even more SMH because the crapware they endorse is even a mess on their show. Start8 puts them to shame. Let me know what you think.

on Mar 14, 2013

Must admit I haven't tuned in to Leo in a long time.  I watched this episode up to the SD 'dis' - and you're right, but he didn't just dis Start8, he dissed Stardock.  Not cool.  He mentioned early in the episode that he had used and liked ObjectDock, but I'm not sure, from his later little aside about Object Desktop, that he really knows the difference.

One thing I didn't like about Leo, and the main reason I stopped listening to his podcasts, is the way he would talk over his cohost or guests and interrupt constantly, and that hasn't changed.  He really likes the sound of his own voice.

on Mar 20, 2013

Sorry, ClassicShell works beter! No crashes...

on Mar 20, 2013

Mark Snyder

Sorry, ClassicShell works beter! No crashes...

What??????????  And on which planet is this?

Honestly, I've been using Strart8 and the other Stardock releases for Win 8 and I've not had one single crash.  In fact, I've not had one single crash during my entire time of using Win 8... and that includes the 6 -8 months of using the review versions, aka betas.

Yup, Win 8 is rock solid; reliable; dependable; trustworthy; exceptional; notable; beeeeeeautiful; just bloody fantastic.

Oh, and before anybody calls me a Win 8 fanboi, wait until WindowBlinds 8 comes out... then I'll go into raptures. 

It'll be almost orgasmi... uh, no... it'll be better than sex... as is making love.

on Mar 20, 2013

Mark Snyder
Sorry, ClassicShell works beter! No crashes...

It would probably help if you were actually specific, and if there is a real issue it could be looked at.