Windows 7 or Windows 8 on a Dell Inspiron 1420?

Question

I have a Dell Inspiron 1420 (2008, and no touch-screen) and it is currently running Windows Vista home premium. I am planning to upgrade it to some sort of new operating system, but am having troubles deciding which to use. I currently have windows 8 in a virtual machine on my desktop, but I feel that I am not getting the full performance due to it being in a virtual machine. Now I know that a lot of people dislike Windows 8, and I honestly don't know what to think about it. But at the same time many people disliked Windows Vista, which happens to be my favorite OS. So basically it boils down to if I should use Windows 7, which i know how to use (I have it on my desktop) or use Windows 8 which I don't really know to use. And just to make it clear, the only reason that I don't just put Windows 8 on there is because I don't know how well it will perform with a Core 2 Duo, and 3 GB of ram, but I do know what kind of performance I would be getting with Windows 7 because my sister has an identical laptop to mine and it has 7 on it.

Answer 1

It should work ok... With the coming release of Windows 8.1 (blue) near the fall, it does bring back the start button. Some other minor tweaks.



What you have seen in a virtual machine is what you get with Windows 8. Really its Windows 7 with the new Metro Start screen. Now I for one realize that something needed to happen with the start menu. So making it full screen and bigger icons is bound to happen.



What I'm saying with the release of Windows 8.1 I looks like Windows 8 will be good enough.

Answer 2

Dell Inspiron 1420 Windows 7

Answer 3

Hi,



If You're in love with Vista as an OS You should prob'ly go with Win7 ... at least for now. The main reason is the usual compatibility issues MS has when they release a new OS (or software in general like MSWorks/MSOffice incompatibilities) that usually aren't worked out until the 2nd Svc Pack releases, especially for laptops.



The other reason is that Win7 will be able to run an in-place uprade to Win8 if You decide to do it when the time comes and prices drop, while a complete upgrade to Win8 from Vista will most likely require a full data backup and hrddrv wipe for a clean install (by the time they release an SP1 disc).



I've seen Dell installation discs with CoA for about $65.00 online to do the install either way You want, and You could even just pick up a small used hrddrv for about $20-$35 (like a 20-60Gb) and do an installation of both versions to "play around with" before You buy in the 30-day trial mode without a regcode from a CoA. Then You can wipe the cheap drive for use with a USB external case for backups.



And yes You're right ... You won;t be getting the full feel of any OS while it's running in a virtual environment, although I appreciate them myself for running say Windows ME stuff in an XP system, or XP as a VMachine on a Win7 system.







G'Luck!!

Answer 4

Don't waste your time on 8. Most do hate it- I certainly do.

If you like Vista...why not try Zorin (Linux). You can switch it to look like XP, Vista, W7, or Gnome.