Help Mara find a new computer

[Mara]

So as a few of you might know, I've been on the hunt for a new computer. And after much gnashing of teeth, I've forgone the idea of switching to a laptop and have decided to go with another desktop, for various reasons.

And I think I have picked out one or two I want to go for.

However, all the computers I have been looking at have Windows 8/8.1, because I just assumed that I should go with the most recent version of Windows to save me hassle in the long run, perhaps. But now, I'm wondering, should I just go with a computer that still has Windows 7? Basically getting what 8.1 has without the silly start screen/apps thing?


I could search the internet and look for Windows nerds discussing the merits of each OS. But I thought I'd ask you the members of SWU for your opinion, because I feel that most of you probably use your computers the same way I plan to, rather than some tech nerd on the Internet.


So my question is this... If you have used both 7 and 8, which do you prefer? And why?

[Juzt]

Windows 7 hands down. I don't use tablets, I barely use my phone. So the weird half tablet half desktop interface frankly annoys me. It could simply be that I am more used to Windows 7 or XP style OS, but I genuinely find it harder to find what I am looking for, particularly for anything more advance that I am doing.

[Rugs]

I've been using 8 (don't want to upgrade to 8.1 cause I dunno if I'd have to go through reinstalling some of my completely legitimately acquired programs) and I haven't had any issue with it. There's a program called Start8 from Stardock that you can download if you have a W8 pc that restores the start menu functionality if you want it and includes the option to boot straight to desktop. I haven't seen the tiles in months. Fittingly, I can't really speak to that part of the OS, but I've heard that it gets better once you get used to it.

Start8 costs $5, but I believe they do a trial (I forget how many days) if you want to test it before purchasing.

Other than that, there are a few differences in 8 as there would be from any OS upgrade, but with my settings as they are, it's basically an upgraded W7. I've been pretty pleased with it.

[Mara]

Well, that's what I figure I'll do, just use 8 as 7. And if I want it, the 8 stuff is there. ;p

And I've been reading up on 8.1 (yay, for Dummies books), and there's some things in the settings and such where you can get it to boot to the desktop instead of the Start. But yes, I believe downloading the 8.1 would cause you to reinstall other programs, if I remember right.

And frankly, computers with 7 on them are the same price, sometimes even more expensive than 8/8.1. I guess I'll just have to live with it and get used to 8, lol. (Though I hear Win 9 is going to add back the start menu, so yay).


So that's settled. I guess. But I'll still take comments on 7 vs. 8.




My next conundrum is laptop vs. desktop.

At first, I was all for a laptop. But after I got looking around, I found that I could get a lot more for about the same price in a desktop. So I had been mostly settled on a desktop again.

But... (after briefing considering and then discarding the idea of a touchscreen), I'm thinking going laptop. Specifically, a larger one with a 17" screen. Basically one that would act as a desktop, but I have the option to take it somewhere if I want to.

So there's desktop vs. 17-inch laptop.


As well... I'm unsure of brands. For a laptop, I'm generally split between Toshiba and HP. (They're the main ones that have laptops in my price range). Unless you can recommend another brand that I can get a good deal on for under $500.
And for desktops, I'm basically set on an HP. (Had thought Asus as well till I discovered they don't come with built-in wireless).

And so we have Toshiba vs. HP.


Anyone have any experience with either or both of Toshiba and HP laptops?

[Anna]

I have a Toshiba laptop right now that I bought for about 350 bucks, it's pretty good. I'm not sure if you're a gamer (in which case desktop is almost always better for a gaming computer because not only do you get more bang for your buck, but you can also upgrade the pieces as they become obsolete), whether you want to have your laptop with you at all times (which is seriously a great feeling) or anything else that could influence your decision.

In terms of specs, Desktop is basically >>>> Laptop...but Laptop's can move with you. It's really up to what you'd be using it for...home browsing? work browsing? coffee shop browsing? gaming?

As someone who this is the first time I've ever used a windows not named Vista (blegh), windows 8 was REALLY weird for me to get used to especially since i'd never used it, but I actually got used to the no start menu fairly easily. It's fairly convenient to access all your stuff with 1 button and fairly useful/easy to use things like search too.

Uhm, really anything is fairly decent at that point of money, should probably just compare specs and buy something cheaper than other offers but with similar specs if that's possible.

But yeah, my Toshiba laptop is working fine (i've only had it for a couple months mind you) and isn't as bad as I thought it was, it's certainly a huge upgrade on my old one lol.

[Mara]

Good to hear about Toshiba. On some other models, I had read a few bad reviews, though the majority were good.

May I ask which model yours is?


I'm not much of a gamer. Really just the odd PC game here and there. However, I'm not sure if all my old games are compatible with 8 anyway, so I may not play as much, haha.

My general use of it will be for writing, playing music, and various internet browsing.

And I agree that, for the price, desktops come with more than laptops. However, after I add in the monitor and speakers, I'm afraid the price tag will be more than I want to spend. (While even if I added a keyboard/mouse to a laptop, I'd still be under $500 for the most part). Plus, I have to wonder if I really need a 2TB hard drive, when I can get 750GB on a laptop.

And though I've never had a laptop, the option of portability is something I am considering. But because I've never had the option, I can't be sure how often I would move it around.


I think I have generally (about 90%) settled on a 17-inch laptop, not super portable but still possible, and more of a desktop replacement than a smaller laptop.

I had just been going back and forth between various HP (Pavilions) and Toshiba (Satellites) ones. Unless someone can recommend me a different brand.

[Mara]

Actually, now I'm pretty much settled on getting another desktop.

The laptop idea was fun and all, but when I keep thinking about it, it's not really my style. I think for my purposes, a desktop is the most convenient option.


Now to just pick one... Probably an HP, but there is an Asus I'm looking at, too. (Actually found one with built-in wireless; most Asus don't have that.) And the HP I was looking at, seems to be on clearance/phasing out. So price-wise, good, but it's basically a year-old already, so bad? I dunno. Still looking.

[Mara]

Well, here's my new buddy: Compy III