Do I keep 8.1 laptop--frustrated so far.

jrileye

New Member
Messages
2
I just bought a new laptop with 8.1..Good machine, has i5, 6 GB, 750 HD. I need decide in 2-3 days whether to keep it or return it and get a Windows 7 machine.


My issues are: seems hard to work smoothly because of so many log ons and interruptions. It's been so frustrating, but hopefully I have my Microsoft account set up properly and maybe that will help. Is it possible to get it configured
so that it essentially works like Windows 7?

I like the touch screen, however I wanted to use it in tablet configuration for stylus drawing, but I learned later that you need a different kind of touch screen for that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba 4204
    CPU
    i5
    Motherboard
    unsure
    Memory
    6GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    INtel4400
    Browser
    Google
    Antivirus
    Webroot secure anywhere

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-built/ Custom
    CPU
    AMD FX-6300
    Motherboard
    MSI 970A-G43
    Memory
    Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus GTX 750 ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP w2207h
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 1TB 3.5" 7200 Hybrid Internal Hard Drive
    Crucial M500 240GB 2.5-inch Internal SSD
    PSU
    EVGA 500 Watt 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply
    Case
    Fractal Design Define R4
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro Series H55 Quiet Edition Liquid CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    CM Storm Devastator - Red
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless Performance Mouse MX
    Internet Speed
    Really fast.
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG
    Other Info
    Logitech G230 Headset
You can set it up to be the same as Windows 7. Various apps in the app store can do this. The one I like is Classic Shell as it gives you various choices. I did not like Windows 8 or 8.1 to start with, but it is handy especially with touch screen apps. Once you get used to it it is fine.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hewlett Packard
    CPU
    1.8
    Memory
    4gb
    Screen Resolution
    2048
    Hard Drives
    2 Internal = 500GB
    4 External on USB LAN = 6TB
    Media Player = 4TB
    Internet Speed
    12mbhs
    Browser
    Torch
    Antivirus
    AVG
I like the touch screen, however I wanted to use it in tablet configuration for stylus drawing, but I learned later that you need a different kind of touch screen for that.

If it doesn't perform the main purpose without alteration then I would exchange it for one that does.
On the W8 vs Windows7 thing, W8 can access larger drives using GPT. But unless you use external drives that's likely not an issue for you. W8 may give slightly better performance at the cost of losing the pretty UIs possible in Windows7. If Glass doesn't matter to you then that's not an issue.

But if you like Apps and touch screen the best choice may be to get the machine with the right type of touch screen,as you mentioned, that will also work with Apps. In other words a different machine running W8. (If this combo exists I don't know. I've never used touch screen or stylus. I'm a desktop guy on my first Laptop.) :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
Welcome to Windows Eight Forums, jrileye.

Please expound on "seems hard to work smoothly because of so many log ons and interruptions"? Signing into my tower PC with my MS accounts automatically signs me into any MS sites except for the main profile site. Only it is there that I have to enter my password for security reasons.

As MilesAhead stated > I would exchange it for one that has a screen that works with a stylus. That seems to be the crucial point for you. Are you sure it won't work with a stylus and it's driver?

So far as the OS > I don't, but many here do get 8 to work and look like 7. There are 3rd party programs for Aero glass also. Perhaps someone here knows where to get a good one.

Bottom line is that if you don't like 8.x there's no shame in that. Get a machine with 7. 7 does have touch features.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Thanks to all fior the good info. When I first was getting started, it seemed like there were frequent extra log ins. Perhaps that the Microsoft account wanting to finish my profile. I do like the option to use the touch screen--it can be tedious moving the pointer to small boxes, etc. I'll check with Toshiba to see I activate the screen with drivers of some sort. I'll try to report back on that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba 4204
    CPU
    i5
    Motherboard
    unsure
    Memory
    6GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    INtel4400
    Browser
    Google
    Antivirus
    Webroot secure anywhere
I learned later that you need a different kind of touch screen for that.

Looks like you answered your own question. Seems you need to change it for a machine with the function you want.

What is the point if trying to make 8 like 7? Just get the real thing. 7 is the best os from MS.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
7 was /is great ,i loved it ,but for what i do win8.1 with the update is great to, maybe people who use computer for different things than i do find win8 and 7 different .i dont ,i set my desktop and taskabr up to get me everywhere i need to go without using the start scree ,just like i did with win7 and winxp and win 98 and win 95 and win 3.11.
and iam typing this on my mac book,and i got my desktop and taskbar set to go where i need to go too,and it seems to work just like windows
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
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