Hey im not quite up to date with computers these days. And were trying to buy a laptop. The guys at future shop and staples both tell me that anythingthat dosent have 8gigs of ram wont run windows 8. How much truth is this... Cause most of the affordable computers there have less then 8gigs.

Were not playing games on this one.. But we are streaming videos and movies. Its mainly a school laptop for sandra.

Can I get a 4 or 6 gig?

Yeah he is a dipshit, the recommended is 4gb and the minimum is 2 (x64)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_8#Hardware_requirements

Have you tried Kijiji Jay? I've seen some awesome deals on there. Got my amazing laptop on there for only $300. Things even got two hard drive bays, which would be great to have if you are planning on storing the media files on it.

Windows 8 is a POS. I have it on my newer LapTop. It does not have a regular Start Menu but you can download Classic Shell which allows you to have a normal Start Menu.

As much as I can understand Microsoft wanting to create an OS that works on PC, LapTop and Tablets it is a pain in the ars for PC and LapTop users that do not have a Touch Screen.

Again; Classic Shell makes it easier. My understanding is that Windows 8.1 "update" does not make things better; some have reported problems with it.

Ghislain

Check the clearance models at Staples, you could still get 8GB for a good price (even though not required). A couple months ago I bought a clearance Toshiba. The new model laptops all felt cheap/flimsy while the clearance models still had good specs and quality. The first thing I did was "downgrade" from Win8 to Win7. Now running Win7 with 8 GB ram

Definitely look for one with Windows 7 option.
We get very good deals through work too Jay.

I thought you had to be an engineer to get work to buy you a laptop.. So you can tune you car with it . Lol

Also might wanna check the forums on redflagdeals.com for some good deals

With multiple computers it is more bearable, as it syncs them all up, but still disappointing overall. Microsoft tends to make oscillate between making one good Window's, then a bad one.

^^^
Every second version is the guinea pig's version!

8.1 is not bad. Touch screen is nice to have. If you love her give her 8 GB of RAM.

Pick up a nice windows 7 refurb laptop, you'll be far happier. Unless you're very used to touch screen phones, it's annoying.

Annoying is not strong enough of a word.

I need someone with a copy of Windows 7!!!

Ghislain

I have a legit copy, what do you need?

I need a laptop first.. Something she can carry to school and put in her locker.Can run office.. Watch movies...Touch screen would be nice.. And needs to log and tune her car! something newish cause its her xmas present and should be special.

I like the idea of the transformbook .. But i cant find any anymore. She played with a surface and didnt like the keyboard.

I can get a hp envy x2 for 400 used. It has windows 8 but only 2gs of ram. It also only has 64gs of memory.. So its definatly more of a tablet then a pc. Butt that is more what she wants.

Are these things any good?

Windows 7 is on clearance from some places do some googling Ghis and you should be able to find it for 20ish

20ish!!!

Naice!!!

Ghislain

I have not been able to find it for $20, still looking. I will buy 30 of them at this price as I do a lot of computer work for people.

Me neither.... cheapest i found was 169$.

Also looked and did not find any cheap Windows 7...

Ghislain

$99 for 7 OEM from Newegg.

I've never seen it cheaper than $89. You could in theory pick up a broken window 7 PC for free and use it's cd key

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

I saw it on redflagdeals, I can't seem to find it.
If it pops up again I will post it.

There's lots of places to find the laptop for you...and cheap if you're willing to purchase second or third hand.

I've seen some stellar models for the $400 mark in Toronto.

Kijiji isn't bad. eBay I've never had problems. Factory Direct.
There's even a link on this board for a refurbished computer place in Commercial Advertisements by the intrepid Daren Peacock.

The Asus TX100 may be up your style. Cheap, new, affordable. Nothing exceptional for your light needs. Touch screen. Has received some good reviews.

As for the much maligned WINDOWS 8...well, I hated it until I realized how it worked. Didn't have a touch screen, but once you get used to it, it's WAY better than the other versions.

Having done computer "repair" on WIN 8 machines, I find getting to where I want to go very very simple.

Don't rush into buying the unit. And always try and haggle the price. You'd be surprised how much you'll get discounted. $20 is better in your pocket!

Reviving this. So lets say you got ahold of a windows 7 COA how do you go about get a clean version of windows 7 to upgrade from XP?

Well if torrents aren't your thing, then I'd say next best bet is to borrow a friends disk.

Oh download the trial iso here, should be able to put the key in and use it. Worse case you may have to call in the activation and say your motherboard died.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Windows-7.shtml

Thanks Jason. Torrents sometimes you never know what you are going to get. I will that link a try.

Oh plus I dont have any friends that have a disc. Everyone just has it pre installed.

Anyone need a legit copy of windows 7? PM me.

Stephen, I can get you a legitimate copy of the files straight from Microsoft. Let me know if you want it and I can bring it by or better yet, if you have a USB stick I can throw it on there for you.

What's the need for a legitimate copy though?

Sal I will text you. Thanks.

So you know all the files are clean and not corrupt.

All my computers have windows 7/8, not very legitimate copies. I used an activator, you just can't install this one update that detects activators.

Given, I bought windows 7 to have the Cd key later on.

So just to update... I bought a fujitsu lifebook. With windows 7... Its old and cheap... But its small and the screen flips to a 9inch touch screen tablet with windows 7 on it. Wont be playing warcraft on it.. But she can use office for school and tune her car with it.

If you ever do buy a laptop with Windows 8 on it, the manufacturer should be able to provide a downgrade option.

They'll ship you discs to install their factory image of Windows 7.

Lenovo's solution takes close to 5 hours to install if I remember correctly. It's an insane amount of time, but it works.

Never EVER trust anything those kids at Bestbuy/Futureshop tell you.

Also what Rob S. said about the Staples deals is good advice. Staples is trying to compete with the big boys and usually has great sales and good inventory.

I just stumbled upon this today.

http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/20/5326844/hp-brings-back-windows-7-by-popular-demand