I need a computer

[hashcake]

I guess I'm he only one who loves windows 8.1. It works brilliantly on my surface pro. Then I also really like Yosemite. And Ubuntu. And even the latest android 5.x.

The 8.1 engine is rock solid but Microsoft bit of more than they could chew by thinking it was time to release a version of Windows that could work on a tablet version.
Even now a decent tablet computer is still expensive and the biggest market for laptops is the budget sector.
Microsoft pulled the retail version of Windows 8.1 from the market late last year so what does that tell you about it's lack of success and uptake?
Microsoft has potentially lost millions in sales due the fact that the commercial market has not adopted Windows 8.1
I've been using MS OSes since MSDOS and whilst most of their GUI based OSes have been good, we all know what a disaster M.E was and although lots of people complained about Vista, I never any major problems with it.
Windows 7 GUI and aero looked and still look very refreshing compared to Windows 8.1.
As for Android, I've been using it since 1.5 and I have liked every flavour of of it.

 

[hashcake]

I just wish the "you're too dumb to understand computers so you need a Mac like me" people would try to help the OP in threads like this, rather than trying to reinforce their purchase decision.

Well said

 

[dejongj]

W8.1 is great, and I'm happy to use it. Yosemite was an improvement over Mavericks and Mountain Lion (at least my Macbook will charge properly again) although the interface and especially fonts are a bit of a mess. Linux - I like several different varieties, and presently run Mint Cinnamon at home. Android is fine in whatever varieties it come in too.

I just wish the "you're too dumb to understand computers so you need a Mac like me" people would try to help the OP in threads like this, rather than trying to reinforce their purchase decision.

I'd take it as best intentions.

For my own inlaws the best would have been a Mac as well. Not least for me to reduce support time. However regardless of what is "better" for them, the ability to change or wanting to change was a huge barrier. It just wasn't worth while and I didn't pursue it further for them. Doesn't make it right or wrong, just fits the needs and desires. Human beings can be very irrational creatures at times.

I still prefer the overall experience and precisely the integration of OSX. However I'm loving the concept and hybrid direction Microsoft is going. Performance is nowadays very good as well.

Yesterday I had to do a presentation, Miracast from my surface pro into the big plasma. I was running two virtual machines on my windows tablet. Was using it in laptop mode and then when standing up and presenting just lifted up the screen and walked around. It was brilliant, so fast and well integrated.

A tablet when it needs to be. A fully fledged development machine when docked up. A games console running Xbox games and controller.

The only thing it can't manage is a bloody unified inbox. Here is hoping for office 2016.

 

[ancient_mariner]

For my own inlaws the best would have been a Mac as well. Not least for me to reduce support time. However regardless of what is "better" for them, the ability to change or wanting to change was a huge barrier. It just wasn't worth while and I didn't pursue it further for them. Doesn't make it right or wrong, just fits the needs and desires. Human beings can be very irrational creatures at times.

I appreciate the sentiments. My suspicion is that my own mother (now well in her 80s) would have benefited from having a Linux computer at home, rather than windows 2000 on a slow and cantankerous machine, but any kind of change at all would have been just too much to cope with, even though the 'word' icon would still be blue.

Glad you're getting on well with the tablet. Was it maintaining the projection over wireless?

 

[dejongj]

Agreed.

Yes it maintained it very well. Ok it was just PowerPoint and a web browser to a local server for the demonstration. Not video intensive like streaming video/audio or a game. However it was a 25 seater room and I walked about to nearly every corner. Very very good.

I've also used Miracast to project ripped bluray playing from the internal micro sd card to a big screen telly in my hotel room with any issue.

I'm loving the versatile concept.

 

[andyscott]

I love mac and run all mac systems in the house.

I used to hate windows, but now, actually if I was not tied into a system (with mac everything). I would home build a windows 8.1 desktop.

By my parts from aria.co.uk and putting them together is easy, and I am not a techno wizard, just watch a youtube video.

For a tablet I would get a teclast Air II and put windows on it.

For a laptop I would still go with mac (for battery life). Even if I put windows on it.

 

[arad85]

I'm loving the versatile concept.

I'm looking at the Surface too. Starting to really like the idea (although not the price). I don't use a portable much (I have a Asus T100 I love for when I do) but like the idea of a Pro. May wait for the 4 and see what that brings.

 

[dejongj]

I'm looking at the Surface too. Starting to really like the idea (although not the price). I don't use a portable much (I have a Asus T100 I love for when I do) but like the idea of a Pro. May wait for the 4 and see what that brings.

I was barking against the price as well, but the moons aligns in February when Microsoft had a £100 price drop on the i5/8GB/256GB version. I added a 128GB MicroSD for additional storage and happy days.

Runs all my developers tools with ease and virtual machines as well. I've now also got the dock for my home office and at thinking of teaming it with an LG 34" curved extra wide panel.

Dare I say, looking at what else is about like the Dell XPS 13 or Lenovo Yoga 3, I had to discount the Lenovo X1 due too cost, it is actually good value for money.

I'll be looking at the 4 as well but required something now. And are concerned the 4 will be Core M only which is great, but I need a little bit more. It may be worth seeing what sky lake will bring if you can wait.