Having trouble finding a new Windows 7 system!

[Compumind]

Hi all,

It's frustrating!

I have been looking for a new Windows 7 system for some time now. Problem is that Dell, HP, others have configurations that use low-end components and could barely be customized. I thought about building one myself, but I just don't have the time. Of course, vendors like Falcon Northwest can provide me with the system I need at more than double the price.

Are there any *quality* vendors out there that I should look at, since I do not want Windows 8.x?

It's very interesting how Dell and HP sell systems that have everything almost everything I want, if I buy a Windows 8 configuration (pure marketing games) and that's not going to happen.

Kind of making me depressed.

Any viable ideas, comments appreciated!

TIA,

Compumind

 

[jc836]

Among the vendors HP has made itvery clear that they will continue to build systems with Windows 7 for a period of time. You can check their offerings out on the homepage. Dell As I understand it has some available as well. It is still possible to buy everything you need to build a system including Windows 7 itself, from the regular sources that many here use.
Remember that I am suggesting that you go direct with HP or Dell as most "box stores" will not have anything or a super small selection.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Take a look at Puget Systems:

Puget Custom Computers, America's Custom Computer Leader

They are a quality online builder, with several different lines. They do Windows 7.

Another possibility is using word of mouth to find a local builder within say a 25 mile radius of you. That's a lot tougher to do today than it was 10 or 15 years ago as "computer shops" are not nearly as common. The advantage is that you may be able to find a quality builder that will give you a lot of leeway in choosing the components, rather than relying on generic low and mid-level stuff.

Word of mouth can be tough to find though. You might try to find a local "computer club" or perhaps pick some brains at local colleges or junior colleges with significant "Computer Science" departments. Go there and ask the lab techs, instructors, or more advanced students what they do other than build their own or buy HP/Lenovo/Dell, etc.

 

[Ztruker]

The simplest way to resolve this is to go with Windows 8.1
Install Classic Shell or Stardock's Start8.
Set it up so it boot's to the Desktop.
Disable all hot corners and you basically can not tell the difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8.

Take it one step further and completely disable UAC then you can' use any of the Metro/Modern Apps, including the Store.

This is what I've done and the only way I can get to the Metro Desktop is via Windows key + C. I never see it. Windows 8 runs great and is rock solid.

I've even switched back to the Quick Launch bar and use Windows 7 Gadgets.

This is my Windows 8.1 Update 1 Desktop now:



I got Windows 8 when I ordered a new Lenoveo IdeaCenter K450. I wanted a good, fast system

Got a Intel 4th Gen 3.4Ghz Quad Core I7.
16GB ram
2 TB 7200RPM hard drive
Installed a 250GB Samsung SSD
It's a EFI/GPT system

System is very fast.