Why NOW is a Good Time to Buy a New PC - Comments Page 1

I can't figure out why so many dislike Vista! I moved from an XP system to a Vista HP system and, after getting it configured to work and look the way I wanted it to work, it has been a vast improvement over XP. I then bought a WIN7 system and didn't like it at all. Its email program and Media Player were a disaster for me. So I traded that system with someone who had a Vista HP system and wanted 7. Both of my Vista systems perform very well indeed. Is there something wrong with ME?

Agree 100%. If you are buying, stick with Windows 7 -- especially if you use the PC for real work and not just web browsing. Win 8 may be great for phones and tablets, but for those who need a keyboard and mouse to function effectively, stay at 7.

Dear Bob,
Thanks very much for this article. I also am very pleased with Windows 7 and was relieved to learn that Microsoft will continue to support this system for a long time to come. I have no interest in Windows 8, and I am betting that many older computer users feel the way that I do.It is nice to know that you agree with us.
Nezzar

Kim Komando says buying a new computer now and upgrading later "might not be the best option." I don't want to put two of my favorite info sources at odds, but what's your reply to that? Thanks. http://www.komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=12530

EDITOR'S NOTE: Kim's point about UEFI only applies if you want to use Windows 8. I'm recommending that you stay with Win7. She also mentions waiting for a time when more laptops have SSD drives. But these are widely available now...

In fact, the right answer is: "It's time to switch to Linux!" ;-)

"But I'll be looking for a new desktop PC with Windows 7 to replace the XP machine soon."

Be sure to keep us posted as to what computer you purchased and why.

Thanks.

Jerry Matson

Read more: http://askbobrankin.com/why_now_is_a_good_time_to_buy_a_new_pc.html#ixzz1ypIoV9UM

I appreciate this column very much because I am getting a little antsy for a new computer and I love Win7. When I bought my current desktop, Win Vista was included and I thought I would tear my hair out trying to get my network up and running, not to mention all of the insanity Vista came with. I installed Win7 (at full price, thanks, Microsoft, should have been a free upgrade) last year and was finally happy with Windows again.

From what I've been reading about Win8, it is going to be a different animal altogether, and I'm not sure I'm willing to switch yet. You have pointed out all the reasons I'm not ready to jump into Win8, and that's pretty helpful. I thought I would wait just a little longer, like till late summer, and then I'll pounce!

Thanks for a great column!

Unless you have actually used Windows 8, you'll have to take our word for it. I installed the preview edition on another partition and played with it for about a month. Unless you have touch screen technology, don't even THINK about getting it.
@Gerald - I too could never understand the beating Vista received. I used it for about a year and felt it was much better than XP

MR Bob
how can i delete imesh application its maken me lots of problems

I think windows 8 will be the new Vista.

If not Ubuntu seems to be a shallower learning curve than the change up from 7.

For downloading, surfing and email (does anyone not use web based email services?) there is very little difference between 7 and Linux.

OK so I'm someone who has worked with my hands for a living and my fingers are more like pork sausages and not touch screen friendly.

With 3 laptops and the desktop, herself wouldn't allow another computer this year anyway!

Thanks for all the info,

Jon

I can't wait for my work to adopt Microsoft Windows 8 because I hate doing work!

I am still using XP and love it. I've been hesitant to upgrade to Win 7 because frankly, I hate change when it comes to my OS. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who went from XP to Win 7 as to how easy it was to adjust to.
Many thanks.

I have tried Windows 8 preview and will not upgrade. For my desktop it would require new monitor and for my laptop, just over a year old either not or a new laptop as it does not have a touch screen either. I started in computers when they had tubes and have had Windows since 3, did beta testing for 95 and XP but in my opinion Win 8 is another Vista that I don't want. Perhaps it will be great on the M$ new tablet for those folks who like Ipad and such but for those like me who just want a good functioning computer either XP or 7/64 Pro is the way to go. My son is an IT for a very large title corporation which is sticking with XP as good solid business machines.

I'm a month into an HP Pavillion (P7-1225 with 8gb and 1TB HD) and really like it. It's quiet and fast. Got it for under $500 from Staples. Had a couple hickups but free HP support, IM and phone, straightened everything out.
Frankly, I'm 67 and really don't want to learn another new OS, especially since everything is working fine here.

Very well stated article, Bob....I was surprised that you didn't mention the upgrade from Win 7 to Win 8 for those that buy a new PC after June something (the 8th I think). Really that's the best of both worlds.
Personally I was very happy with Vista once they got the SP's out and now I have installed Win 7 on 3 of 5 PC's and they all dual boot to Mint...which I find myself using more than any other OS for day to day stuff.
In fact to me Mint is much easier to get used tho than Win 8 which I did try, but dumped after a day or two when I realized I was getting frustrated "beta" testing for MS at my own expense. Shame on me.

As a lazy octogenarian happy with XP, I've been most displeased about everything I've seen and read about Win8 - I anticipate grief enough learning Win7. I've put off any buying since the much higher hardware requirements for 7 (and 8) have jacked up our laptop prices fiercely, especially with competition inhibited by the hard disc shortage after the floods in Thailand, still an issue. I'm hoping for a better deal on Win7 laptops for my wife and myself by November, which should last us the rest of our likely lives.

I've been running Win7 on my laptop for about two years but I'm thinking of upgrading to a new laptop. I've kept all the software I run upgraded and (security) patched and I'd like to stick with Win7. Usually when you get a new computer, you're stuck with re-installing all your software. Since the original software CDs are old, you'll have to spend additional time getting the software up to current release and security levels on top of moving all your data!
Would it be possible to just create an image of the hard drive of my old laptop (onto an external drive) and then load it onto the new computer?

5 computers here, 2 desktops and 2 laptops running Win 7, and an older laptop running XP. I shall NOT be upgrading any. While I would prefer the XP, an IBM x30, be upgraded to 7, I do not believe it can handle it. As for the others, I have tested Win 8 on one of my laptops (I removed the hard drive with Win 7 on it and placed Win 8 on another drive), I decided after much testing that I preferred (by a huge amount) Win 7. However, I will be purchasing a new Cell Phone in the fall and will probably consider the new Win 8 phones. But for my desktops and laptops, it will continue to be Win 7 (when possible).

I don't understand the comment "Vista, the short-lived Windows mistake of all time". I have absolutely no problems with Vista. However, I am looking to upgrade so I will probably take your advise and go with W/7. I didn't jump on the bandwagon immediately after Vista came out and don't intend to do so with W/8. I like to wait awhile and see everyone comments first.

Well, I'm still using my 2005 HP Pavilion a1230n Desktop PC with AMD Athlon 64 Processor and Windows XP Media Center Edition, with a Gig of RAM. It's a little slow at times, but it still chugs along just fine! I could add another gig of memory, but I can't afford it.... I'm retired now. So I guess I won't be buying another PC any time soon, either. Guess I'll just have to become vulnerable, come April 2014. It's for sure that Microsoft doesn't care about us 'retirees' on limited incomes.....