they screwed me so I need a new basic laptop suggestions?

[98valk]

they screwed me by finally many companies have stopped supporting windows pro 7 as of march 1st.

so I need basic, get on websites, order things, etc., zero gaming, zero movie watching.  do watch youtube  and listen to music sometimes.

I hear windows 11 is a nightmare probally have me cursing like my new google controlled cell phone, disgusting that they gave them the right to do what they do.

is apple laptop the way to go or more of a nightmare?

thanks for the help,  God Bless.

[sandy]

I upgraded my W10 to 11 last year. Have no issues. It works just fine.

[carolinarider09]

I switched to an Apple Laptop some 5 or more years ago. (forget when).  Before that I was using a laptop running Windows 7. 

I do not regret, in anyway, my transition to the MacBook.   I am on my second MacBook, the one I had been using had a "display" failure and I was forced to purchase a new one last year.  I never had that problem with the many laptops I used running Microsoft software but.....  I really prefer the MacBook. 

I have an iMac desk top as well to replace the pervious desktop I had "built" running Microsoft software.  I was into building my own back then.

The only issue I have with the MacBook is that it is running Sequoia 15.7.4.  However, it keeps wanting me to update to macOS Tahoe 26.4.  I have no need to do this but, it keeps asking.  That is the major issue.

Now, just in case you are interested, (and I don't know if this version of the software is still available) one of the things that I really liked about the MacBook when I first started using it was a program called VMware Fusion. 

VMWare Fusion allowed me to run Windows 7 on my MacBook and on my iMac.  When I upgraded (due to the laptop problem) to a new MacBook, I found that I could not load VMware on my new laptop because it was no longer available from the original vendor. 

So, It still runs on my iMac.  And I can run Windows 7 on my iMac and run Microsoft Streets and Trips 2013 on the iMac.  I use to use Microsoft Streets and Trips for route planning but.... that ended when I had to purchase a new Garmin 595 GPS.  And of course Garmin stopped supporting maps for the Garmin 665 I was using (my Garmin 660 still does well though). 

Anyway, I can still make Routes in Streets and Trips on my iMac but I am forced to use Basecamp on my Current MacBook.  Basecamp has some (in my humble opinion) some major issues but..... I have finally learned how to make a route for both motorcycle and car use. 

Any questions, just ask.

[scooperhsd]

I've been running Win11 since i got my present Laptop  and it got upgraded to Win11 from Win 10. Not many issues at all to speak of.

[Serk]

All the big tech companies are.... less than ideal, but I have severe issues with the ethics of Apple and won't touch them as much as I can avoid them.

For what you're wanting, take a good look at a Chromebook... They're low powered, generally inexpensive and basically just the Chrome web browser as an OS.  (They run Linux under the hood, but it's all hidden away under a shiny shell, just like modern Apple phones and computers are actually BSD Unix under the hood.)

(And I get it, Windows 7 was one of the best versions of Windows, but it's been unsupported since January of 2020.)

Much as I despise the company for their unethical practices and dearly wish Microsoft and Bill Gates had let them go bankrupt back in 1997 instead of literally saving the company, if you choose to go that route take a look at the new Apple Neo laptops. They're low powered Apple laptops (Technically use iPhone Apple Silicon CPUs, but that's still plenty for basic usage) and you can pick one up at your local Wal-Mart for $599...

Microsoft just recently promised to make Windows 11 suck less in the coming year (Make it lighter weight, remove the forced AI integration, at least some of it, etc) I'll believe that when I see it.

Personally I'm still on Windows but that's for optimized gaming. If I didn't game I'd probably try to find a local geek or nerd and bribe 'em to install Mint Linux on my existing computer and keep using it a few more years.

I know, lot of conflicting info in my stream of consciousness reply but, some info to consider a few different options.

[Jersey mike]

I switched to an Apple Laptop some 5 or more years ago. (forget when).  Before that I was using a laptop running Windows 7. 

I do not regret, in anyway, my transition to the MacBook.   I am on my second MacBook, the one I had been using had a "display" failure and I was forced to purchase a new one last year.  I never had that problem with the many laptops I used running Microsoft software but.....  I really prefer the MacBook. 

I have an iMac desk top as well to replace the pervious desktop I had "built" running Microsoft software.  I was into building my own back then.

The only issue I have with the MacBook is that it is running Sequoia 15.7.4.  However, it keeps wanting me to update to macOS Tahoe 26.4.  I have no need to do this but, it keeps asking.  That is the major issue.

Now, just in case you are interested, (and I don't know if this version of the software is still available) one of the things that I really liked about the MacBook when I first started using it was a program called VMware Fusion. 

VMWare Fusion allowed me to run Windows 7 on my MacBook and on my iMac.  When I upgraded (due to the laptop problem) to a new MacBook, I found that I could not load VMware on my new laptop because it was no longer available from the original vendor. 

So, It still runs on my iMac.  And I can run Windows 7 on my iMac and run Microsoft Streets and Trips 2013 on the iMac.  I use to use Microsoft Streets and Trips for route planning but.... that ended when I had to purchase a new Garmin 595 GPS.  And of course Garmin stopped supporting maps for the Garmin 665 I was using (my Garmin 660 still does well though). 

Anyway, I can still make Routes in Streets and Trips on my iMac but I am forced to use Basecamp on my Current MacBook.  Basecamp has some (in my humble opinion) some major issues but..... I have finally learned how to make a route for both motorcycle and car use. 

Any questions, just ask.

After high school before the kids went to college we bought each of them a Mac and they lasted and lasted. I think 2 of my kids still have their original and are probably 6-8 years old. Our youngest needed a new one after a stupid accident ruined it. Never an issue with viruses. They run smooth.

Somewhere along the way we also found you can run a modern version of Windows on them as well.

[98valk]

All the big tech companies are.... less than ideal, but I have severe issues with the ethics of Apple and won't touch them as much as I can avoid them.

For what you're wanting, take a good look at a Chromebook... They're low powered, generally inexpensive and basically just the Chrome web browser as an OS.  (They run Linux under the hood, but it's all hidden away under a shiny shell, just like modern Apple phones and computers are actually BSD Unix under the hood.)

(And I get it, Windows 7 was one of the best versions of Windows, but it's been unsupported since January of 2020.)

Much as I despise the company for their unethical practices and dearly wish Microsoft and Bill Gates had let them go bankrupt back in 1997 instead of literally saving the company, if you choose to go that route take a look at the new Apple Neo laptops. They're low powered Apple laptops (Technically use iPhone Apple Silicon CPUs, but that's still plenty for basic usage) and you can pick one up at your local Wal-Mart for $599...

Microsoft just recently promised to make Windows 11 suck less in the coming year (Make it lighter weight, remove the forced AI integration, at least some of it, etc) I'll believe that when I see it.

Personally I'm still on Windows but that's for optimized gaming. If I didn't game I'd probably try to find a local geek or nerd and bribe 'em to install Mint Linux on my existing computer and keep using it a few more years.

I know, lot of conflicting info in my stream of consciousness reply but, some info to consider a few different options.

thanks for all of that Serk

"And I get it, Windows 7 was one of the best versions of Windows, but it's been unsupported since January of 2020.)"

yes however since Windows 10 was using the same Security updates as Windows 7,  that allowed 7 to still work on all websites. Now windows 10 became unsupported on March 1st, so windows security went away for both. This is why 7 is not working on many websites.

[Hook#3287]

I am a Neanderthal when it comes to the guts and inner workings of a computer but I agree with Serk, I stay away from Apple anything.

My 13 year old I-pad, the only Apple product ever purchased, runs awesome as far as screen, case and surprisingly, battery, but because Apple dropped it from support, nothing works on it.

It's aggravating that a company would spend the effort to make a product to last physically, but then discount it and its users w/o continued support. Apple will not allow it to be updated.

I spent some time looking at laptops at BJ's Wholesale yesterday, as I want something to travel with, so I'm just beginning to figure out what is important.

CPU speed, ram size, storage size all seem to be the talking points, but after that, I'm lost.

So much to compare, I glaze over somewhat.

Then there's flat screen tv's

[F6Dave]

Support for Windows 7 is still available. A company in Slovenia sells subscriptions to 0patch, which provides security patches for Windows 7 and about 2 dozen other systems Microsoft has abandoned. Those include Windows 10, Office 2010/2013/2016, and even Windows Server 2008.

I keep my old Windows 7 Pro PC because it runs some old software development tools I need occasionally to support apps I wrote years ago. I signed up for 0patch when Microsoft ended support in 2020 and have had no problems. It patches not just the Win 7 OS, but also the Edge browser, removing that 'Not Supported' warning in the banner. The price is about 25 Euros a year, which converted to $29.44 when I renewed last month.

0patch says they'll continue to provide Win 7 support as long as there is sufficient interest. They extended until next year and hopefully will extend it again.

[carolinarider09]

Support for Windows 7 is still available. A company in Slovenia sells subscriptions to 0patch, which provides security patches for Windows 7 and about 2 dozen other systems Microsoft has abandoned. Those include Windows 10, Office 2010/2013/2016, and even Windows Server 2008.

I keep my old Windows 7 Pro PC because it runs some old software development tools I need occasionally to support apps I wrote years ago. I signed up for 0patch when Microsoft ended support in 2020 and have had no problems. It patches not just the Win 7 OS, but also the Edge browser, removing that 'Not Supported' warning in the banner. The price is about 25 Euros a year, which converted to $29.44 when I renewed last month.

0patch says they'll continue to provide Win 7 support as long as there is sufficient interest. They extended until next year and hopefully will extend it again.

Thanks.. I shall keep that in mind.  I still have a laptop that runs Windows 7 (besides the version I run on my iMac)

[F6Dave]

yes however since Windows 10 was using the same Security updates as Windows 7,  that allowed 7 to still work on all websites. Now windows 10 became unsupported on March 1st, so windows security went away for both. This is why 7 is not working on many websites.

Since 0patch secures both the Win 7 OS and the Edge browser, I'm I've had no problem running websites. However I'm a careful browser and almost never visit an unknown site. If I see a link that looks the least bit suspicious I usually check it out on a backup T-Mobile phone I've kept around. The company doesn't advertise it, but they have a $15/month plan that includes unlimited talk and texts and 5 GB of data. Their 5G network is faster than my AT&T phone in many places.

[98valk]

I shut down the microsoft browser yrs ago and strictly use mozilla and firefox, so I can still access many websites with 7, however its the larger company websites like home depot and lowes, I cannot do any searches and/or buy anything online. so far ebay and amazon haven't been a problem. just bought some things from valkyrie carbs and custom and had zero problems online.
well anyway I will be getting a new laptop, so I can access those business websites.

[Serk]

Surprised you're not using Brave browser.....

[sidecarwilliam]

they screwed me by finally many companies have stopped supporting windows pro 7 as of march 1st.

so I need basic, get on websites, order things, etc., zero gaming, zero movie watching.  do watch youtube  and listen to music sometimes.

I hear windows 11 is a nightmare probally have me cursing like my new google controlled cell phone, disgusting that they gave them the right to do what they do.

is apple laptop the way to go or more of a nightmare?

thanks for the help,  God Bless.\

I am surprised you are not using Linux.  Been around for years, free,always updated and has for free all the office stuff and more.  Uses less of you operating system than most.

good luck,

bill.

[98valk]

Surprised you're not using Brave browser.....

didn't know about that. better than firefox? I just do basic things with computers.

thanks
God Bless u and family.

[Serk]

And I'll 2nd the "Why aren't you using Linux?" comment too... It's the most "Free" (Free as in beer and free as in speech) OS out there, and it's reached the point where I'd be okay setting my parents up with it.

It used to be really only for nerds and geeks but it's progressed to the point where it's perfectly usable by most regular users. The only caveat is generally computes don't come with it installed, so you'd need to install it. It's a simple install, but if you're not comfortable with writing an ISO image to a thumb drive, booting from a thumb drive, etc it can be a challenge...

Brave Browser is Chromium based (Same behind the scenes engine as Google Chrome (And Microsoft Edge)) but is privacy first.

[Jess from VA]

Days after Windows 10 lost support, an email has locked up my new (few years old) laptop (Windows 10).  (It asked me to go to Windows 11 1000 times, and I never would, and it finally stopped asking.)

It owns the computer as soon as I log in, with all kinds of windows and security warnings and tells me to call a phone number for tech support.  I'm not believing it and not calling.

I only use the thing for my email and weather channel and the occasional thing my ancient computer won't do or open.  I rarely use it because it so different from my old computer operating system.

I get trash/hype/adds all the time in my email, and always delete without opening them all, and I was trying to delete this one this morning and it either opened on it's own or I opened it by mistake.

I have a former IT department head neighbor I'm going to beg for help.   

[Serk]

Days after Windows 10 lost support, an email has locked up my new (few years old) laptop (Windows 10).  (It asked me to go to Windows 11 1000 times, and I never would, and it finally stopped asking.)

It owns the computer as soon as I log in, with all kinds of windows and security warnings and tells me to call a phone number for tech support.  I'm not believing it and not calling.

I only use the thing for my email and weather channel and the occasional thing my ancient computer won't do or open.  I rarely use it because it so different from my old computer operating system.

I get trash/hype/adds all the time in my email, and always delete without opening them all, and I was trying to delete this one this morning and it either opened on it's own or I opened it by mistake.

I have a former IT department head neighbor I'm going to beg for help.   

Yeah, my dad gets that, or one like it, periodically and I hafta clean it out. If you were local I'd say bring it over and I'll take a look, but...

I've got his computer set up where I can remotely take it over and clean stuff like that, but can't do much remotely while yours is in the current state.

I hate scammers like that with a deep burning passion...

[Jess from VA]

I hoped you'd weigh in Brian.

I caught him working in his yard yesterday evening (I try to never knock on neighbor's doors).

He said he'd do his best, but leaving town for a week so it may be a while.

I always promise to keep an eye on his house (right across the street), but his 27 cameras and motion sensor lights do a better job than I ever could.

He's the guy who installed my big Verizon upgrade (I didn't want or need) last year. 

[Serk]

Heh... buy me round trip plane tickets and I'll either fix it or install Mint Linux on it for ya'...

(Alternatively but less fun, ship it to me with return shipping and I'll do the same.)

But honestly, it's probably a lot simpler and likely cheaper to get someone local to handle it.

For the errant computer, which web browser do you use? Edge? (Built in Microsoft one) Chrome? (One most people switch to) or "Other"?

If you're feeling brave, while it's up and doing all the complaining hold down Control, Shift and press Escape at the same time.

That will bring up Task Manager. If you're able to go to the Details tab (Or something similar), sort by name (Click on the header of the "Name" column) and right click and select  "End Process Tree" on anything that smells like your browser (Edge, MSEdge, Chrome, etc).

If you manage to terminate it all and it quiets down launch your web browser. You should get a message about it not shutting down clean, do you want to restore previous windows? Select NO.

It's a long shot being able to work through all that from a simple message like this but worth a shot.

You can't break anything permanently doing this (That's not a challenge!).

[F6Dave]

I shut down the microsoft browser yrs ago and strictly use mozilla and firefox, so I can still access many websites with 7, however its the larger company websites like home depot and lowes, I cannot do any searches and/or buy anything online. so far ebay and amazon haven't been a problem. just bought some things from valkyrie carbs and custom and had zero problems online.
well anyway I will be getting a new laptop, so I can access those business websites.

I'm no fan of the Nadella era Microsoft, or their ever more obnoxious Edge browser. But by subscribing to 0patch the Edge browser became SUPPORTED, and I'm able to login to any website I need to from Windows 7. Firefox version 115 is also still supported on Win 7, but I've read that will end in August.

So, if you want to use a functional browser on Windows 7 you currently have two options:
 1. You can use Firefox version 115. An update (115.34) was just released this week.
 2. You can get extended support from 0patch, which covers Win 7 and Edge.

Other than replacing the PC, there may be other options I'm unaware of. Maybe someone else will chime in.

[98valk]

I shut down the microsoft browser yrs ago and strictly use mozilla and firefox, so I can still access many websites with 7, however its the larger company websites like home depot and lowes, I cannot do any searches and/or buy anything online. so far ebay and amazon haven't been a problem. just bought some things from valkyrie carbs and custom and had zero problems online.
well anyway I will be getting a new laptop, so I can access those business websites.

I'm no fan of the Nadella era Microsoft, or their ever more obnoxious Edge browser. But by subscribing to 0patch the Edge browser became SUPPORTED, and I'm able to login to any website I need to from Windows 7. Firefox version 115 is also still supported on Win 7, but I've read that will end in August.

So, if you want to use a functional browser on Windows 7 you currently have two options:
 1. You can use Firefox version 115. An update (115.34) was just released this week.
 2. You can get extended support from 0patch, which covers Win 7 and Edge.

Other than replacing the PC, there may be other options I'm unaware of. Maybe someone else will chime in.

thanks.  a new laptop is what I will have to do, bill gates and congress corrupted the system and they all got very wealthy.

[Jess from VA]

For the errant computer, which web browser do you use? Edge? (Built in Microsoft one) Chrome? (One most people switch to) or "Other"?

If you're feeling brave,

You can't break anything permanently doing this (That's not a challenge!).

Mozilla Firefox, except the computer defaults to Google sometimes.

I'm not brave and fearful of making things worse.  And I don't need the aggravation of trying and failing.  This guy has never failed me, though getting him to actually help me could take awhile.

Though only half my age, I've helped him several times with physical labor (which he avoids like the plague), so he owes me.  

[F6Dave]

I shut down the microsoft browser yrs ago and strictly use mozilla and firefox, so I can still access many websites with 7, however its the larger company websites like home depot and lowes, I cannot do any searches and/or buy anything online. so far ebay and amazon haven't been a problem. just bought some things from valkyrie carbs and custom and had zero problems online.
well anyway I will be getting a new laptop, so I can access those business websites.

I'm no fan of the Nadella era Microsoft, or their ever more obnoxious Edge browser. But by subscribing to 0patch the Edge browser became SUPPORTED, and I'm able to login to any website I need to from Windows 7. Firefox version 115 is also still supported on Win 7, but I've read that will end in August.

So, if you want to use a functional browser on Windows 7 you currently have two options:
 1. You can use Firefox version 115. An update (115.34) was just released this week.
 2. You can get extended support from 0patch, which covers Win 7 and Edge.

Other than replacing the PC, there may be other options I'm unaware of. Maybe someone else will chime in.

thanks.  a new laptop is what I will have to do, bill gates and congress corrupted the system and they all got very wealthy.

It sounds like you want a new computer! So I won't waste any more time telling you how to keep a Windows 7 PC running.

BTW, Steve Ballmer replaced Gates as CEO in 2000. Microsoft has changed a lot since the Y2K days. But our Valkyries haven't!

[98valk]

I shut down the microsoft browser yrs ago and strictly use mozilla and firefox, so I can still access many websites with 7, however its the larger company websites like home depot and lowes, I cannot do any searches and/or buy anything online. so far ebay and amazon haven't been a problem. just bought some things from valkyrie carbs and custom and had zero problems online.
well anyway I will be getting a new laptop, so I can access those business websites.

I'm no fan of the Nadella era Microsoft, or their ever more obnoxious Edge browser. But by subscribing to 0patch the Edge browser became SUPPORTED, and I'm able to login to any website I need to from Windows 7. Firefox version 115 is also still supported on Win 7, but I've read that will end in August.

So, if you want to use a functional browser on Windows 7 you currently have two options:
 1. You can use Firefox version 115. An update (115.34) was just released this week.
 2. You can get extended support from 0patch, which covers Win 7 and Edge.

Other than replacing the PC, there may be other options I'm unaware of. Maybe someone else will chime in.

thanks.  a new laptop is what I will have to do, bill gates and congress corrupted the system and they all got very wealthy.

It sounds like you want a new computer! So I won't waste any more time telling you how to keep a Windows 7 PC running.

BTW, Steve Ballmer replaced Gates as CEO in 2000. Microsoft has changed a lot since the Y2K days. But our Valkyries haven't!

its not that I want a new computer, but I'm not going to use a program from a foreign country that could have who knows what imbedded in it. govt taught me that with our security training.
 I'm not a computer savant. thank you very, very much for your info and help.
  I'm well aware gates left yrs ago, I was stating what he did when he was there, with congress.
cheaper and easier to get a low cost lap top for now.
v/r
thanks

[Jess from VA]

My neighbor came over and fixed my computer lockup in 1 minute.   

There was no other invasion, and he then also ran a full diagnostic, then all the updates I should have done.

Some neighbors are better than others.   

[scooperhsd]

My neighbor came over and fixed my computer lockup in 1 minute.   

There was no other invasion, and he then also ran a full diagnostic, then all the updates I should have done.

Some neighbors are better than others.   

 And the neighbors who can fix your computer are to be treasured . 

[Serk]

I REALLY wish I had a computer illiterate Valkyrie mechanic as a neighbor... I could work out some really good barters!

[h13man]

Recently had to update our desktop hard drive from 7 system after 10 yrs. The price of new kinda suck thus I've bought used units the past two upgrades. My "shop" is local folk thats been doing this since the beginning of computers.
One brand I grown like over the years is IBM/Lenovo. My son bought us a Toshiba laptop for Xmas 2013 thus I gave my 2 yr. old Lenova LT to my granddaughter for graduation and she still using it. The Toshiba has a 8.1 op system and performs quite well as our backup/road unit.
We use broadband thus we're looking into Starlink as the BB service is kinda low rent in signal even with a new 24k modem vs the old 8k unit.

[98valk]

pros and cons of laptop

vs

notebook  OUT!!

vs

chromebook OUT!! NADA!!!


vs

digital interface implants into my brain.  OUT!! Until Serk tells me they work and there isn't shutoff switch controlled by others


Laptop it is!!!

[scooperhsd]

My current computer (a Lenovo Laptop), that I had upgraded to 16 GB RAM and installed a 1 GB SSD has been serving me fine for at least 3 years. WHen I bought it, it had Win10, and it has downloaded Win11 (both home edition). It has served my needs admirably, with no hiccups yet.

I did have a USB stick that had Ubunta Linux on it, even ran it a couple times, have no idea where it is right now.

Honestly, I think I like the laptop better than a desktop - at least, I can take my computing environment with me. I'm not as tempted to open it up and "work with it" that may not work any more.

I've recently (last 6 months or so) bought a Samsung tablet (with Android 14 or so on it). The more I use it, the more comfortable I get with it. I didn't get the Tablet with cell hardware in it, as I'm comfortable setting up my phone as a WiFi hotspot. Maybe the next tablet I'll spring for cell.

[Serk]

Heh, I've been an IT professional for over 30 years, multiple certifications, experience supporting everything from wiring, laptops, desktops, servers, storage, networking, etc...

...and I always thought the terms "laptop" and "notebook" were synonymous until this thread, where I googled the difference...

(Notebooks are generally smaller than Laptops, basically)

[98valk]

Heh, I've been an IT professional for over 30 years, multiple certifications, experience supporting everything from wiring, laptops, desktops, servers, storage, networking, etc...

...and I always thought the terms "laptop" and "notebook" were synonymous until this thread, where I googled the difference...

(Notebooks are generally smaller than Laptops, basically)

don't feel bad, my friend yrs ago got a masters in computer programing he did zeros and ones from Johns Hopkins University while he was working for NSA.  then he gets a job with Lockheed Martin. they had to send him to classes on how to use the common programs on a desk top.

I just learned about the google chrome book myself, I didn't bother with tablets.

[Jess from VA]

Isn't a cell phone essentially a small tablet?

Aside from using one to talk to people.

I suppose it just gets into semantics (of definitions and size). 

[F6Dave]

Does anyone remember 'luggables'? Those were somewhat portable PCs with a CRT screen and folding keyboard. At the time we thought it was awesome to have a PC you could actually take on the road.

[Timbo1]

Does anyone remember 'luggables'? Those were somewhat portable PCs with a CRT screen and folding keyboard. At the time we thought it was awesome to have a PC you could actually take on the road.

I worked on many luggables back in the late 80's early 90's.  We had a customer that used them to take to dairy farms to log data about the dairy.  If I recall correctly they were Compaq and Corona systems both very similar in construction.  Usually monochrome displays with a 5.25" floppy and an internall RLL harddrive and a 286 processor.  We've sure come a long way since then.

[bassman]

Not sure exactly what you're looking for or your budget but this just popped up as a possible good spring deal on Amazon....others with more knowledge regarding computers may have + or - thoughts on this particular model.

 https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Touchscreen-Business-Processor-Earphones/dp/B0GGVD14F4?th=1&linkCode=sl2&tag=cm-241-20&linkId=3b51622f96cc981797034067539d00de&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

[F6Dave]

I have one thought on PCs. I bought my mom a PC with an Intel i3 and it was painfully slow. I'd definitely pay extra for at least an i5 (or AMD equivalent).

[Serk]

I have one thought on PCs. I bought my mom a PC with an Intel i3 and it was painfully slow. I'd definitely pay extra for at least an i5 (or AMD equivalent).

While it always helps to go up on CPU, IMHO on a modern Windows PC RAM is even more important to overall system performance. (And unfortunately due to the thirst of AI data centers the price of RAM has skyrocketed as of late, although it's started coming down a smidgen.)

I'd recommend a minimum of 16GB of RAM for a modern Windows PC if at all possible... As with most things, the more you can swing the better. I run 64GB of RAM in my laptop and my desktop, but I also push mine a lot more than the average person.

[F6Dave]

I have one thought on PCs. I bought my mom a PC with an Intel i3 and it was painfully slow. I'd definitely pay extra for at least an i5 (or AMD equivalent).

While it always helps to go up on CPU, IMHO on a modern Windows PC RAM is even more important to overall system performance. (And unfortunately due to the thirst of AI data centers the price of RAM has skyrocketed as of late, although it's started coming down a smidgen.)

I'd recommend a minimum of 16GB of RAM for a modern Windows PC if at all possible... As with most things, the more you can swing the better. I run 64GB of RAM in my laptop and my desktop, but I also push mine a lot more than the average person.

A nice think about RAM is that you can usually add it later. Kind of like chrome on a Valkyrie.