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Without getting into a defense of Windows, I believe that any article predicting the demise of Windows as the dominant computing platform, both personal and professional for years to come, is grossly over-simplifying the situation. As you point out in your article, all three platforms (Microsoft, Google, and Apple) have built “walled gardens around their products”. While Android and iOS devices are now more accepted in the workplace, their presence is nothing close to dominant.

I own an iPad (1st gen), but every time I use it, I wish it were a Windows tablet! The only thing I use it for is taking it on the road for surfing the web and for reading e-books when I don’t need the power of Windows. I own three Windows devices – a desktop, a large tablet when I’m going to be at a client site for more than 1 day, and a 14” hybrid for other road trips. Would any Android device be as convenient and powerful? No.

I’ve written two books about Windows 8 and Windows 8 apps, and I certainly believe that Microsoft missed the boat with this one. However, they have the resources, and time is still on their side.

I’d be interested in knowing what others think about your assertion that “most users are now comfortable using different platforms for personal and work applications.” Aside from email and Web browsing, exactly what applications are you talking about?

For those of you who disagree with me – a challenge! Spend at least a day, or better yet, one week – without using a Windows device, and tell me how productive you are. While Android and iOS devices give us wonderful short-term alternatives to Windows, for longer periods of time, they still don’t compare.