Windows 7 laptop wanted

littlemoney

I need to replace my XP Dell Inspiron 6400 which is nearly 7 years old. I have old software, which I can't replace, which will not run on Windows 8. I am not sure if they will run on Windows 7 but I have been told that if I get the Pro version it is possible to run it in XP mode.

I have several questions which I hope you can help me with.

1. Where is the best place to get a Windows 7 Pro computer from. All shops only sell Win 8 so I will have to buy online.

2. My Dell has lasted 7 years are Dell just as good now or are there better makes to buy.

2. Is XP mode something I need to buy or is it some settings in Win7 Pro.

My budget is approx £500, less would be good but I am will to pay more for a decent laptop that will last a good few years especially as I am retiring and will be at home more to use the computer.

I will be using the computer for browsing, watching catchup TV, photo editing, listening to the radio. I also have the habit of having multiple applictions & tabs open at the same time so suggestions on a suitable spec would be appreciated.

Thanks

borse2008

I was in the same predicament you can still get laptops with windows 7 still installed on them, try ebuyer.com

http://www.ebuyer.com/store/Computer/cat/Laptops?a05471=Windows+7+%2B+8.1+Pro+64bit

See this link the lenovo one is handy.

Sharon87

Yeah stick with Windows 7 if you can, don't try and install XP on it, as they've stopped the service packs on that meaning you can't update a lot of software that keeps your computer safe.

Most online suppliers now only do Windows 8 as well, but try ebuyer as suggested, maybe a local computer shop that sell second hand machines after they refurbish them, or even online places that refurbish laptops and sell them on.

I would suggest getting at least 4gb of RAM, a decent sized hard drive (360gb or more), and also a decent processing speed, the higher the better.

Jivesinger

littlemoney wrote: »

2. Is XP mode something I need to buy or is it some settings in Win7 Pro.

I think you have to download some files to get it going. More info here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7

poppellerant

Can you say what software you need which is dependant on Windows XP? Is there any updates for this software, which allows Windows 7 and 8.1 to run it? Are there no alternatives to the software?

littlemoney

Sharon87 wrote: »

I would suggest getting at least 4gb of RAM, a decent sized hard drive (360gb or more), and also a decent processing speed, the higher the better.

What is a decent processing speed and how do I know the processing speed of any computer I am looking at?

poppellerant - the software I want to use is Quicken 2000 delux, there is no modern equivalent for the UK.

bubblesbonbon

I am running Qucken 2000 Deluxe on a Win 7 Home Premium machine and also on a laptop running Win 7 Professional.

They are both running Quicken in normal mode (not XP compatibility mode) and the only issue I have encountered is that the Home Page does not load straight away. However if you click where the accounts list "should be" or try creating a graph or report, the Home Page sorts itself out
Sounds a pain but soon got used to it.

poppellerant

Just to confirm that I've downloaded Quicken 2000 Deluxe and it is working on a Windows 8.1 virtual machine. Anything in particular I can test for you?

Cisco001

http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/notebooks/ultraNoteII-15/

CPU: i5 4210
RAM: 1 x 4GB DDR3 1600
HDD: Recommend SSHD or WD black HDD
OS: choose Win 7 pro as you needed

It is around £500.

Or you can also check dell outlet business section if you don't mind refurb. There are a lot of options with win 7 pro. I suggest you look for at least i5 3rd/ 4th gen for your budget

macman

Buy a refurb office machine and it will almost certainly have W7 installed.