Should I buy W8?

[Dooms]

Using Win 8.1 and find it fine. Boot to desktop, auto login and classic shell I might as well be using Windows 7 but it boots and runs faster

[Obraxis]

If you're running Vista and want to go to 8, that 's fine, but make sure you're graphics chip is supported. A number of older Intel on-board GFX chips are not fully supported and are only used in software-rendering mode.

[dcgregg]

As we know Microsoft are working on "Windows 9" and if I remember correctly, when they released windows 8, they offered it cheaper to those who bought Windows 7. So if this is the case, go for Windows 8? Might get Windows 9 Cheaper? Please correct me if I am wrong.

[Spreadie]

As we know Microsoft are working on "Windows 9" and if I remember correctly, when they released windows 8, they offered it cheaper to those who bought Windows 7. So if this is the case, go for Windows 8? Might get Windows 9 Cheaper? Please correct me if I am wrong.

The upgrade wasn't just for Windows 7 users. I have Win 8 (now 8.1) on my main rig, and Windows 7 on the other PC and the laptops - either will suit you just fine if you want to wait for Win 9.

[jcgriff2]

Hi -

Both of my Vista systems (purchased 2007/2008) are currently running Windows 8.1 without any problems.

Initially, my HP dv7-1020us w/ NVIDIA GeForce 9600M BSOD'd itself to death with bugcheck 0x139 (new in Windows 8), Incredibly, a Windows Update containing a NVIDIA update fixed it.

The thing to watch out for is wifi drivers. If you have Intel wifi - 5100 or above (possibly even 4965 AGN) -- you should be OK. Other wifi devices such as Belkin or those with Atheros drivers may be a problem (no driver updates may be available).

Check out Windows 8.1 FAQ, specifically the W8.1 Upgrade Assistant -

I can't yet post URLs due to post count, so substitute HTTP for HXXP -

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...e-to-windows-8

Regards. . .

jcgriff2
MS MVP

[Woodentop]

I still use W7 but with the improvements in game performance it is forcing my hand to upgrade to W8 soon

[EggenMcBerg]

I'm currently running W7 64 Enterprise (fully legit) and it's fine, I know my way around it as I've been using it exclusively since the beta release but the new-build's imminent so the option to start afresh with a new OS is there. I'm currently running a 775 mobo but the new one's going to be 1155 (don't see the point in going further up the upgrade ladder given the limited gaming time I have now I'm a family man). That said, if there's a significant advantage to gaming then I'll probably make the move but at present I'm squarely on the fence - and it hurts.

[prehensile]

Win 7 and win 8 are almost identical, it depends on price and accessibility. win 8 is mostly a project for mobiles and touchscreens and home cinemas it;s mostly identical to win7.

[rich835]

I really disliked Windows 8 when I tried it. Which surprised me, because I've been a Windows Phone user for a long time, and I love it.
I was able to work with windows 8, but I found it very inefficient, there were just too many hoops to jump through to get where you wanted to be.
I ended up installing windows 7 and windows 8 in dual boot mode, just so I could be productive in my work. When I get a bit of free time, I switch to windows 8 and continue learning it. This approach works well for me.

[realstock]

I would check what Windows drivers you have available for your X61 before you decide.

I'm not saying that Windows 8 will not work but you might encounter some issues or even worse some devices on the laptop might not work without Windows 8 drivers.

[jessicali]

Win 8 is more wonderful, especially for it is made for touch screen. I recommend. You can buy it.

[SNYPER E]

Using Win 8.1 and find it fine. Boot to desktop, auto login and classic shell I might as well be using Windows 7 but it boots and runs faster

This. But I use Start8, Wndows 8 = 7+more, don't even need to ever look at the Metro UI

[Saracen]

Win 8 is more wonderful, especially for it is made for touch screen. I recommend. You can buy it.

Win 8 itself is pretty good. MUI is, IMHO, horrible. I neither have not want touch screens on my desktop systems, so "touch" interests me not at all.

Yes, the boot to desktop, and classic shell/Start8 route is fine, for those that feel inclined. Personally, I'm not inclined to buy an "upgrade" when I then have to start using 3rd Party tools to get rid of the garbage MS tried to force on us, when they could have given us what classic shell/Start8/etc do, as standard, that being a choice.

I won't recommend to others whether to buy or not. It depends on your needs, priorities, and situation.

I won't buy any more W8 licences until MS return that choice to users. If they don't, I'm done with Windows. If I'm going to have to get used to a new interface, it won't be MUI. KDE, Gnome, etc, even Unity, maybe. But not MUI.