Wait for Windows 8?

[avanalarf]

My XP laptop is several years old and it works fine, I don't have any problems with it. But support for XP from various software companies is likely to gradually disappear, especially since Windows 7 is now #1 in the world, and so I'm thinking of getting a new machine. I can't afford to buy a new one every couple of years so what I do get will have to be good for at least 5 years.

I would appreciate any thoughts on which might be the best strategy:

- wait for Windows 8 even though it is not expected to be released for at least a year

- go ahead and buy a Windows 7 computer now because that OS is going to be around for quite some time

- wait until Windows 8 is released and get a Windows 7 machine at that time because prices for those should have dropped significantly by that time

(the prospect of having a new computer makes me want to rush out and buy one immediately but I want to try being sensible about it)

[cazzz1975]

if it were me, I wouldn't bother waiting for windows 8, you can always upgrade your software to windows 8 at a much later date, if you feel the need to.

[avanalarf]

That's a good point, I hadn't considered that. Thanks.

[Old_Geezer]

I don't think I'd spend to upgrade a laptop that works fine. Can't afford that. I change computers when the existing one has 'given up the ghost'. Support ? When the problem comes then buy new, and the support returns.

[Davethedog]

"if it ain't broke don't fix it" I would stay as you are save your pennies for the rainy day and decide then.

You can get support for nearly every old version of windows, your problems really start with new software being compatible with XP so be wary when buying.

[avanalarf]

Sorry Old_Geezer for a misleading comment, I meant that I hadn't considered the possibility of an upgrade to 8 if I was to buy a 7 machine now.

I have considered upgrading my current laptop from XP to 7 but it seems to be more or less a non-starter.

[Old_Geezer]

Ah, I understand. But actual upgrade of existing hardware, or replacement, I think the advice still stands. As Dave said, it ain't broke. How much do you really need or want that new PC ? However, if you "must" have it then go for it now.

[avanalarf]

The problem with the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" strategy is that technology moves on and my current laptop certainly shows its age in terms of the speed at which some programs run. And I was under the impression that when it comes to upgrading parts of a laptop that it's far easier (and not that much costlier) just to buy a new one.

Also wear and tear means that I would appreciate getting a new one. The keyboard in particular has never recovered from when I installed SP3 five years ago - it caused the system to completely freeze, resulting in a bit of computer rage because all my system restore points were empty.

[Postdog]

It's quite simple really. just buy a new one now. You will be happy with it because it is better than what you have. Even if a new version of windows comes out at some point you will still be happy with it because you don't have to learn new things just to do a simple thing like operate it. Then just change if you can afford it or, more realistically, when like now you have no real choice because it is frustrating you.

[VHG]

Buy a Windows 7 laptop now. Due to the flooding in Thailand hard disk prices are rocketing and soon it will drive up laptop (and PC) prices.

Also Windows 7 is one of Microsoft's better Windows versions (a few in the past, like ME and Vista have been a bit dodgy).

If W8 comes out it may take a while to "settle down" so it is not always good to rush out and buy it (many people wait for service pack 1).

Also some hardware companies will put W8 on machines designed for W7 which may not "fit" well. It may take a while for machines designed for W8 to come out.

Anyway, computer hardware and software is always changing so you could wait forever if you say "I will just wait for that new CPU to come out", or "USB 3" or "Windows 8".

Buy one now.

[avanalarf]

Thanks to you both. Sooner rather than later it is. Now for the next question... (in another thread)