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

[JeffDenver]

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

I have no idea why you are so against the whole idea of Chromebooks.

I have no idea why you are so offended about my opinion on Chromebooks. Why does it matter? It's not a judgement of you. I am just as entitled to an opinion as you are.

The OP asked a question and I answered it. I already said I don't hate them. I just think they are superfluous because laptops are so cheap.

 

[Almeuit]

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

I also advised the OP to go look for himself rather than take my word for it.

Advising the OP to check for himself is fine and dandy..

Portraying your opinion as if you have used one a bunch and have first hand experience... When you don't ... Is not. .

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

 

[garublador]

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

None of the XP systems still in my office meets these requirements.

How many are from 2010?

 

[diesteldorf]

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

I doubt that. My wife has a 4 year old Dell laptop that runs Windows 7 just fine. Windows 7 came out in 2009, so his computer is newer than the OS. In general, OS's will work on PC's that came out before they were released. They want people to be able to upgrade. FWIW, Windows 8 has similar, if not the same, requirements as 7. He would have had to specifically look for a PC (or build one himself) that didn't have Windows 7 installed in 2010. I know because we bought two laptops at that time.

Laptops are $100?

https://www.google.com/search?q=win...pv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8#q=windows+7&tbm=shop

Or in the case of Ubuntu, free?

My current system was a budget one when I got it and is probably closer to 5 years old....time flies. It has 2 GB Internal RAM and the case is maxed out at 4 GB max.

I kow I could probably just buy Windows 7 or 8 and run it on my current machine, but I figured it might make sense to just upgrade to a newer system with higher specs while I was at it.

 

[JeffDenver]

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

Advising the OP to check for himself is fine and dandy.. Portraying your opinion as if you have used one

When did I do that? Quote please.

(technically, I have used one)

 

[JeffDenver]

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

How many are from 2010?

One of them was. Lots of XP systems were sold in 2010 with half a gig of RAM.

 

[JeffDenver]

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

My current system was a budget one when I got it and is probably closer to 5 years old....time flies. It has 2 GB Internal RAM and the case is maxed out at 4 GB max.

It will probably run Windows 7 and 8. But the license won't be cheap. (Though probably cheaper than a laptop)

I know I could probably just buy Windows 7 or 8 and run it on my current machine, but I figured it might make sense to just upgrade to a newer system with higher specs while I was at it.

If it was me, that's what I would do. Only because even the low end systems will be an upgrade, and because Laptops are insanely cheap right now. I never though I would see the day when you can buy a new Windows laptop for $230.

 

[UJ95x]

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

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.

In my experience you need a lot more RAM for a good Windows 8 experience.

The difference between 2 gigs (what I started with) and 6 gigs (what I just upgraded to) of RAM is night and day. It is an obvious and dramatic difference.

So first you say it doesn't need much RAM, and now you're saying a lot of RAM is needed? Which one is it?

 

[JeffDenver]

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

So first you say it doesn't need much RAM, and now you're saying a lot of RAM is needed? Which one is it?

It needs a lot of RAM relative to XP systems. For XP, 4 gigs is a lot. For Windows 8, 4 gigs is low end.

On an XP system, 2 gigs would be very roomy. On a Windows 8 system, 2 gigs is barely enough for it to work at all.

 

[UJ95x]

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

It needs a lot of RAM relative to XP systems. For XP, 4 gigs is a lot. For Windows 8, 4 gigs is low end.

On an XP system, 2 gigs would be very roomy. On a Windows 8 system, 2 gigs is barely enough for it to work at all.

All of the laptops you linked earlier were running Windows 8, and all had 4 GB of RAM. Thanks, you just proved everyone's point

 

[JeffDenver]

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

All of the laptops you linked earlier were running Windows 8, and all had 4 GB of RAM. Thanks, you just proved everyone's point

If you say so. I'm not sure exactly what you think you just proved.

The hardware standards for Win8 and XP are not the same. But 4 gigs of RAM is plenty on Win8 for a pleasant experience.

 

[Almeuit]

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

The fact that they have not wowed me with their performance is all the evidence I need. I already encouraged the OP to go to a store and try both out. I already told him not to take my word for it. IMO, the results will speak for themselves.

I think the Chromebook advocates greatly exaggerate it's assets. Almost all of them are using it in addition to a Windows 8 desktop or laptop, not in place of it. They are using it the way I would use a tablet.

So you've never actually used one for more than a few minutes. Thank you, that's what I was curious about.

Please don't suggest that I'm exaggerating anything. I'm just reporting my own experience. Thanks again.

Posted via Android Central App

When did I do that? Quote please.

(technically, I have used one)

See above .

 

[UJ95x]

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

If you say so. I'm not sure exactly what you think you just proved.

The hardware standards for Win8 and XP are not the same. But 4 gigs of RAM is plenty on Win8 for a pleasant experience.

Your last two posts contradict each other...

Sent from my Galaxy S4 running SlimKat 4.4.2

 

[Aquila]

This isn't scientific, but IMO q windows machine with less than 4 cores and/or less than 8GB RAM (so many of the 32-bit machines) is crippled. Its still usable but it is too rough when we're used to the responsiveness of mobile, Linux and chromeos.

XTNiT-1060 through spacetime.

 

[CHIP72]

Apologize for being off topic in advance, but looking for some advice from those more of a more technical mind.

Everyone is always asking for advice when it comes to upgrades. Here's where I need help. Back pre-2010, my desktop computer meant a lot to me. only had a 3g phone that was nice for surfing on the go, but really didn't hold a candle to typing and streaming on full keyboard and full size monitor.

Fast forward 4 years and I have a Nexus 7 LTE with a Verizon Unlimited Data Plan. It rivals my home internet connection, though I choose to use wifi anyway when possible. My desktop is of less importance, though I still want to keep it.

My problem is that Microsoft gas been saying that Windows XP will no longer be supported come April. I normally use it for typing and printing a letter or spreadsheet, checking webmail, streaming Youtube, watching Netflix, shopping on Amazon or Ebay. Everything that I can do on my tablet if I had to.

I would prefer not to upgrade, since I rely on my desktop less and less, but am I taking a big risk if I just keep using what I have?
I could buy a decent desktop for $325 with Windows 7, but I really can't justify it when all I do is use webmail, stream Netflix, Hulu, watch the Android Central Podcast.

I'd rather just save the $325 or blow it on the next Nexus tablet.

My concern is that Google seems pretty forgiving in that they will still support Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, devices for email, web surfing and making phone calls. It still also offers some security to those devices.

In contrast, Microsoft is saying all support for XP is done as of April.

I don't normally surf high risk sites, but does anyone think that Windows XP will be dropped from even being able to surf the internet, buy online, stream Netflix etc, and even have personal information at a much higher risk for being compromised?

There are times when I still like the "desktop" experience, but I don't feel like upgrading or looking for new drivers. I have a crappy system, but it does everything I want it to and my tablet does everything else.

Would anyone care to give their opinion?

I am a big proponent for upgrading phones whenever possible. I loved going from 3G to 4G, having more RAM, and a better CPU. However, I also respect anyone that would rather stay on a 3G Gingerbread device--I use one for work?

Does anyone think I am just being foolish if I want to keep my Windows XP desktop until the motherboard is fried or the hard drive craps out, keeping the $325 in my pocket, even if it doesn't get the most timely Nexus-like updates from Microsoft anymore.

I haven't read any posts in the thread besides the original post, but if you don't need to do printing (or if your printer is Wi-Fi capable), it sounds like your needs could be met by a chromebook. I don't even like Android, but I really, really like my chromebook. IMO, chromebooks are the best pure internet browsing devices on the market today. You can buy the Acer C720, probably the best introductory model chromebook, for $200. In all seriousness its internet performance will probably blow both your Windows XP desktop and Nexus 7" tablet away when it comes to browsing speed.

If you don't feel comfortable going the chromebook route, I suggest buying a cheap Windows 8 laptop, probably with a touchscreen. Think about if you want a relatively large screen laptop that is less portable (most of the cheapest Windows 8 laptops are 15.6" models, which are very big IMO) or something more portable with a smaller screen (I have an Asus VivoBook XE202 that has an 11.6" touchscreen). There are some decent touchscreen laptops available for under $500. You could also buy the Asus Transformer Book 100, a 10.1" convertible tablet device (i.e. tablet with a keyboard dock) for $400 or less.

One other thing I should note - Windows XP has been around since 2001 and is three Windows generations ago. It is a little unfair IMO to say to imply Microsoft is being unfair with its decision to cut XP support (which incidentally doesn't mean you can't use the computer; it means Microsoft won't try to keep it updated in terms of anti-virus/malware protection) when Android has basically been around for only 5 years.

 

[JeffDenver]

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

Your last two posts contradict each other...

I explained why there is no contradiction...because the standards are not the same.

- - - Updated - - -

See above .

So you are saying you believe the hardware requirements are exactly the same for both XP and Windows 8?

 

[Almeuit]

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

So you are saying you believe the hardware requirements are exactly the same for both XP and Windows 8?

Oh no. I recommend 8 or more for any PC but that's just me. .

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

 

[dctokyo]

This isn't scientific, but IMO q windows machine with less than 4 cores and/or less than 8GB RAM (so many of the 32-bit machines) is crippled. Its still usable but it is too rough when we're used to the responsiveness of mobile, Linux and chromeos.

XTNiT-1060 through spacetime.

Frist = 32-bit machines can only see 4GB of ram, and a E-8600 Intel with 4GB of ram running XP/32 bit on a SSD drive will out perform and of the ones that you mention. and how are they crippled if I may ask?
My old duel core E-8600 with 8GB running XP/64 bit will run circles around any mobile, Linux and chromeos....... in fact it boots up faster than my phone does.

Anyway to the OP, keep using your current system until it breaks. just keep your anti-virus up to date and you will be safe.

 

[Aquila]

Frist = 32-bit machines can only see 4GB of ram, and a E-8600 Intel with 4GB of ram running XP/32 bit on a SSD drive will out perform and of the ones that you mention. and how are they crippled if I may ask?
My old duel core E-8600 with 8GB running XP/64 bit will run circles around any mobile, Linux and chromeos....... in fact it boots up faster than my phone does.

Anyway to the OP, keep using your current system until it breaks. just keep your anti-virus up to date and you will be safe.

Sorry, I'm referring to Windows 8, not XP - I should have specified that. Many of the super cheap Windows laptops that people recommend based mostly on price have 4GB RAM and a dual-core i5 or worse CPU, integrated graphics and relatively large HHD for storage. Obviously switching to SSD is better, there is a cost. Obviously getting a 64-bit system and more RAM is better, but there is a cost and the same with getting dedicated or discrete graphics and a better processor... now we're talking about a $600-$1200 laptop to get the same snappiness that other devices (such as the C720 for $199 when it's not on sale) experience in an off-the-shelf model. Building your own and/or being very selective and getting older/cheaper components is an option, but most people aren't doing that when shopping for a budget device.

 

[mayconvert]

whatever you decide, get rid of windows XP. I have seen many articles from reputable web sites (and I am not talking about click bait jokesters like BGR that don't have a clue about anything), warning people that many viruses and exploits are waiting for D day to release on XP.
You will not be safe on XP no matter how good your anti virus is.

My Opinion:
Chromebooks are not desktop replacements. yet.
You can get a full legal version of Windows 8 from Newegg for $119 and keep $206 in your pocket. or try Ubuntu for free like others mentioned.
2GB of ram is not going to be a great experience. 4GB is Fine, but I disagree that you need 6GB ram to "have a good experience" bullocks.
on my windows 8 systems I had Ventrillo and an online MMO running as well as a web browser and I was logged into everything on Windows 8 and was using 31% of 8GB.
But if you buy ram AND windows 8, you may as well just get a whole new system.
Bad part about a tablet, they are extremely limited. They too are Not a desktop replacement. IMO.

Not sure what the right solution is but I can tell you XP is not safe and is going to be 1000 times less safe in a few days. Get rid of it no matter what else you decide.
Personally, I would NEVER want to be without a desktop/Laptop system that can do anything I Need it to do.
The one time you Need that chrome book / tablet to do something it can't do, you will regret buying it.