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Source: Tulsa World, Okla.自存倉Aug. 25--When was the last time you didn't ignore, grudgingly endure or try to avoid a Microsoft product?For most of you who aren't die-hard Mac fans, it's probably been awhile. Think back to the days when Windows XP was the first truly great Windows operating system, Word wasn't quite a bloated mess and Internet Explorer was still a great web browser.That heyday was back at the start of the new millennium.Not coincidentally, that was also when Steve Ballmer took the reigns of Microsoft from Bill Gates.It's been downhill since. Under Ballmer, the company has gone from being a leader in consumer computing to an also-ran that alternately releases products too late or tries to force in new features few actually want. That's likely the reason he suddenly announced his departure two days ago.First, let's focus on his successes. Windows 7 was the best version of Windows the company released, though it took a backlash against Windows Vista to help get it there. The Xbox line of video game consoles were solidly made and helped usher in the era of online gaming outside of PCs.But as far as nonbusiness customers are concerned, that's about it. The Zune line of music players were excellent, but they came out far too late after the iPod dominated the market, and Microsoft did little to show customers why they should care.Bing is a competent product, but it was unveiled long after Google became synonymous for looking up something on the Internet. While you've been ignoring it, Microsoft has been spending an enormous amount of money to make it big.I'm a fan of Windows Phone starting with Phone 7. It was a vast improvement over the horrible phones Microsoft put out before. But, again, it came out far too long after the iPhone reinvented the smartphone.Then there were the disasters. The pointlessly tablet-like Windows 8 has annoyed so many people it's significantly dragging down PC sales. The Surface tablet has sold so badly that Microsoft has slashed prices on it.The announcement of Xbox One, with its restrictions on used games and online requirements, caused Internet wags and tech critics to shout so many objections that Microsoft had to undo each one at the last minute.All these easily avoided mistakes had one thing in common: Ballmer.His departure won't be one suit replacing another. It could be a 迷你倉新蒲崗rue turning point.It could cause Microsoft to make things you'd actually want to buy again.There's no shortage of talent employed by the company. There are glimmers of greatness in even Microsoft's worst products. Under the right leadership, these talented men and women could deliver products and services that wow us again.Let's just hope Microsoft's first new innovation is within its search for a new CEO.New Nooks are still coming despite lossesA few months ago, Barnes & Noble announced it would seek partners to manufacture future Nook tablets, which everyone interpreted to mean the company would stop making Nooks themselves and the Nook tablets would probably fade away.Well, forget all that. In a recent earnings call, Michael Huseby, CEO of the company's Nook division, said that's not true.Huseby said everyone interpreted that incorrectly and that the company would be releasing a new Nook tablet by Christmas. When asked why it's proceeding with a project that's lost more than $1 billion and generated few sales, he said the only real problem with Nook was excess inventory.Why the about-face? It probably has something to do with the fact that the person who announced the end of the Nook tablet and the possibility of the split, William Lynch, is no longer CEO.That's quite a rapid reversal. I'd hate to see the well-made tablet line vanish, but pressing on when it's losing so much money is a big gamble.App of the WeekPlants vs. Zombies 2 (iOS)The sequel to the mega-popular Plants vs. Zombies has finally arrived, and it was worth the wait. Now you'll be planting a variety of new veggies like bloomerangs, bonk choys and snapdragons to defend against zombies themed for ancient Egypt, pirates and the Wild west.It's all well-animated, and there are plenty of mini-games for variety.The game is free, but be warned that extra power-ups and a few returning plants like snow peas and squash cost money.Fortunately you can easily get through the entire game without spending a cent.PopCap/EA, freeSuggest an app for App of the Week at robert.evatt@tulsaworld.comFollow us on TwitterFollow @RobertEvatt to get the latest tech news and insight from World technology writer Robert Evatt.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 Tulsa World (Tulsa, Okla.) Visit Tulsa World (Tulsa, Okla.) at .tulsaworld.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉出租