topic Re: Need a new computer and would like advice in Electronics

Need a new computer and would like advice

Lindsays Grandma — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 22:27:02 GMT

I am in need of a new desk top computer and want Windows 7 which I have had for a long time. My daughter told me all computers now come with Windows 8, can anyone tell me if this is true? I hate the thought of learning something new at my age and would like to stick with something I am familiar with. Your comments will be appreciated.

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

kittymomNC — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 22:41:09 GMT

Hi Lindsays Grandma! I happened to see your post and wanted to let you know I just went through the same thing, only looking for a laptop. But a lot of the information I got might be good information for you as well, even though you're in the market for a desktop. My thread is titled "Tech-Challenged and need a new laptop - Help!" I got so much good information that I don't feel as "tech-challenged" anymore. You might want to read through some of the posts and see what is there that might help you with your search. Good luck!

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

chickenbutt — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 22:58:22 GMT

I don't do desktops anymore, but I'll say the main things that I'd look for -

Avoid AMD processors and go for Intel - i3 is ok, i5 is better, and i7 if you do a lot of gaming. Otherwise i5 is perfectly good and a lot less expensive.

hard drive - 500GB is plenty unless you load a lot of HD movies on your computer. With Windows 7, 4GB of RAM (go for DDR3 - most current) is enough, but 6GB would be better.

You will probably have the best luck searching the manufacturers' websites for something that still goes out with Windows 7. I know that Toshiba still had some machines with Win 7 last time I was there. Dell probably does, and maybe HP if you like that brand.

I do have one Win8 computer (laptop) and I just did stuff to make it look the same as my Win7 ones, so I don't even see all that silly tile junk.

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

Lindsays Grandma — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 23:22:51 GMT

Thanks to both of you, it helps a lot.

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

free-spirit — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 23:40:48 GMT

Windows 7 is readily available just not at many discount places.

Look at the Dell, HP and sites like Costco (if you are a member).

I second ONLY buying an INTEL chip.

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

Lynnj — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 02:43:02 GMT

I use Mac now, but I have read on the forum that with all windows 8.1 there is a button you can click on the keyboard and it makes your screen look exactly like it did on windows 7. Not sure if you have to click the button every time you logon, or there is a way to make it stay that way. I think it might be that little Microsoft icon key on the bottom left, next to the space bar? I am sure someone who posts here will know what I am talking about and be able to confirm. In fact, I've seen on the Q computer presentations, the guests of various brands show clicking on that button to make it change to the look of windows 7. Just can't recall the exact process.

As for learning something new, please don't ever be afraid to learn. No matter what age, no matter what the learning event is. Yes, there is a learning curve between windows 7 to 8, but the difference is really the things you know are in different places. And not really in difference places as much as the things you are used to clicking on look different. I think you may find yourself surprised at how much you really DO know if you started working with windows 8. Just need patience and an open mind. Don't be afraid of changes in technology, embrace it, and enjoy how the change works to make your life simpler in the long run.

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

Nuttmeg — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 03:18:32 GMT

I buy Dell desktop computers with Intel processors. I buy Direct. The company has a Member Purchase Program. It is a way to get a discount. I brought an XPS 8700 computer a few months ago, and a new monitor. Dell is currently having a sale on their monitors. I like a U2412M display paired with a basic XPS 8700 running i5 or i7 processor.

How to request a free Window backup disc under warranty. http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/DSN_331556/%7Bdoclang%7D

Member Advantage http://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/6099/campaigns/advantage

Member Purchase http://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/6099/campaigns/segmentor-usmpp?c=us&l=en&s=eep&cs=_eep&redirect=1

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

Lindsays Grandma — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 04:32:17 GMT

Thanks to all of you. A friend of mine who lives in Minnesota recently got a new PC when the one he had for years finally hit the dust and of course it has Windows 8. Well, his e-mails to me were hysterical because he was so frustrated with Windows 8 and now that I need a new one I keep thinking about his frustrations and I was getting nervous. If I have to go that route I guess it will work out.

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

Black Cat Back — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 04:58:06 GMT

I recently bought a Dell PC Desktop with Windows 7. They do still sell them. I got a great price through my employee benefits plan, but the prices on Dell with Windows 7 are very good right now. I got an Intel Core Processor 8 gigs, top of the line system. I love it! It works fantastically and I am very happy.

Just go on the Dell.com website and put in you want a desktop with Windows 7...

Good luck and let us know what you end up buying!

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

TRUE — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 04:58:40 GMT

I would NEVER go back to Windozz.......get a new Imac it comes with or has the capability of adding Windows..... so you have both OS's...... my neighbor has her own business and did this. I absolutely love my Mac.....

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

OkeyDokey — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 05:22:52 GMT

I used to be glued to my desktop. Now that I'm back in school and must use a laptop, will not ever invest in another desktop if I can help it. There is just no point. Even if you want a nice big screen, there are laptops with huge screens these days. My personal favorite is Mac, but they are on the pricey side. There are man other brands if you prefer Windows operating system. Good luck finding something you love!

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

skuggles — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 06:03:31 GMT

I was just out looking over the weekend. I was specifically looking at the all in ones, so I tended to disregard the rest. I refuse to even consider a Dell based on past experience What I noticed here is Windows 8 in most. There was one system with windows 7, but it was a little dated as far as the storage ... 4Gbs RAM(was an HP Pavilion). As far as processors, AMDs for the most part in the HP Pavilion all in ones, intel 3 in the slightly dated one. If you wanted to spend the extra bucks, you could get the i7 and get the HP Envy. But the price really jumped, and I noticed that too, in the laptops and especially the Lenovo YOGAs. The systems with the least amount of storage had the i3, which I felt was very dated. I was told that depending on when it was produced it may or may not be dated. Also, that the most recent build of the i3 was better than the AMD in the one we were interested in, which we ended up getting anyway, because a system in our price range could only be found in the stores with the AMD A6. The person buying won't be doing any gaming, so I guess that will be fine. We ended up going with the HP Pavilion 23 all in one w touchscreen, Windows 8. Middle of the road price and performance, I guess. Plenty of people in the store were looking for systems with Windows 7, specifically to replace older computers. I guess they don't want to deal with the "new".

I was told that Windows 7 may be readily available, but that Microsoft is already beginning to move away from supporting it, and that already the drivers would only be available through third parties. Not sure if that is true.

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

HiLo — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 06:10:43 GMT

My son just installed a windows 7 desktop for me last week. He was able to find it on Amazon; I understand otherwise they are hard to find. So far, love it! Mine is an H.P. and was marked down from $1100. to just over $400 with over 70 reviews; 4-1/2 stars. My son recommended the desk top for me because he said they last longer; I have room for it and prefer this to a laptop.

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

skuggles — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 06:17:16 GMT

HiLo, we were told that you would continue to find Windows 7, because people will still need it if they already have it, but don't have the backup/installation disc. It's the support that will slowly be disappearing.

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

pickleslarue — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 07:17:17 GMT

You can still ferret out Win 7. I've seen a couple at Staples but as someone else mentioned, they have 4GB RAM. If that's enough for your needs then definitely get a Win 7. There's a decent HP available. Expect to pay more than a comparably spec'd 8 but our time and sanity is valuable.

Win 8 is a disaster. If you could hold out until 9 is released that's fine, but if not get 7 while you can. I've used every version of Win and not until 8 have I had to consult a manual. It's fine to say learn new things, but this was just silly.

Check this for support info. You'll be OK with 7.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle

If you do get Win 8 I recommend a touchscreen, so you're looking at a laptop, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. You'll be mobile, it's smaller.... You can also find laptops with 7.

How do you use your PC? Do you do a lot of word processing, spreadsheets, printing, etc.? Have you considered a tablet?

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

Campion — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 10:45:37 GMT

Yes, the current operating system is Win 8 and I HATE EIGHT! I really do.

I ended up buying an HP laptop with Win 7 to replace my old one and I love it. It's an Elitebook and it's under three hundred. It isn't as flashy as newer laptops with that shiny plastic but I actually prefer the keyboard and the size is compact. Typing on it as I write this.

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

Nuttmeg — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 10:58:01 GMT

On 9/22/2014 pickleslarue said:
You can still ferret out Win 7. I've seen a couple at Staples but as someone else mentioned, they have 4GB RAM. If that's enough for your needs then definitely get a Win 7. There's a decent HP available. Expect to pay more than a comparably spec'd 8 but our time and sanity is valuable.

Win 8 is a disaster. If you could hold out until 9 is released that's fine, but if not get 7 while you can. I've used every version of Win and not until 8 have I had to consult a manual. It's fine to say learn new things, but this was just silly.

Check this for support info. You'll be OK with 7.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle

If you do get Win 8 I recommend a touchscreen, so you're looking at a laptop, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. You'll be mobile, it's smaller.... You can also find laptops with 7.

How do you use your PC? Do you do a lot of word processing, spreadsheets, printing, etc.? Have you considered a tablet?

I buy a computer when I need one not wait for the next OS. There will be issues with Windows 9. You may need to replace hardware items like a printer.

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

patticakes — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 11:10:20 GMT

I have a MacBook Pro; and as far as I'm concerned, nothing compares to Apple. No matter what the advertisement or sales pitch (and I've used quite a few professionally as well as personally), nothing compares. It's worth the extra money. As the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for".

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

CalminHeart — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 11:25:49 GMT

You may have to search little but you can find Windows 7 out there. I've seen a couple at Best Buy and Dell. My elderly parents were suckered into a Windows 8 and have nothing but problems since. I asked them to be sure to take me the next time they look for a PC!

I needed a new laptop in January and splurged on an Apple MacBook Pro. I love it!!! While it takes a little getting used to since it's not Windows, it is more intuitive than Windows.

Re: Need a new computer and would like advice

apple1964 — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 13:32:01 GMT

My advice to the O/P would be not to get a windows 8. Whoever has windows 8 will have to update to catch up to windows 8.1. [next year] Also if you want a desktop view the windows 8.1 has that also. There are a few computers that have windows 7 but, I would stay away from the Dell the CS and TEC. are horrible there. JMHO!