Laptop advice

[Hedgehog]

I'm in the market for a new laptop and wanted some advice. I do most of my Internet surfing and email on a iPad so I only need a basic laptop. I install mobile electronics and need a windows based pd to flash bypass modules. I also work on Harley's and need a newer computer for remapping fuel injection. I also want to be able to take music CDs and download them onto my iPod. With that said, every time I go to bestbuy, I walk out empty handed because I know nothing about windows 8 other than the negativity. I just went to a old computer shop locally that I dealt with some 15 years ago. He is offering Lenovo thinkpads with windows 7 installed and a windows 8 cd in case I ever wanted to switch. It is a intel i3 processor with 6gb ram and 320gb hard drive. He removes all the trial******and installs all updates prior to pickup. His price is $649. I don't know whether I should grab this and know ill have local tech support or save a few hundred and get a windows 8 model from a big box store. Any input would be appreciated

[trb46]

Hedgehog...every so often Toshiba offers laptops with Windows 7. Go to their website and do some searching; you might find what you're looking for. I've had several Toshiba laptops; had no problems with them.

[RFCN2]

Hedgehog - I have two Windows 7 laptops, a Sony and a Toshiba. I like Windows 7. However, I have not had any problems with XP or Vista either. I had 4 computers with XP and was very very happy with it. My wife has an old HP laptop with Vista, works fine. My point here is that all the Windows products I have had in the last ten years or so have been good. I would not worry about the Micro Soft OS you get with your new computer.

If possible you should try to get a more powerful chip than the i3. My latest Toshiba is an i7 and I only paid 100 bucks more than the Lenovo with the i3. I did get my Toshiba at Best Buy. I have had about 5 Toshiba laptops over the years. I recommend them as reliable and good computers.

[Gene_Ginny]

I have heard the Lenovo thinkpad is a good rugged machine. That looks like a good deal for you.

(JMHO)

edit: the one by WyoTraveler above looks good too but you don't have a local "geek" if you need one.

[WyoTraveler]

I agree. Even the computer geeks are saying windows 8 failed the test. I also love windows 7. I searched and searched for a laptop. I decided and just purchased an i5 3230m 2.6G Lenovo laptop with windows 7 from amazon for $549.99. I think it is a good buy. The closest thing I found was an Acer with about the same specs with less USB ports for $585. You may want to check out the Lenovo B590 laptop at amazon 59410449. I will be getting mine in a few days and can let you know. The reviewers are saying the Lenovo has good quality and better than the Acer and Toshiba. JMHO from all of my searches on the internet.

[Hedgehog]

I just need something reliable. I am not a computer guy and I've been told that windows 7 is still more stable

[rjf7g]

Sounds like you're getting service you want...you may be able to order something cheaper online, but there's something to be said for service. Make sure the Windows 8 DVD is legitimate.

[LittleBill]

you can make 8 look like 7 if it bothers you that much