A User’s Feedback on the New Desktop Experience, a Month in
We trialled the Microsoft Managed Desktop Service with both technical and non-technical colleagues and asked them for their feedback. Here, in his own words, is the experience of a recent recruit to our marketing team. As he references a past employer, we're respecting his anonymity.
Introduction
The Microsoft Managed Desktop, is, to give it its technical term, an end-user compute as a service offering. It’s a managed service, around which we wrap hardware, software and user support.
From the users’ vantage point, they enjoy a modern device and round-the-clock IT support, with access to all the apps they need to be productive.
For a helicopter tour of the Microsoft Managed Desktop, read A Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft Managed Desktop. For a deep dive, visit Launching the Next Generation of Desktop Management. So, let’s hear what our new colleague had to say about his first month using a Microsoft Managed Desktop.
Booting Up With Microsoft Managed Desktop
On arriving at my last place of work, my morning routine was to power up my laptop and make a cuppa. With luck, my device had booted up by the time I returned to my desk. Here, I fetch my brew first; the boot-up time is phenomenal!
To some people, a few minutes time saving might seem trivial, but for me, being able to start work straightaway is a big thing. I think it’s partly psychological; I don’t want to wait for my day to begin.
IT Lab comment: on average, a Windows 10 commercial PC takes 87 seconds to boot up. A Microsoft Managed Desktop takes 23 seconds.
Logging in With Microsoft Managed Deskop
The fact that most of my old passwords included colourful Anglo-Saxon words tells you how I feel about them. Technology moves apace, yet I needed to type a string of letters, numbers and symbols dozens of times a day. With my chubby fingers, I invariably mistyped and got stuck on the password merry-go-round. It all felt so clunky and dated.
With Windows Hello, I’m no longer muttering profanities under my breath (or louder, when not in polite company). I love the facial recognition unlock. No more Anglo-Saxon - hello right back at you Windows!
And when moving between the office and conference rooms, I appreciate the rapid switch from lock screen so I can pick up from where I left off.
Updates With Microsoft Managed Desktop
I’m a mild-mannered guy but had been known for my convincing impersonation of Victor Meldrew when forced to stop work for an update. Why did it feel like they were timed for when you’re in the middle of a crucial document? (I don’t belieeeve it!). With my new device, most updates happen behind the scenes. And when I am aware of them, the process is optimised, so they’re over and done with quickly.
Performance of the Microsoft Managed Desktop
In a past role, I inherited my predecessor’s fourteen-month-old laptop. The term ‘pre-loved’ would be stretching it, and frankly, I wasn’t feeling the love from my employer. There I was, ready to devote my all, and they issued me with a piece of tat.
My last company may have thought they were saving money, when in fact sub-par devices drink time and cash. It’s an utterly false economy. Hanging, crashes, and spinning wheels became my norm; I wasted at least an hour every week and was frequently on the phone to the IT team. Worse still, sometimes I lost valuable work after yet another device freeze.
My Surface laptop is a dream. In my new job, I’m constantly switching between multiple applications; the whole experience is slick and effortless. And I’m mostly self-sufficient these days; when I need a new app, I hop over to the Company Portal and download it.
Four weeks down the line, I’ve had no need to call on the 24/7 IT support. My colleague has - she said they sorted her problem over an online chat in under three minutes.
IT Lab comment: A Microsoft Managed Desktop device crashes 1.5 times a year, compared to 6.6 crashes on a Windows 10 commercial PC. The Microsoft Managed Desktop service is available on an ever-changing range of devices shown here: Microsoft Managed Desktop devices. You may also find this blog useful - The Journey of a New User Device.
Hardware: Using Microsoft Managed Desktop Approved Devices
I’m a big fan of the 4:3 ratio on my new Surface laptop. As most office applications have large ribbon menu bars, the increased screen height provides more actual working space. The 16:9 ratio screens, which were intended to support the viewing of video, aren’t well suited to modern business apps. As I spend time commuting between our Manchester and London offices, I’m also enjoying the longer battery life.
IT Lab comment: a Microsoft Managed Desktop approved device gives 7.6 hours of battery life, compared to 3.2 hours on a Windows 10 commercial PC.
Wrapping Up
If any of our colleague's experiences resonated and you’d like to explore the potential of the Microsoft Managed Desktop for your organisation, click below for a commitment-free consultation.
