Buying computer with only Win 8 but ....

Hello - going to buy new computer.
coming from Win xp , 7yr old processor Intel 519K

For a new computer from same manufacturer, one model would have Win 8.1 factory- installed but not as much speed & memory. and would cost $200 more than thier current 'on-sale' model that offers only Win 8. but has better processor & more memory !.
So i guess my confusion is it better to get factory-installed Win 8.1 with less power/speed or the model with only Win.8 but with more speed & memory. ( if i go for the 8.1 installed it would also cost $200 more but i'd be getting less power !)
Don't use computer for anything 'heavier' than reading newspapers, surfing the net; email - do no business or use large storage capacity. So maybe having the convenience of getting 8.1 factory-installed & paying more money is worth giving-up greater speed/memory ? But the big question is do i really 'need'' the 8.1 to begin with! !
What are the advantages/disadvantages to 8 vs 8.1 ? If Win 8 is only 'cosmetic' maybe i'd learn to cope with it? never have seen it or tried Win. 8 ... hope i haven't confused & thanks for any input !! Edythe
PS: i know i could upgrade the available Win 8 machine (with faster processor/memory) and upgrade to 8.1 but i don't know how smart that is - read people having problems doing that - also in event of a 'crash' and re-install it would only revert back to Win 8 and i'd have to re-upgrade .

8.1 it's a free upgrade. Get the one you want and just upgrade the OS free from the store.

i don't know how smart that is - read people having problems doing that - also in event of a 'crash' and re-install it would only revert back to Win 8 and i'd have to re-upgrade

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the issues are usually when they came from win7 to win8 and then to 8.1 upgrade, the issue with having to revert back to 8 and then upgrade to 8.1 after a crash would be worth the 200.00 you saved on the better computer

I would buy the computer that is on sale. Then I would make the OEM backup disk. You can upgrade to 8.1 through the Windows Store if you decide you want to upgrade. If anything goes wrong you can reinstall from the OEM backup disk.

I got a Dell xps18 recently, upgraded to 8.1, screwed up something with the wireless driver and got stuck blue screening. I reset back to 8.0 and it was no problem. Then just upgraded again to 8.1. All was well.

pparks1 said:

8.1 it's a free upgrade. Get the one you want and just upgrade the OS free from the store.

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YUP DO know that - so that's what i will do - get the PC with more better processer , more GB, etc.and if /when i want 8.1 i'll do the update myself ... thanks so much !

pparks1 said:

I got a Dell xps18 recently, upgraded to 8.1, screwed up something with the wireless driver and got stuck blue screening. I reset back to 8.0 and it was no problem. Then just upgraded again to 8.1. All was well.

Click to expand...

Thanks for telling me this !! you were right ! lol Edythe

Winuser said:

I would buy the computer that is on sale. Then I would make the OEM backup disk. You can upgrade to 8.1 through the Windows Store if you decide you want to upgrade. If anything goes wrong you can reinstall from the OEM backup disk.

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Thanks for great advice ! exactly what i did - took one with upgraded hardware & Win 8 !! mfg to mfg !! thanks again edythe

caperjack said:

i don't know how smart that is - read people having problems doing that - also in event of a 'crash' and re-install it would only revert back to Win 8 and i'd have to re-upgrade

Click to expand...

the issues are usually when they came from win7 to win8 and then to 8.1 upgrade, the issue with having to revert back to 8 and then upgrade to 8.1 after a crash would be worth the 200.00 you saved on the better computer

Click to expand...

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now i understand !!!! o.k. thanks - edythe