Anyone on a laptop with no touchscreen using Win 8.1?

[pete6032]

I'm currently running Win 7 x64 on my laptop, which does not have a touch screen. Been having a variety of problems with Windows Update and I may end up reinstalling Windows. At this point is it worth it for me to upgrade to Windows 8? This machine is just used for word/email/internet/coffee shops. Thanks.

 

[glugglug]

Touch screen is irrelevant. Look up "gorilla arm syndrome". No one really uses a touch screen on a laptop.

I interviewed a guy who interned at Microsoft, and asked him if people really use Metro on a day to day basis, since it seems so counter-productive. He told me MS gives everyone touch screen laptops to encourage the use of it, but he never saw anyone use it that way because it is so inefficient to get anything done.

Laptops/tablets are the only devices where I think 8 might be worthwhile because of power savings. But for basic usability, a start menu replacement is required, and you will be using it the same way as 7 (and probably have even more compatibility/update issues).

 

[snoylekim]

I've run a Lenovo T430 Thinkpad with 8 and now 8.1 since 8 was introduced .. No issues ..I live on the desktop, and didn't need any add-on bring back the start menu software .. Updated Group Policy to ditch the lock screen , and now, with 8.1, boot right to the desktop . I do use a Metro App or two occasionally ..it's easy to hot corner out and back to the desktop. Machine runs the Office suite under desktop and a few other things .
I also have 8.1 on a desktop machine that does a few things 24 x7 ..no issues at all .

 

[Mem]

I'm currently running Win 7 x64 on my laptop, which does not have a touch screen. Been having a variety of problems with Windows Update and I may end up reinstalling Windows. At this point is it worth it for me to upgrade to Windows 8? This machine is just used for word/email/internet/coffee shops. Thanks.

I use a laptop with Win8.1 that has no touchscreen with no issues,Win8/8.1 you can use a mouse and keyboard or touch pad on the laptop,all down to how you normally use your laptop.

If its just for email and internet maybe worth trying Linux?

 

[bbhaag]

snip...

Laptops/tablets are the only devices where I think 8 might be worthwhile because of power savings. But for basic usability, a start menu replacement is required, and you will be using it the same way as 7 (and probably have even more compatibility/update issues).

That is about the biggest bit of misinformation I've read on the forums in awhile. You do not need a start menu replacement to properly use Windows8/8.1 nor do you need a touch screen.

I'm kind of curious where did come up with the idea that it is required?

Edit:I'll second Mems suggestion of a Linux based OS especially if this just a word/email/internet/coffee shops laptop. I use Peppermint on my laptop and love it. Very easy to use and lite on system resources.

 

[xSauronx]

That is about the biggest bit of misinformation I've read on the forums in awhile. You do not need a start menu replacement to properly use Windows8/8.1 nor do you need a touch screen.

seriously, the way i work in windows 7 i didnt really use the start menu often. i pin all of my regularly and even sort of regularly used programs to the taskbar. the only time i used the start menu was to get to something in the control panel easily

 

[bbhaag]

Right clicking on the start button will get you to the control panel just as fast if not faster in Win8/8.1.
The nice thing about 8.1 is it integrated some of the most used control panel settings into the right click. Things like power options, event viewer, device manger, programs and features, system, task manager, shut down or sign out, ect are just a right click away.

 

[Zodiark1593]

seriously, the way i work in windows 7 i didnt really use the start menu often.

Key letter right there. :whiste:

 

[ViRGE]

Another vote for "works fine". I've been using it since release on my Zenbook UX21A, though I admittedly do use Start8. As for whether it's worth an upgrade on existing hardware, I guess that will come down to how much you'd have to pay for a copy of Win8. I'd certainly use it for new hardware, but as an upgrade I'm not sure it's worth the cost of it's $100+.

 

[bbhaag]

nvm

 

[corkyg]

Another vote for "works fine". I've been using it since release on my Zenbook UX21A, though I admittedly do use Start8. As for whether it's worth an upgrade on existing hardware, I guess that will come down to how much you'd have to pay for a copy of Win8. I'd certainly use it for new hardware, but as an upgrade I'm not sure it's worth the cost of it's $100+.

+1! Start8 is not required, but definitely makes my life easier. I like to open on my own customized desktop so I can go directly to my programs with one click rather than navigate a Windows 8 or 8.1 layer. BTW - for 8.1, use Start8 1.3.

Touchscreen? Never going to happen - I get angry over fingerprints on my screen!

 

[wholesalestunna]

I have a new Asus with no touch screen and windows 8 and I don't have any regrets on getting it. At work I use a touch screen Panasonic Toughbook and honestly don't like the touch screens. You end up with fingerprints all over them, especially if you're swiping using the apps in windows 8 and I don't want that.

 

[Raduque]

Key letter right there. :whiste:

It's the way most people use it. Pretty much everybody uses their windows maximized and clicks icons to open their programs, in which case, win8 is perfect with the tiles.

 

[wholesalestunna]

I'm still not a fan of windows 8 though..I know their goal was to merge the phone/tablet platform with the desktop, but the desktops and apps don't play well together and aren't integrated very well.

 

[Raduque]

I'm still not a fan of windows 8 though..I know their goal was to merge the phone/tablet platform with the desktop, but the desktops and apps don't play well together and aren't integrated very well.

We're in a transition period. The desktop is getting deprecated, and for most people, it hurts.