Notebook, better investment than a desktop

[CSean]

So looks like I will be replacing my 1-year-old notebook already. I have even thought of a desktop but wouldn't a notebook be considered more efficient nowadays since everything's going portable? I know I can't just base my choice on that and blahdy-blah, but I need more time to determine the pros and cons of both.

While I'm no serious gamer, there are a two or three games that I can not live without playing: Rulers of Nations and SimCity, both coming with new versions in 2012 and 2013.

 

[Joan Archer]

I can't really advice but I think a lot will depend on how you use a computer. Do you travel a lot or are you mainly stuck at home, I know you can usually do more customising with a desktop like adding more drives changing out the internal cards, graphics etc.

I don't think what games you play would make much difference if you got a powerful enough laptop you could still play them.

As I said I can't really tell you much you'd want one of the experts here who know more about the differences but those are my thoughts, good luck with whatever you decide to get and don't forget we're here to help with anything you need to know about your system.

 

[x BlueRobot]

It's dependent what you use your computer for really, if you travel around and need to lots of serious office work, and then I would go with a notebook as it's portable and you doesn't take much space when in use.

However, if you just use your computer at home and tend mainly just casually play games and maybe do some work, then a good laptop (may need to be careful with heating issues) or desktop would be a better option due to the generally more powerful hardware components and the ease of being able to customize and upgrade hardware to suit your needs (desktop).

 

[indianacarnie]

As has been pointed out it depends on what you want to do. I'd never give up my laptop! Its pretty powerful so I can play just about ANY game and while a bit hefty I can take it anywhere. (see my spec.'s)

 

[CSean]

One other quick question: what about Windows 8 OS? I heard mixed reviews about it and need to know what its really like.

 

[indianacarnie]

I couldn't stand it....... lasted about a week and a half on my system and will never be back on it. Having said that......... you will find those who like it. Just speaking for "me".

 

[x BlueRobot]

One other quick question: what about Windows 8 OS? I heard mixed reviews about it and need to know what its really like.

That's a difficult one to answer, Windows 8 is a 'acquired taste', personally I wouldn't go with Windows 8 as I find the new UI rather difficult to use and not suited for a desktop environment.

 

[CSean]

My first impression: I disliked the metro look. And, can I downgrade from Win8 back to Win7 in the case my new PC comes with it? I know I need a copy of Win7 though, do retailers still sell them? I'm actually surprised Microsoft didn't subscribe to the online distribution model.

 

[x BlueRobot]

My first impression: I disliked the metro look. And, can I downgrade from Win8 back to Win7 in the case my new PC comes with it? I know I need a copy of Win7 though, do retailers still sell them? I'm actually surprised Microsoft didn't subscribe to the online distribution model.

I think retailers aren't going to sell computers preinstalled with Windows 7 anymore, but they may still sell Windows 7 DVDs, it's still worth having a look, also you may have some difficulty downgrading back to Windows 7 due to some Secure Boot feature some OEMs have placed in the BIOS chip.

Read More: http://www.sevenforums.com/news/264505-secure-boot-arrives.html

 

[CSean]

Ah, what are the alternatives? That also sounds like the same thing that happened once when I tried downgrading to XP from 7.

 

[Britton30]

There are ways in BIOS to disable Secure Boot to allow the upgrade to w7. Check the rig you want for the feature. The sales people will likely tell you it's not possible, but it is.
w7 DVDs should still be available for a couple of months, I think.

 

[Joan Archer]

Well I've not used it long enough yet, but this Notebook came with it installed and so far I'm enjoying it. There is one thing I'm trying to get used to and that's the keyboard and Touchpad, with my desktop I've got an Optical Mouse and the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard which I've got quite used to using so coming back to one that's all on the same level takes some getting used to again.

 

[Pedroc1999]

I would recommend a ASUS Padphone As it quickly changes between PDA, Tablet and then Notebook

ASUS - Mobile- ASUS PadFone

Under £500 and you cant really get better can you?

 

[whs]

1. With a desktop, you get more PC for the money and you can have a nice 22" or 24" screen. That makes operations really pleasant. But, of course, you have no mobility. If you want mobility for basic function in addition (mail, internet, etc.), get a Nexus 7 from Google for $199. That thing works very well for that purpose.

2. Regarding Windows 8 it is difficult to advise. Some people like it, some hate it. I have used the pre-releases since day 1. It is a nice toy but I would not put it on my main systems. I will get one copy of it that I will install on an eSata or USB3 attached disk - just to stay up-to-date.

 

[CSean]

So I guess I only have the choice of Linux which is not so game-friendly or compatible with (no offense to Linux of course I used it for other things its pretty nice)?

 

[whs]

Why do you think your only choice is Linux ??

 

[CSean]

Sure, Mac too, but neither Mac or Linux are compatible with the two or three games that I play.

 

[whs]

I still don't understand. What's wrong with a nice Windows system.

 

[CSean]

I might not find a retail version of Windows 7 anymore. Time's counting down.

 

[whs]

That's no problem: Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems

And there are a lot more here: Newegg.com - windows7

Those people will not miss the business of the century.