PC Replacement from Toshiba - Model Satellite C870D to ? ? ?

[boston_blacky]

So, I've have been lucky to operate on this same p.c. (above noted) using Windows 7 for approx. 4 to 5 yrs. To be proactive, I'd like to now move fwd. and again shop at Best Buy and find a good replacement. Question is do I stay with a Toshiba and similar model; i.e Satellite C870D?

I've set a limit of about $600 to $700 cdn. and-as stated-wish to return to Best Buy. All comments, suggestions and recommendations are welcome. Many thanks in advance. :h
p.s. I already know, in advance, I'll end up using Windows 10!

[Tom_M1]

boston blacky wrote:
An upgrade to (M.2 SSD) sounds doable. Question - do I need to 'format' and then install Windows once the conversion is complete? If so, what version of Windows is recommended? BB

If you are going to upgrade your drive with a M.2 make sure your notebook supports the M.2 format.

Before doing any upgrade, you may want to do a fresh system restore. Most computers have a procedure to restore to a factory fresh condition. The original OS is stored on a hidden partition of your hard drive, so if you replace the drive, this partition is gone. If you want to install a new drive, you could make an image of the old drive using software such as Macrium Reflect. A free version is availble at:
https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree

I have a 7 year old Toshiba Portege that I set up to dual boot between Windows 7 and Windows 10. I seldom use Win 10.

My system:
Toshiba Portege R835 with i5 processor 4GB memory.
2TB Seagate hybrid drive with three partitions.
OS - Windows 7 Pro and Windows 10 Pro.

I have upgraded the hard drive a few times and replaced the onboard DVD drive with a Blu-Ray burner.

My previous drive was a 500GB SSD that crapped out on me in about 6 months. My 2TB hybrid drive has an 8GB flash memory section where the most used files get moved to. This is all transparent to the OS and appears as a single drive. Once the system is booted a few times, the PC boots almost as fast as an all solid state drive.

Unless you are into gaming or do a lot of video editing, you don't need to upgrade your memory. I do occasional video editing with my Portege and it works fine. Windows 10 works fine with the 4GB of memory that I have. I have a Windows 10 tablet that I purchased at Walmart for $100 with 2GB of memory and it works great.

I still prefer Win 7 over Win 10. I occasionally boot to Win 10, usually to see if some software will run okay on it. Other than that, I stick with Win 7.

[TenOC]

You are not clear on why you want to "move forward". I am using a HP EliteBook 6730w 2.8 Ghz Windows 7 Laptop with a SS Drive that I purchased used on ebay for less than $300 US. I have added a USB 3.0 Docking station for my two 3Tb hard drive that use for data and backup.

I personally do not like the touch screens and like to use a remote mouse not the touch pad.

Very happy and will keep it until I have a very good reason to replace it.

[boston_blacky]

An upgrade to (M.2 SSD) sounds doable. Question - do I need to 'format' and then install Windows once the conversion is complete? If so, what version of Windows is recommended? BB

[theoldwizard1]

Why do you feel you need to "move fwd" ? Is your current machine slowing down ? Some clean up, maybe some more memory and a solid state disk (SSD) will turn it into a barn burner for half of your budget. I am typing on an 8 year old laptop that I performed the above steps on. It boots in about 30-45 seconds and is faster for "typical" taks than many new laptops.

If you are not "dead in the water", but still want a newer machine, I suggest you wait another 3-6 months. AMD (not Intel) has a new family of processors that are just hitting the streets. They are VERY "cost effective" and will give better performance for a similarly price Intel based machine (or you can spend less and get equivalent performance).

Windows 10 like lots of memory. 8Mb is an absolute minimum. Make sure the memory CAN be upgraded later (some of the very inexpensive models can not be). It will "blow your budget" but a M.2 SSD will make any laptop feel mike a rocket ship.

[wa8yxm]

I have a TOSH runnign Win-10
And an HP runnign Win-10
And a HP desktop running Win-7
and two chromebooks (HP) 200 each at Wall mart

IF your primary use is web browsing go with the Chrome books.. Not much good "Offline" but on line they are great

One of the most amazing things is how long it takes to set 'em up

Assuming you already have a Google account.

Plug in
turn on
It will ask you a few question
Country (Defaults ot USA)
Wi-Fi Node (I picked one) Then PSK if needed
Something else (keyboard layout I think) defaulted
Then it updates the OS (takes a minute or two)
Then it asks for your google log in
IF you used Chrome browser it will auto-configure, import your bookmarks and any Chrome apps and you are ready to play

In about the amount of time it took me to type this.

[Tyler0215]

Upgrade what you have and keep Win7

[GordonThree]

How much did you spend on the Toshiba all those years ago? You don't need to replace it, just upgrade some components. Finding a tech you can trust that won't rip you off is the hardest part there.

My main computer is from 2012, I spent a little over the years to upgrade the drives and video card. According to benchmarks, it's as fast as anything I can buy for under $1500 today.

[Fizz]

When my Toshiba died I went with HP. That was 4 yrs ago and I'm not sorry.

Lots on sale at BEST BUY

[ReadyToGo]

The stickler here is 700 cdn. That is what? about $550 or so USD? You might look at ones with an older I5 processor. You might save some money doing that.
For about $700usd, you can get an i5 proc., 128 ssd, 1 TB hd, 12 meg memory.
I have had mine for 2 1/2 yrs now. It boots up in 15 seconds.
The secret is the ssd drive.