Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

is windows xp still a good buy?

Aug 17, 2011 1:03AM PDT

I have a W XP desktop and a W 7 desktop. I have the opportunity to buy a "restored" W XP laptop at a good price. It will be used mainly for email, web surfing and simple stuff, while I travel. No business or tech use. I have some small solitaire-type games that only work on XP. Is it a safe assumption that XP will be around and useful for a few more years?
Thanks for all your help. I find your responses an excellent source.

Discussion is locked

cpmdave has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
I'd say no
Aug 17, 2011 12:33PM PDT

I'd say no. XP is being left behind by developers, and security updates coming from Microsoft are going to be fewer and fewer until ultimately they stop in about a year and a half give or take. Even for limited use, trying to keep it secure and free of unwanted pests will likely be a burden that will only get harder as time goes by. Every day that passes makes Microsoft that much more likely to just decide that fixing some bug or security issue would require too much time and effort for a 10+ year old OS.

That, and it almost never happens that you use a device ONLY for what you intended at the start. You'll invariably find some other uses for it. Then you'll be constrained by old hardware and probably an even older OS.

- Collapse -
Answer
Your Choice...
Aug 17, 2011 2:16AM PDT

As with most purchases, it depends on the cost of the "restore" laptop.. But..

Windows XP will continue to receive critical updates until 2014 so you're safe that way.. Most of our office laptops are Windows XP and we'll keep them as long as they last.

Just some thoughts.....

Because the XP operating system disc is hard to come by, make sure you get an XP installation disc or recovery discs so you could reinstall should the hard drive take a dive.

Most "new" laptops only have a lifespan of 3 years or so, IF you're lucky, so that gets you through to the End of Life updates issue.. A refurbished model probably won't last that long.

Is the battery new or not? The battery may need to be replaced sooner should it be the original that came with the machine.

If it's cheap enough, it might be worth the money for you.

Hope this helps.

Grif

- Collapse -
THANK YOU GRIF
Nov 23, 2011 3:18AM PST

That's why I "revere" this forum. Your response makes excellent sense.
Thanks again, Dave

- Collapse -
Answer
IMO, I'll say no overall
Aug 17, 2011 3:25AM PDT

It all depends. While XP is still a viable OS, its going by numbered days. The big plus is to have the restore/recovery discs, if not then make them because, XP laptops tend to be problematic if you don't have them. I wouldn't go too heavy on costs on this laptop but if it seems reasonable to you, then go for it. However, if you care to wait, there are some good deals on low-end laptops that would be far better overall than any XP based one. Since Win7 is here to stay and those sold now offer the ability to make restore/recovery discs, and being the newer models is better, IMHO. depending on the vendor, you can find Win7 based laptops for $400+ and these will have better warranty too. Unless, you have specific needs you decide.

- Collapse -
Answer
Not for me.
Aug 17, 2011 3:38AM PDT

All my new work is for 64 bit machines and on 64 bit machines. While the apps I work on do their best to work on older OSes the demands of the users are now beyond what we can deliver on XP.

It's been a fine ride but I'll let others cater to the XP crowd.
Bob

- Collapse -
Answer
FWIW . . .
Aug 17, 2011 9:01AM PDT

I have two desktops (one, my web server for my web site and home server) and three laptops all running XP Pro SP3. In addition to what all has been said in the above, XP serves my needs. It'll be supported until 2014. For your needs, XP will work. Just be sure to keep it patched/updated.