Starting to get confused with the latest offerings on the Laptop front. Everything new seems to run Windows 8.1, I am used to XP .I have certain software that is XP based, which is why I want advice please.
The laptop must have USB, for interface cables to read certain sensors, also it must work with my HP printer which I know works with Windows 7
The reason I want to buy new is the faster speeds, Bigger HDD,
better screen and an operating system that will last for a good few years yet.
Not sure about Windows 8.1 without a touch screen. I've heard the desktop operation without a touch screen is a bit clunky.
I would do a few Google searches!
What I am considering is one of the convertable laptops with a touch screen and detachable keyboard.
I run Windows XP via Parallels perfectly well on my MacBook Pro. Do that mainly to play some old computer games like Caesar III!
Is running a virtual machine an option for you? Definitely works, and works well. Opens up the possibility of getting a recent laptop and then running whatever operating systems you want. I believe you can get virtual machines for Windows laptops not just Mac ones, but I don't know much about them.
Your budget will presumably be a limiting factor. More often than not, the cheaper laptops tend to have a more limited future (being limited in terms of graphics card and processor speed, for example, even where RAM and hard drive can be upgraded).
You may want to review Windows XP security issues as well. It isn't supported by Microsoft any more so as time passes it will become increasingly risky in terms of viruses, etc. Since I use a virtual machine for my XP games, it's hardly an issue. Any malware might be annoying on the virtual machine but can't get into my Mac and do any serious harm. But if you're actually running XP all the time, and using it for Internet browsing for example (I don't) then you will have to really stay on top of antivirus software and so on.
Cheers, NeMo
Quote from: Oldman on January 08, 2015, 09:03:53 PM
What I am considering is one of the convertable laptops with a touch screen and detachable keyboard.
You'll find the touch screen operation very different to XP but it does all the same things and more. You just need to learn how to use 8.1. because its different, but not difficult. I bought a Windows 8 phone last year and now I've got used it I find the operating system very intuitive and easy to use. Still using Windows 7 on my desktops and will not change until I buy a new PC.
Thanks Bob, I have to admit I am used to android touchscreens on both phones and tablets currently running 4.42 on my phone and 4.2.2 on the tablet.
Quote from: Oldman on January 08, 2015, 09:24:57 PM
Thanks Bob, I have to admit I am used to android touchscreens on both phones and tablets currently running 4.42 on my phone and 4.2.2 on the tablet.
I don't think you'll have a problem then.
Its such a shame that once you get used to using a system - everything changes all of a sudden. Not always for the better.
I have the misfortune to work in IT, and you can visibly see people groan when we are forced to upgrade to a newer O/S!
Human beings like their comfort zones, they love familiarity. The problem comes when the emmerging technology and hardware outgrows an operating system, which is why, ultimately it is best to move forward, however painful.
It's true to say, Win 8 is not my favourite O/S, purely from a tech's perspective, it seems harder to do 'tech' stuff, but looks-wise, functionality, & connectivity, i think it wins over 7.
As other folk have mentioned there are many ways in IT to achieve the same end, with accompanying price tags! I prrsonally (at home that is) use Mac's of varying flavours, and 'dual boot' both OSX & Win 7. This way, you get two pc's/laptop's for the price of one, more or less.
On mine, Windows does the mundane stuff that only works on Windows, whilst OSX does all the fun stuff!
Making cool videos and pro DVD disks is an absolute doddle on a Mac, but i must say, dissapointing on Windows, and prone to crashes.
Moral of this deranged rambling, buy a Mac!
Disclaimer: they ain't cheap!
Btw, i forgot to mention, of course many programs designed for XP/98 will run on 7/8 in 'compatibility mode'.
You will struggle to get anything off the shelf running anything other than a version of win8... If you want something else, you will have the best chance of getting what you want either from a local independent who custom builds, or one of the big players such as Dell or Acer who allow a degree of customisation.
Both my personal and work laptops are Dells, and more than happy with both, plus the added bonus that if something does go wrong, their call centre is in Dublin, not Delhi!
I would recommend moving away from winXP now, and personally my preference is win7 - tried win8 but couldn't get on with it. It's a decent interface for phones and tablets, but really doesn't suit desktops...
If you don't want Windows 8.x then you can still get laptops with Windows 7 Pro from Novatech - I've linked to the entry-level machine here but they do have a great range of laptops for all uses.
http://www.novatech.co.uk/laptop/range/novatechnspiren1597.html (http://www.novatech.co.uk/laptop/range/novatechnspiren1597.html)
The base price is for no O/S but the drop-down box top right gives the options for supply with an installed O/S (and Office, if required). No connection with Novatech apart from being a satisfied customer.
And get Windows 7 here, cheapest I know of.
http://itrevive.co.uk/windows-7-home-premium-license-key-download-link-for-windows-7.html?gclid=CI6DwbSTmcICFanMtAodjRgAeA (http://itrevive.co.uk/windows-7-home-premium-license-key-download-link-for-windows-7.html?gclid=CI6DwbSTmcICFanMtAodjRgAeA)
You can get an app to run XP mode in Win7
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7 (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7)
I use Windows 8 on 2 laptops, I think it is great and I have never had a problem with the operating system, yes it is a different program what you are used to but you can make it work like your old windows by telling it to boot into desktop mode, also there are free start buttons so you can run Windows 8 like XP or 7, I bought Windows 8 when it was offered for £25 and what a bargain and I have never looked back.
Be prepared for a change but the speed over XP and 7 is faster, good luck with your purchase and do not be put off Windows 8 by people who do not like change.
Quote from: Dorsetmike on January 08, 2015, 11:39:29 PM
And get Windows 7 here, cheapest I know of.
http://itrevive.co.uk/windows-7-home-premium-license-key-download-link-for-windows-7.html?gclid=CI6DwbSTmcICFanMtAodjRgAeA (http://itrevive.co.uk/windows-7-home-premium-license-key-download-link-for-windows-7.html?gclid=CI6DwbSTmcICFanMtAodjRgAeA)
You can get an app to run XP mode in Win7
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7 (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7)
I used that to run a few ancient programs for a while - pretty slow even on a fast machine.
Quote from: Oldman on January 08, 2015, 08:41:19 PM
Starting to get confused with the latest offerings on the Laptop front. Everything new seems to run Windows 8.1, I am used to XP .I have certain software that is XP based, which is why I want advice please.
The laptop must have USB, for interface cables to read certain sensors, also it must work with my HP printer which I know works with Windows 7
The reason I want to buy new is the faster speeds, Bigger HDD,
better screen and an operating system that will last for a good few years yet.
Hi Oldman,
If you are used to XP then Windows 8.1 will feel rather strange. My daughter's laptop runs 8.1 and even she is not a fan despite being part of the "new generation". Windows 8.1 definately has an unfinished feel to it with a number of options moved and/or duplicated which makes it confusing to use (even for long term Windows users like myself). Also, you will have to get used to the "flat" GUI that Microsoft, Apple and Android are all following these days. Personally I hate the flat UI as it feels like we are going back 30 years but fashion has a way of going in circles.
So if you definaltly want a Windows laptop then you choice would seem to be either buying a Windows 7 or waiting until the release of Windows 10 later in 2015. One would hope that Microsoft will address the concerns of Windows users in their new version but only time will tell. Certainly Windows 10 will be more polished and tailor itself better to the platform it is running upon i.e. laptop vs. tablet.
I believe it was Steve Jobs who said that tablets are for touch and computers should use keyboards/mice. From my own personal experience I would have to agree with this. The idea of touching the screen of my laptop disgusts me and I would be forever cleaning it! So what I am saying is that for me the "one size fits all" approach does not work but each to their own.
My own laptop is a Lenovo and I can highly recommend them. The keyboard is fantastic and is better than a lot of desktop units. I chose an Intel CORE i3 processor and upgraded the memory to 8GB (do this yourself if you feel comfortable as it is much cheaper than buying from the manufacturer). My disk size if 300GB of which I have used about a quarter as the rest of my storage is in the cloud - I use Microsoft OneDrive but other brands of cloud storage are available! :D By current standards the above is not a high spec but I can honestly say that the machine performs everything I need very well i.e. email, browsing, offic apps etc. Unless you intend to undertake some heavy duty multi-media work and/or development then something similar will probably suffice.
Also Windows can run other versions of Windows virtually so you could have a Windows 8.1 machine that runs a copy of XP or Windows 7 virtually when required.
One area to think about it screen size/resolution. A lot of Windows PCs do not have high resoultion screens (retina displays) and if you do aim for this then the cost goes up considerably. Mollie (my daughter) also has a MacBook Pro with retina display and it is gorgeous but you are looking at around £1,000 vs. £3-500 for a decent Windows laptop. So again, for my own laptop I went for ultimate portability with a 12" screen (1366 x 768) and an external monitor for when I need a bigger/high resolution screen. You could even plug the laptop in to your HD TV via HDMI.
I hope the above gives you some ideas and I am happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Totally accept that these are my views and that others will have alternative approaches.
Kind regards
Paddy
Hi Oldman
Like Paddy, I've also got a Lenovo and it's one of the best things I ever bought. The keyboard's lovely and very tactile. Mine has a 17" screen (needed cos I use Photoshop a lot and this is much easier when you can see more of each image), 1 tb hard drive, 2.4 Ghz dual core processor and 6GB RAM. It runs Win 8.1, as they all do now I would think.
It's the first upgrade I've had from my desktop PC from about 2000 which ran XP. As a result, it was like a quantum leap forward in terms of speed and everything else when I got it earlier this year. It was easy to set up out of the box and everything I had for XP runs fine on it apart from a few minor Photoshop glitches - but I'm not about to spend several hundred quid to upgrade software that does everything I want already.
8.1 is OK but I never use the "8.1" side of it - I always use the standard "old" windows desktop side, which I think they added as an upgrade from win 8.0 as everyone complained that the new way of working was awful and just didn't work on non-touchscreen hardware. 8.1 just annoys me and for me it really doesn't suit non-touchscreen things - I work with a mouse and/or the pad and never touch my screen (would be left with muck all over the screen, which I'd always be thinking was dust/noise on my photos which I'd need to photoshop out!).
Everything I did before on XP is still there on 8.1, and some of the "new" (i.e. duplicated) features are better, in my opinion, on the conventional "old" desktop side. As a result, although I theoretically use 8.1 I'd never know I it as it looks exactly the same as my XP desktop.
Hope this helps.
Hi there
The last time I bought a laptop was from http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/ (http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/) I think they probably offer a service similar to the poster above who's used novatech. I bought personally from there, as I could buy the laptop without an operating system, and hence install what I wanted. I too work in IT, and have done for a considerable amount of time.
For those who feel a desire to remain with microsoft, then we only provide Windows 7 (getting more difficult for the average consumer to buy) windows 8 & 8.1 are atrocious, I think windows saving grace 'may' come with windows 10.
For those graphic designers etc, then, they have high powered macs
The rest of us, have Linux of one flavour or another.
Even with Windows 7, the proprtion of users who have the most issues are the windows users, fortunately more and more of those are seeing sense and taking one of the alternatives we offer....
If you have to have Windows, go with Windows 7, do not touch XP with a barge pole anymore, and attempt to avoid the mess that is 8/8.1. However I do recommend looking at a Linux based system, or even a Mac. Both Linux & Mac systems can have virtualisation software installed, that will allow you to run in effect a PC contained within your running OS. A good, and easy solution on that front would be virtualbox https://www.virtualbox.org/ (https://www.virtualbox.org/).
On a personal note, I haven't used a Windows machine in anger in over 10 years, and have not missed anything, but I still have to keep abreast of the changes, for those users at work.
Thanks for all the comments, I shall not be making up my mind until Feb but sorry to those who have Macs and run Linux.
I cannot afford a Mac ( No sarcastic comments about getting wet either)and have tried Linux. Red Hat 7, and several other distro's could not get on it.
I also refuse to try a Chromebook everything on them seems to be online based.
Today I used a Windows 7 desktop and a Windows 8.1 machine and actually quite like the Windows 8.1 machine.
Quote from: Oldman on January 09, 2015, 06:16:54 PM
Today I used a Windows 7 desktop and a Windows 8.1 machine and actually quite like the Windows 8.1 machine.
You need to go lie down in a darkened room until that feeling goes away... :)
Quote from: talisman56 on January 09, 2015, 06:30:30 PM
Quote from: Oldman on January 09, 2015, 06:16:54 PM
Today I used a Windows 7 desktop and a Windows 8.1 machine and actually quite like the Windows 8.1 machine.
You need to go lie down in a darkened room until that feeling goes away... :)
You are so unkind to Microsoft old chap. I prefer Windows 7 but 8.1 is good with a touch screen although not brilliant on a desktop. But - don't forget how many millions of people use Microsoft everyday with no problems and just the odd glitch from time to time. - Sermon over!!
:hmmm:
I love Windows 7 and have found it to be rock solid over the last three years. I have not lost any data or had any driver/hardware issues. Like Austinbob I did try a Windows 8.1 tablet the other day and I admit it worked really well and felt very natural in that guise. Personally I prefer my Nexus 7 although Android is nothing amazing.
All I can say is that Microsoft MUST get Windows 10 right or they are going to be in the "do do". :D
Paddy
Hi
If you have used RedHat 7, then you're going back about 12-13 years, and things have moved on immeasureably since then, or if if RHEL 7, then that's aimed more at a professional corporate enterprise level, as opposed to a consumer desktop, even though it can be relatively easily configured so.
However, if you're looking for a simple, dead easy to use & install version of Linux, as a desktop environment, then you really can't go wrong with Linux mint.
http://www.linuxmint.com/ (http://www.linuxmint.com/)
Personally, I tend to use Redhat based systems, but they are what we use for our corporate web, cloud, apps and database servers, so configuring the desktops to work with them is pretty straight forward.
Cheers
Tony
Quote from: linuxyeti on January 09, 2015, 08:40:31 PM
Hi
If you have used RedHat 7, then you're going back about 12-13 years, and things have moved on immeasureably since then, or if if RHEL 7, then that's aimed more at a professional corporate enterprise level, as opposed to a consumer desktop, even though it can be relatively easily configured so.
However, if you're looking for a simple, dead easy to use & install version of Linux, as a desktop environment, then you really can't go wrong with Linux mint.
http://www.linuxmint.com/ (http://www.linuxmint.com/)
Personally, I tend to use Redhat based systems, but they are what we use for our corporate web, cloud, apps and database servers, so configuring the desktops to work with them is pretty straight forward.
Cheers
Tony
I applaud your enthusiasm for Linux. Its the few people like you that are keeping it alive. However, as far as I'm aware you can't use it with all the standard programs that 90% of the globe use like Microsoft Office Apps and hundreds of other applications that are supported by Microsoft, some by Apple and very few by Linux. Linux, in my opinion, is for enthusiasts, not for everyday run of the mill computer users like me and most of the world's population. Sorry if thats a bit harsh but I happen to think its true.
I was about to say +1 for Mint if you really want to give Linux a whirl
It is the first ( and I have been playing with Linux since it fitted on 2 floppy ) that comes close to doing my everyday with no hassle.
But have to agree that Linux is mostly only for enthusiasts and masochists !
- which is why I use Windows for everyday
( actually, still Vista (second hand machine) the beauty of legacy windows, like XP as well on 2 of my other boxes, is that no self respecting virologist is writing gotchas for them any more :) ; the only cudos in that world is for breaking the latest Microsoft offering, so think twice before you upgrade )
Then we could talk about software, freeware for Linux is 'involved' to say the least ! Whereas freeware for Windows, in the main, just works, especially portable (no installation, no messing with your registry, no trace if it is writ proper!) freeware.
Quote from: austinbob on January 09, 2015, 08:46:53 PM
I applaud your enthusiasm for Linux. Its the few people like you that are keeping it alive. However, as far as I'm aware you can't use it with all the standard programs that 90% of the globe use like Microsoft Office Apps and hundreds of other applications that are supported by Microsoft, some by Apple and very few by Linux. Linux, in my opinion, is for enthusiasts, not for everyday run of the mill computer users like me and most of the world's population. Sorry if thats a bit harsh but I happen to think its true.
Oh dear
I appear to have rattled a cage there, well, let's get something clear shall we. Firstly the tone of your reply is very patronizing, and secondly blatantly untrue.
I'm a model rail, and rail enthusiast, and model aircraft and aviation enthusiast, and photography. I'm not an IT enthusiast I have my other hobbies, I'm an IT professional, not an enthusiast, I work with with Linux etc, Macs and Windows in varying degrees with work. My laptop, is a tool, and in the same way that I wouldn't use a butter knife to cut down a tree, I wouldn't use a Windows based operating for an efficient, easily updatable just working out of the box, secure flexible working environment.
As to the assumption that 98% of consumers use Windows, nah, Windows 8 & 8.1 only accounts for about 12% of the desktop market, and barely a blip on the mobile os stats.
http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/data-reveals-chrome-os-might-have-been-a-roaring-success-in-december-1278493 (http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/data-reveals-chrome-os-might-have-been-a-roaring-success-in-december-1278493)
Now
Quote from: MalcolmAL on January 09, 2015, 10:52:16 PM
Then we could talk about software, freeware for Linux is 'involved' to say the least ! Whereas freeware for Windows, in the main, just works, especially portable (no installation, no messing with your registry, no trace if it is writ proper!) freeware.
I'm sorry, I can't see what you mean here? Unless it's something very specialized, such as gdal, python 3 etc, 'freeware' on linux couldn't be simpler, especially as there is more in the standard repositories that you are ever most likely to need. I have no issue using my laptop for work, and for the times I get bored, watching Netflix films/series. But as for database, office software, photo editing software, video editing software, cad software and many many more are all available in the standard repositories, and with most modern linux's can be installed by using the inbuilt software management tool.
Most apps that are portable, also have linux versions as well.
Cheers
Tony
PS. There is absolutely no way, we would run our 999 system on an MS Windows based system, and everybody should be glad about that !!
My desktop which I am on now is running Windows 7 Which I like a lot. My second desktop in the loft,my railway room was running xp but when i could get a copy of windows 8.1 cheap I upgraded mainly for security reasons, also xp is no longer supported by Microsoft. I use the old type desktop interface on mine I prefer that its ok but typical Microsoft why do they hide everything in the control panel. They make things hard to use sometimes which is very annoying, it's time they listened to their customers.
Quote from: linuxyeti
Oh dear
Oh dear,
I dont think we want to involve 999
pass
Not A&E, I'm on about Commmand & Control, also not NHS
Quote from: linuxyeti on January 09, 2015, 11:59:04 PM
Not A&E, I'm on about Commmand & Control, also not NHS
Who said anything about A&E ? Or NHS for that matter ?
Just seemed like a dig at the NHS and the A&E problems they've currently got
Quote from: linuxyeti on January 09, 2015, 11:46:41 PM
I'm an IT professional, not an enthusiast, I work with with Linux etc,
We note your enthusiasm for promoting Linux ! :)
but I think you will find that here we are all enthusiasts of something and not after instituting combined services in regional control rooms !!
Now, as for the suitability of Linux for the average home user/ model rail enthusiast then I come back to Mint for those of an experimental frame of mind,
or stick with Windows for those who want a quiet life !
Hint to experimental modellers, dont do a partition/install of a Linux,
give it a whirl first with a 'live CD' and a flash stick. No sweat, no grief.
Then, if you like it, buy a bare PC and install it.
Quote from: linuxyeti on January 10, 2015, 12:04:37 AM
Just seemed like a dig at the NHS and the A&E problems they've currently got
Oi! It was not I that raised the matter of us being glad that you should be using it on 999, it was your line !
Anyway, shall we go on stage as a double act, LOL! Either way we might get someone else to try Linux, and one more user into the fold would be no bad thing ;)
While we all have our preferences (and are entitled to have them), why does every simple request for computer help have to descend into yet another MS v MAC v Lynux war ???
The OP clearly stated his desire for Windows - it's in the title of the thread - so all the arguments are achieving is to highlight your disrespect for his preference...
:veryangry:
Absolutely correct. Please address OP. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Oldman on January 08, 2015, 08:41:19 PM
Starting to get confused with the latest offerings on the Laptop front. Everything new seems to run Windows 8.1, I am used to XP .I have certain software that is XP based, which is why I want advice please.
The laptop must have USB, for interface cables to read certain sensors, also it must work with my HP printer which I know works with Windows 7
The reason I want to buy new is the faster speeds, Bigger HDD,
better screen and an operating system that will last for a good few years yet.
Not (up/down/side)graded to 8.1 but using 7. Have a similar situation of having legacy programs and hardware that only run on XP.
Solved by using Oracle's VM virtualbox to run XP under win7. It is free! :)
Maybe an option to get you a new machine and keep the old stuff.
USB should not be a problem. Can check printer compatibility online.
Good luck!
CFJ
:veryangry: :veryangry: If I had known this would open the operating system war I would not have bothered asking.
Simple thing is I need a new laptop/tablet combo to use where I may not have power. I want it simple, don't want the hassle of having to install extra software just to run some software that I already have, I have discovered my printer will work and only have one piece of software I am still waiting for an answer about compatability.
I do NOT want to have to invest in replacing the existing software with other versions that work on windows because that would cost more than a new Macbook Air.
Mods please lock if this thread continues to go off my original post theme. :thankyousign:
Just go to Currys/pc world ,tell them what you want, hand over the dosh and away you go!
Another topic ending in a Toytown riot......
Quote from: Agrippa on January 10, 2015, 11:07:50 AM
Just go to Currys/pc world ,tell them what you want, hand over the dosh and away you go!
Oh god, avoid
those jokers !!!
OldMan, I'm another one who can recommend NovaTech; you can buy on-line from them, or call across to their store (I think they just have the one now); it's not that far from you I think ? I've used them for a few years now, and am looking at them for some upgrades I currently want.
You can also discuss on the phone your requirements with them ... nice people, with decent prices & good support.
Mike
Quote from: Oldman on January 10, 2015, 10:52:56 AM
Simple thing is I need a new laptop/tablet combo to use where I may not have power. I want it simple, don't want the hassle of having to install extra software just to run some software that I already have, I have discovered my printer will work and only have one piece of software I am still waiting for an answer about compatability.
I do NOT want to have to invest in replacing the existing software with other versions that work on windows because that would cost more than a new Macbook Air.
Riiiiiigthhh. :hmmm:
Sometimes you don't get what you want but you get what you need.
CFJ
Hookay time to re-rail this train wreak while the flightless birds are feasting on fruit on the window sill.
Oldman, what size screen laptop do you prefer?
The 13 inch which is light and portable, but the screen can be a little small at times or the 15 inch which generally comes with a decent screen and same keyboards as the 13 inch but they tend to be much heavier.
Do you have a preference for gloss/matt plastic or aluminium finish?
Also what was the capacity of the current laptops hard drive?
Currently using a 7" android tablet. Not fussy about finish or colour plastic is fine.
My laptop that died had a 250gig HD, 1gig of ram and a 10" display
This might be a little broad & long but I hope this all makes sense...
250GB drive in the older laptop is the most useful thing to know, because it eliminates a surprising number of laptops currently available. The big decider for hardware is CPU and RAM. Currently a laptop with an I5 in it is a good place to be but if budget doesn't permit an I3 is not the end of the world. As for RAM 4GB for Windows 7 is fine, Windows 8 might benefit more from 8GB in two years time.
Now onto the common brands available. Firstly I always suggest avoiding the lowest budget laptops by brand these are:
Acer TravelMate
Toshiba Satellite
HP Celeron, HP250
Dell Insperon
The price is brought down so by heavily compromised hardware, usually its the wireless and bluetooth that is particularly bad with poor range or stops working altogether after a few hours until the laptop is restarted (This is rare though) and with larger wireless networks its incapable of roaming. The HP Celeron laptops use a Celeron CPU which is a low power spin off of the Intel I3 so it lacks the same performance as well and these suffer the same issues as above. All of them will have budget low resolution screens as well.
Next price break up is:
Acer Aspire
Toshiba Satellite Pro
Lenovo (Most lenovo laptops seem to be around here)
HP Probook
Asus Transformer (and other Asus touch laptops)
These are still hit and miss, but your chances of a hit are much much better than a miss now, they are for the most part pretty much the same except for Asus which offer touchscreens at the expense of performance and battery life. Looking around there is not much love for the Satellite Pro offerings also. It seems regardless weather its an I3, I5 or I7 they all come with 4GB ram which as before is fine currently, but I would be thinking about 8GB of ram, the catch there is potentially moving up to the next price bracket. These laptops also have the same screens as the cheaper laptops.
Lenovo L430 Is worth a look.
Next tier down and is personally as high as I would go:
Asus Zenbook
Dell XPS
HP EliteBook
Toshiba Tecra
Lenovo
Also getting into Macbook territory
Premium stuff now, aluminium bodies, high resolution screens, warranties manufactures might actually honor. Toshiba Tecra is an interesting one, Tecra is Toshiba's long running business line so they tend to be chunky and use older styling (Lenovo business laptops look just like they did 20 years ago!) but they have a 3 year warranty which is rare. Dell XPS is very seasonal previous XPS looked good, the current one not so fantastic. Of all the options ZenBook looks very attractive currently, high resolution screen good hardware for the price, I even saw one with a 1TB HDD in it. But you would certainly pay quite a bit for it. I don't know so much about HP EliteBook, they don't seem to have anything that particularly stands out though.
Hopefully this slims down the choice to about 10 options, I haven't even mentioned all of what is available too. I tried to keep it a little broad since availability and price varies between regions and a good deal for me might be horrific elsewhere.
Quote from: Anorak on January 14, 2015, 02:19:23 AM
This might be a little broad & long but I hope this all makes sense...
While I agree entirely with the above comments, a quick question. Does any 32bit processor address more than 4G of RAM?
Quote from: Malc on January 14, 2015, 10:46:49 AM
Quote from: Anorak on January 14, 2015, 02:19:23 AM
This might be a little broad & long but I hope this all makes sense...
While I agree entirely with the above comments, a quick question. Does any 32bit processor address more than 4G of RAM?
In theory a 32bit processor can only address 4GB of RAM and you can't use all of that for applications anyway. Typically I think you have around 3.5GB available. You can access more memory than 4GB by paging memory in or out, I believe its usually 2GB at a time. This is obviously going to be slower than if you access the memory directly.
If you google on this topic there is loads of stuff out there to bore you.
Quote from: Malc on January 14, 2015, 10:46:49 AM
Quote from: Anorak on January 14, 2015, 02:19:23 AM
This might be a little broad & long but I hope this all makes sense...
While I agree entirely with the above comments, a quick question. Does any 32bit processor address more than 4G of RAM?
I think you will find that 32bit windows systems will only see 3GB Ram even if you put 4GB into the machine.
Quote from: Malc on January 14, 2015, 10:46:49 AM
Quote from: Anorak on January 14, 2015, 02:19:23 AM
This might be a little broad & long but I hope this all makes sense...
While I agree entirely with the above comments, a quick question. Does any 32bit processor address more than 4G of RAM?
Yup all the non Windows based ones. It appears to be a limit with Windows 7 and below. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_GB_barrier (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_GB_barrier)
For new PCs 32-bit is not something to get too worried over now as the transition into 64-bit has passed, there are no new computer systems being sold that are 32-bit and nearly all the big software players don't release for 32-bit any more.
The RAM a 32-bit operating systems can see is a number than can be nominally between 3GB to 3.6GB. The hard limit is 4GB or 2^32, the problem is it it has to share that with the entire system, where the video card takes the biggest chunk. There are also chunks of what could be used as RAM in varying sizes reserved due to design choices in the past.
Paging doesn't actually give you more ram, just gives the operating system a place to shove a program or programs when they are idle and gives gives the operating system room to recover when a program goes out of control and tries to use up all of the active memory.
Bank switching gives you more ram, it was the norm a long time ago but thankfully those days are long past and no sane person would ever implement it these days.
Good explanation Anorak
Just use 64 bit Windows. As I said before I upgraded my Lenovo to 8GB and it does make a big difference to the performance.
Paddy
MS are offering all Win7 users ( and win 8/8.1) a free upgrade to Win10 later this year
id dvise getting as much RAM as you can afford (8Mb min) and win 7
NR
Quote from: Railwaygun on January 22, 2015, 11:27:18 AM
MS are offering all Win7 users ( and win 8/8.1) a free upgrade to Win10 later this year
id dvise getting as much RAM as you can afford (8Mb min) and win 7
NR
I thought it was just windows 8 users?
Nope, Win7 users as well.
No beware though, if you have to use Windows, you need to make sure your apps & hardware will work with the new OS. Don't worry, it is also the same, although to a far far lesser degree in the Linux world as well, so that problem isn't unique to Windows.
Quote from: linuxyeti on January 22, 2015, 12:05:49 PM
Nope, Win7 users as well.
No beware though, if you have to use Windows, you need to make sure your apps & hardware will work with the new OS. Don't worry, it is also the same, although to a far far lesser degree in the Linux world as well, so that problem isn't unique to Windows.
That's very interesting. Is there a release date yet?
I wonder what happened to Windows 9 - or do I need to know? :no:
All sorted now. :claphappy:
Got an Acer Aspire Switch 11 with 500g HD for the price of a Switch 10 from my local PC shop.
Got half my software installed now, just need to sort out the printers and one of my datalogging programs.
:I wonder what happened to Windows 9 - or do I need to know? "
the story goes that windows 9 would have caused probs with older PCs running Win95 or Win98 when the OS checked to see what it was running on - hence the jump to Win10.
Quote from: austinbob on January 22, 2015, 01:02:28 PM
That's very interesting. Is there a release date yet?
To answer my own question it looks like release has moved from April this year to Q2 or Q3 :beers: