Upgrade my Microsoft desktop or get a Nexus tablet? Stick with the Status Quo?

[B. Diddy]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

If you're worried it might not be right for you, buy it from some place with a good return policy like Best Buy. Try it out for a couple of weeks, return it if it doesn't work for you.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[JeffDenver]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

*"I normally use it for typing and printing a letter or spreadsheet, checking webmail, streaming Youtube, watching Netflix, shopping on Amazon or Ebay."

This is what the OP said. He doesn't need a desktop for this.

He used the qualifier "normally" for a reason IMO.

Look, it's just 200 bucks. Give it a try.

$200 is a lot of money to him. Thats the whole reason he wants to keep his current desktop. $200 is not a trivial amount for him.

I'd rather keep the WinXP desktop than trade it for a Chromebook.

 

[UJ95x]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

If he is replacing a desktop machine, I think a Chromebook would be a poor choice. He is not buying something that is being used in addition to a desktop.

Maybe if his current desktop was decent. He stated that it is crappy, and running Windows XP, but it does enough that he does not necessarily need an upgrade. He also stated that he doesn't want to spend more than $300 on a decent Windows 7 desktop. For less than that price point, the Chromebook is probably going to be the best performing computer he can buy, regardless of how "limited" you think it is.


Sent from my Galaxy S4 running SlimKat 4.4.2

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

$200 is a lot of money to him. Thats the whole reason he wants to keep his current desktop. $200 is not a trivial amount for him.

I'd rather keep the WinXP desktop than trade it for a Chromebook.

So $400 for a halfway decent laptop is a better deal for him?

I know you don't think Chromebooks aren't worth it. I think they are--not in that they can do everything a Windows desktop can do, but in that they are very inexpensive and can do almost everything that the average user wants to do. I would much rather have a Chromebook than an unsupported aged XP desktop that is quickly going to become a malware free-for-all.

I think the OP should consider trying a Chromebook for himself. If he bought one from the right place, he could always return it within a couple of weeks of a trial run if it didn't meet his needs. Even better, if he has access to Costco.com, he could use it for 90 days and still return it for a complete refund. http://www.costco.com/Acer-C720-284...luded-Free-for-2-years.product.100088471.html

I think the OP has enough input from both sides of this debate. Let's let him decide.

 

[Golfdriver97]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

The best course of action is for the OP to try the Chromebook out. Either in a store for a couple hours or buy one at a retailer with a good return policy. The reasons I suggest the Chromebook: 1, having owned one for a couple weeks, and now only use my laptop when absolutely necessary. Windows will be slow and lag if the PC has a horrible processor. 2. The OP already is familiar, to an extent, of Windows and how it operates. The only way he can truly answer the question of if Chrome OS can serve his needs is to actually try it.

 

[STARGATE]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

I agree with the following:

You'll still be able to use the XP computer, it's just that they won't give support for it anymore if you encounter problems. Have a good antivirus installed, maybe Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. You'll probably get a lot of programs saying they won't support XP anymore as well. A lot of the stuff you do, you can do on a Nexus 7.

Hey, if it makes you feel any better, my school still has computers with Windows XP. :')

Sent from my AT&T One X running CodefireX ROM Android Version 4.4.

Now, if it was me, I would rather spend the $300-$325 for a Win 8 laptop.

That would mean faster, better and newer support etc, for many years ahead.

Put it this way; you already got plenty out of that XP machine. Now it's time to get more out of a new machine.
I think it's definitely worth it.

Sent From Inside The TARDIS in a Galaxy S4 Away!

 

[diesteldorf]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

You guys have been awesome, and, for a post that is clearly semi-off topic from typical android-centered fare, have given me a lot of good device.

A couple things: I mentioned the $325.00 price point, in part because, i bought my current desktop locally from someone I trust, and now has a newer system (obviously) that meets my needs for $325.

Secondly, when I bought one of my first systems back in 2000, it was prior to tablets/chromebooks, smartphones, and was the only way to get on the Internet. I dropped over a grand, not including the monitor, and didn't look back.

Now, tech is much different and I know it's not my only way connect. My XP system was around $300 4 years ago when I bought it and has served me well, so I don't feel any need to overspend.

I've always typically used my smartphone 10-20% as a phone and 80% as a mobile internet device, blessed with a Verizon Unlimited Data Plan. Since upgrading my old Samsung Galaxy Nexus to a Nexus 7, there are occasional days that I don't even use my desktop, so it doesn't make sense for my to buy a souped up system..

I am somewhat ignorant when it comes to chromebooks, because I've always thought of them as an android tablet with a keyboard and some USB ports attached. I am a little worried it would serve much the same purpose of my Nexus 7.

As an experiment a year ago, I took my old Xoom and a $10 Dell USB Keyboard SK-8135

Amazon.com: Dell SK-8135 Multimedia USB HUB Computer Keyboard: Computers & Accessories

The keyboard also has 2 external USB Ports. I used an adapter to connect the keyboard to my Xoom, then plugged a mouse into one of the keyboards USB and an external game controller in the other. It wasn't sexy, but it worked.

Realistically, it wasn't the most practical either, but it gave my Xoom a full sized keyboard and mouse functionality. I'm not going to say that I had anything remotely close to a chromebook, but I'd imagine I could also do the same thing with my Nexus 7.

I should use a chromebook as some have suggested, just to get a better understanding of them. They are probably so much more than an android tablet with a full keyboard. However, I am really leaning toward keeping a full desktop experience of some sort.

I know I'd pay a lot more for a Windows laptop and that's why I'd think I could get a lot more computer if I got a standard, non portable desktop.
I like having an attached DVD-ROM drive, even though I stream 99% of the time. If I got a desktop, it would have a blueray player and the current USB 3.0 standard ports--I only have 2.0 now. .I also like having a hard drive at least 500 MB and up. New system would come with 1 TB.

The way I see it, my Nexus 7 can do 80% of what I use my desktop for, and do it well. A chromebook could probably do 90-95%. However, it's that other 5-10% where having a desktop could make a difference.

I routinely use Remote Desktop apps on my tablet to connect to my PC. I also will charge 1 or 2 wireless devices directly from my computer.

The last time I really relied on my desktop was when I had to install Android SDK to root my Xoom, Nexus 7, and a Note 3. I also was greatful to have it when I downloaded Samsung's Odin flashing software to debrick that same Note 3.

To be fair, a chromebook may be able to do the same things. I really don't know and still haven't made up my mind. Like I said, the feedback and advice has been awesome.

One more question---as a chromebook neophyte--I am assuming Chrome OS and Android 4.4 are similar, lynx based, but also different.

(Thanks Google...) The Three Differences between Chrome OS and Android | ZDNet

I know if I wanted to I can attach a keyboard and mouse to my Nexus 7, but I'd still be running Android 4.4, obviously. Is it feasible to install Chrome OS on a rooted Nexus 7--just for the heck of it--warranty be damned....lol? It probably has no practical purpose, but it could be a fun weekend project--just to play around with the operating system.

 

[Golfdriver97]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

One counter question. If most of the use that you do is basic internet browsing, what would you need the 1 TB of space for?

From a Sprint Moto X using AC Forums app

 

[UJ95x]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

You guys have been awesome, and, for a post that is clearly semi-off topic from typical android-centered fare, have given me a lot of good device.

A couple things: I mentioned the $325.00 price point, in part because, i bought my current desktop locally from someone I trust, and now has a newer system (obviously) that meets my needs for $325.

Secondly, when I bought one of my first systems back in 2000, it was prior to tablets/chromebooks, smartphones, and was the only way to get on the Internet. I dropped over a grand, not including the monitor, and didn't look back.

Now, tech is much different and I know it's not my only way connect. My XP system was around $300 4 years ago when I bought it and has served me well, so I don't feel any need to overspend.

I've always typically used my smartphone 10-20% as a phone and 80% as a mobile internet device, blessed with a Verizon Unlimited Data Plan. Since upgrading my old Samsung Galaxy Nexus to a Nexus 7, there are occasional days that I don't even use my desktop, so it doesn't make sense for my to buy a souped up system..

I am somewhat ignorant when it comes to chromebooks, because I've always thought of them as an android tablet with a keyboard and some USB ports attached. I am a little worried it would serve much the same purpose of my Nexus 7.

As an experiment a year ago, I took my old Xoom and a $10 Dell USB Keyboard SK-8135

Amazon.com: Dell SK-8135 Multimedia USB HUB Computer Keyboard: Computers & Accessories

The keyboard also has 2 external USB Ports. I used an adapter to connect the keyboard to my Xoom, then plugged a mouse into one of the keyboards USB and an external game controller in the other. It wasn't sexy, but it worked.

Realistically, it wasn't the most practical either, but it gave my Xoom a full sized keyboard and mouse functionality. I'm not going to say that I had anything remotely close to a chromebook, but I'd imagine I could also do the same thing with my Nexus 7.

I should use a chromebook as some have suggested, just to get a better understanding of them. They are probably so much more than an android tablet with a full keyboard. However, I am really leaning toward keeping a full desktop experience of some sort.

I know I'd pay a lot more for a Windows laptop and that's why I'd think I could get a lot more computer if I got a standard, non portable desktop.
I like having an attached DVD-ROM drive, even though I stream 99% of the time. If I got a desktop, it would have a blueray player and the current USB 3.0 standard ports--I only have 2.0 now. .I also like having a hard drive at least 500 MB and up. New system would come with 1 TB.

The way I see it, my Nexus 7 can do 80% of what I use my desktop for, and do it well. A chromebook could probably do 90-95%. However, it's that other 5-10% where having a desktop coukd make a difference.

I routinely use Remote Desktop apps on my tablet to connect to my PC. I also will charge 1 or 2 wireless devices directly from my computer.

The last time I really relied on my desktop was when I had to install Android SDK to root my Xoom, Nexus 7, and a Note 3. I also was greatful to have it when I downloaded Samsung's Odin flashing software to debrick that same Note 3.

To be fair, a chromebook may be able to do the same things. I really don't know and still haven't made up my mind. Like I said, the feedback and advice has been awesome.

One more question---as a chromebook neophyte--I am assuming Chrome OS and Android 4.4 are similar, lynx based, but also different.

(Thanks Google...) The Three Differences between Chrome OS and Android | ZDNet

I know I wanted to I can attach a keyboard and mouse to my Nexus 7, but I'd still be running Android 4.4, obviously. Is it feasible to install Chrome OS on a rooted Nexus 7--just for the heck of it--warranty be damned....lol? It probably has no practical purpose, but it could be a fun weekend project--just to play around with operating system.

Android and Chrome OS are not the same. Aside from the differences mentioned in the article you linked, there are a few others that should be noted. Android is open-source, meaning that Google doesn't have complete control of the OS. Chrome OS on the other hand is closed source and Google can do whatever they want with the software (Could be a good or bad thing depending on whether or not you like their software).
Chrome OS also gets updated and patched a lot more often than Android, and it being closed source probably plays a big part in that.
The biggest one would probably be that Chrome supports full desktop sites on the internet (as opposed to the mobile version you get on Android). The browser even supports flash-based sites, another thing missing on stock Android.
Don't think I've seen anything about running Chrome OS on Android devices, and even if it was compatible, it probably wouldn't support all of the same features that the official version does.

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

Now that you've given us more details about what you need, then I would agree that you'd probably be better off with a Windows desktop. DVD or Blu-Ray players are not compatible with Chromebooks--you would need to convert movies to a file and then transfer it using a flash drive or SD card. Many would argue that DVD and Blu-Ray are eventually going to die out (which is why you're seeing fewer and fewer laptops that come with optical drives), but they are obviously still being used for media consumption.

Chromebooks are not quite like Android tablets with a keyboard. I would say they are more like laptops with just the browser, which makes them leaner, less prone to crashing, and more secure. For a person who primarily uses a computer to browse and use web-based services, they are ideal. Using an Android tablet with a keyboard and mouse will still give you a subpar browsing experience, even with a fast and powerful tablet like the 2013 Nexus 7--you'll see the weaknesses most notably when trying to enter a lot of text into fields (like the text editor of these forums) or when trying to render certain sites that have a lot of interactive features.

Installing Chrome OS on a tablet is still something for hardcore hackers. Here's an example: Chromium OS Ported To The Nexus 7 Tablet [VIDEO] | Redmond Pie

My recommendation still stands--if you get a chance, give a Chromebook a try, especially if you have the ability to get it through Costco (and therefore can return it within 90 days for a full refund). It might not meet all of your needs, but who knows, you might realize that your needs actually aren't that broad.

 

[diesteldorf]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

Thanks again for taking the time and giving providing your expertise and opinion. It's really appreciated. I don't have a love affair with windows, but it's still the standard for much of corporate America, and there are times when it's necessary to bring some work home.

I know Android has a citrix app. It used to work for me, but now I just get a bunch of certificate errors. I suspect the issue is on our company's side, but I can still use Citrix quite well through Windows.

Then, there are the times, few and far between, where I like to play some of my old but good pc games, though I know even many of them, Doom, any LucasArts game, and Broken Sword I & II are now being ported to Android, and could certainly run on a Chromebook.

Thanks for the video link too--I'll probably try it, though I may chicken out after I get some sleep.

 

[diesteldorf]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

One counter question. If most of the use that you do is basic internet browsing, what would you need the 1 TB of space for?

From a Sprint Moto X using AC Forums app

I have Hulu Plus and really enjoy it, but I like to download many of my favorite TV shows and stream them commercial free--personal use only, and also load them onto my tablet for when I am traveling with a limited data connection.

I could, of course, delete things after I watch them, but what fun is that....

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

I don't have a love affair with windows, but it's still the standard for much of corporate America, and there are times when it's necessary to bring some work home.

I know Android has a citrix app. It used to work for me, but now I just get a bunch of certificate errors. I suspect the issue is on our company's side, but I can still use Citrix quite well through Windows.

I know what you mean. In order to access my hospital's electronic medical record remotely, I have to use Citrix via Internet Explorer. That's probably one of the only tnings I need a Windows machine for these days. If Android or Chrome OS were able to access it reliably, I'd probably never use the Windows machine I have.

 

[JeffDenver]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

So $400 for a halfway decent laptop is a better deal for him?

If he is using it to replace an aging desktop, then yeah.

He won't need to spend $400.

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$299 - ASUS F102BA-SH41T 10.1" Laptop Computer - Black Matte F102BA-SH41T - Micro Center
$329 (Quad Core) - Gateway NE52204u 15.6" Laptop Computer - Silky Silver NX.Y2ZAA.002 - Micro Center

Those are all Windows 8 (64-bit) and all 4gigs RAM or more and all dual core and all are new (not refurbished). I am pretty sure that will be a huge upgrade from his XP machine.

I know you don't think Chromebooks aren't worth it.

I don't hate them, I just think they are superfluous at the moment. That might change in the future. For $100 or less they would be totally worth it. They are not inexpensive enough yet, IMO.

 

[diesteldorf]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

Thanks for the list, Jeff. These definately look like viable options.

 

[JeffDenver]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

Thanks again for taking the time and giving providing your expertise and opinion. It's really appreciated. I don't have a love affair with windows, but it's still the standard for much of corporate America, and there are times when it's necessary to bring some work home.

IMO: You are not going to want to be an early adopter when you need to actually get stuff done. Let other people beta test Chromebooks for now. Wait till the OS matures.

If you do decide to go with a Chromebook, make sure you adjust your expectations. It does do some things well, but the stuff it does not do might be stuff you will miss.

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

That list of computers has pretty weak specs. I know, because I have a similar Toshiba laptop with a Pentium 2020M processor, 6 GB of RAM, and 500 GB HDD, running Windows 8.1, which is what I've been comparing my Chromebook to. The performance issues of cheap Windows laptops that I have been referring to is based on this level of laptop. Again, neither of you will know for sure until you try it.

By the way, would you consider Windows 8 a beta test version, considering how much Microsoft had to tweak it for 8.1?

 

[Almeuit]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

Jeff I have to just ask again.. Have you ever used Windows 8? Earlier you said it had no desktop when it definitely does... So It just concerns me are you disagreeing just to disagree without even using Windows 8 or....?

Sent from my T-Mobile Note 3 using AC Forums.

 

[JeffDenver]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

That list of computers has pretty weak specs.

LOL! I seriously do not get this argument.

This guy is comping from an aging XP system...do you really think these specs will not be a huge upgrade? I encourage him to go test drive them in a store before buying. Don't take my word for it.

People seriously underestimate how great these systems are. 4 Gigs is a lot of RAM, and Windows 8 has been heavily optimized compared to XP. The experience will be a night and day difference. It is something that will be very obvious immediately. "Weak" specs by today's standards are high end specs by the standards he is used to.

I know, because I have a similar Toshiba laptop with a Pentium 2020M processor, 6 GB of RAM, and 500 GB HDD, running Windows 8.1

I have set up about 6 of these machines in the last year. They are every bit as fast and fluid as my dual core Windows 7 desktop.

By the way, would you consider Windows 8 a beta test version, considering how much Microsoft had to tweak it for 8.1?

Not in the way Chrome is. I never had to worry about scrounging for software...Photoshop worked on Windows 8 on day 1. As did all my other existing software. His XP software will still work on Windows 8, but probably not on a Chromebook.

All the stuff people hate about Windows 8 are design decisions...like that retarded and pointless Metro UI, and the removal of the Start button (the real one, not the empty placebo they put into 8.1). But all of that can be fixed and circumvented fairly easily, and for free.

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

I don't hate Windows 8, and I do have two Win 8.1 machines, but it isn't perfect, so it isn't quite fair to disparage Chrome OS as beta testing. I'm curious, have you actually sat down to use a Chromebook for more than a few minutes? You clearly have strong opinions about it, but if you haven't had a chance to really use one for a few days, then your experience may be skewed.

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