Which one is the best Windows OS for Laptop?

[basitr846]

I am so confused about which Windows version to install on my new Dell Latitude D620 Laptop. The question that i'm asking is that, which one is better from these versions of Windows:
1) Windows 7
2) Windows 8/Windows 8.1

I've heard from many places that Windows 8/8.1 is more touch screen specific and not quite suitable for laptops/PCs.
I am currently using Windows XP SP3 as it came pre-installed on my new laptop machine. Since Win XP is retiring after next 2 months as announced by Microsoft, I would like to make an upgrade to the latest Windows release. So which one is best Windows operating system version from the choices written above. Please answer it. Thanks in Advance!

 

[Golden]

Windows 8.1

 

[ThrashZone]

I would agree if your system spec's are accurate win-8.1 would be better,
Cheers.

 

[gregrocker]

If you own a Win7 license which you want to try on the PC, then you can shrink C to try Win7 alongside Win8 to compare.

Once you shrink C in Disk Mgmt, enter BIOS setup to disable Secure Boot, enable Legacy BIOS or CSM, boot the Win7 disk to Clean Install Windows 7.

I've tried this on many PC's and always end up using Win7 which is a better OS unless you have touchscreen.

Let us know how this goes.

 

[whs]

There is no best. You have to choose what you are comfortable with. Windows 8.1 is a whole new world and you may be discombobulated at first. It is also not yet as stable as Windows 7. It may be slightly better in performance though. And it is great for tablets.

If I had to choose, I would take Windows 7 on our machine. I run 7 on the PCs and 8.1 on the tablet and in a virtual machine for testing purposes..

 

[basitr846]

OK, so how much disk space should I allocate for shrinking for Windows 8.1 partition?

 

[basitr846]

And after all, Windows 8.1 is made for touch screen devices only. So I would go for Windows 7 unless I use a touch panel or something like that on my computer. Am I right?

 

[whs]

The OS itself needs appr. 20GB - plus whichever programs you want to install and your own files. A 30GB partition is enough for normal use - no games though because those are usually big.

 

[whs]

And after all, Windows 8.1 is made for touch screen devices only. So I would go for Windows 7 unless I use a touch panel or something like that on my computer. Am I right?

8.1 is can also be used without touchscreens but it really was designed for touch.

 

[basitr846]

So if you could conclude this discussion/debate, then is Windows 7 the recommended OS according to the specs of my Dell machine? You can check the specs by clicking on "My System Specs" at the bottom left side of this post.

 

[ThrashZone]

I was thinking 2 gig's of ram is on the minimum requirements for win-7 so it a coin toss there but ram is fairly easy to add,
I'll yield to the experts but that was my take on your question,
Cheers.

 

[derekimo]

And after all, Windows 8.1 is made for touch screen devices only. So I would go for Windows 7 unless I use a touch panel or something like that on my computer. Am I right?

It's not for touch screens only, it works just fine without one.

The new GUI has soured some people because it is different, there are endless debates about Windows 8.1 vs. 7 so to actually know for sure, you would really have to try it yourself.

Here are a couple of useful links,

Download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Official Microsoft Download Center

Upgrade Assistant: FAQ - Microsoft Windows Help

 

[whs]

Your system is borderline - really absolute minimum for 7 or 8.1. There may be a problem with the aero because of your weak graphics chip. Best is to check with the upgrade advisor.

Download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Official Microsoft Download Center

If that checks out for 7, you'll be OK with 8.1 too. But you may want to consider getting a modern PC.

Since you are an XP user, you may actually like 8.1 better than 7 - once you got the hang of it. We, the Windows 7 crowd, are more difficult to convince because Windows 7 is such a superb system.

 

[bawldiggle]

As a recent graduate from XP to Win7, I prefer Win7 with ClassicShell to give me an XP look alike.

Screen size on your Dell/laptop should be considered because post WinXP OS UI is a lot bigger and spread out.
Even Win8 Lego-blocks will not fit on my Dell screen, a pest when using a mouse.
I am in the process of downgrading Win8 to Win7 >> and then ClassicShell to give me more workspace .
Win7 also comes standard with "Start" menu, minimalist space user.
But I believe Win8.1 now includes a Start menu option ?

In my humble opinion Win7 is the pick for non-touch laptops.

If you plan on installing Office 2007/2010 .. the new "Ribbon" in Office uses 22% of my 23inch monitor screen

 

[AddRAM]

Windows 7......without a doubt