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Question

Notebook or desktop?

Feb 16, 2015 7:55AM PST

I've been using an HP e-pc 40, with XP Pro & IE8 for a number of years. It has gotten progressively slower, even though most of the software is on an external hard drive.

I used a notebook last summer, while out of town. I did not notice that it was battery operated, but using house power.

Can anyone make a really good suggestion as to which I should use? Will Windows 7 be around for a while, so I can get a used one? How will I know if the Windows OS has a retail license key, so the seller would be able to legally sell it? (I got badly burned by a local shop that sold me my present set-up but didn't have a retail license key to sell it with MS Office.)

I have been unable to watch videos for quite some time - the picture is just a series of still photos and the video is erratic.

I process all my pics on HD, through software on the external HD. All pics are saved to USBs. The processor seems to be a problem.

I do not do gaming.

Recently, I upgraded to high speed Internet (not through the phone line). If I thought the system was slow before, it's at least 10 times slower now.

Is anyone able to help? Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
So why not a #1 or #2 seller on this list?
Feb 16, 2015 7:59AM PST
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Answer
You decide
Feb 18, 2015 5:32AM PST

I have netbooks, desktops and laptops as well. That being said, I have found each is useful or more so if I task for that type of PC. IMHO, the desktop still provides the most useful life as when it gets too old, you can upgrade as needed or at least prolong useful life. I don't buy new anymore but used. The netbook and laptop are mobile enough for my needs. In case of the netbook provided you pay for the service, they can use the cellphone SIMs in order to connect but that's too pricey. Also, the laptop has many of the features the netbook lacks, like drives. The current netbooks tend to be more capable but again are limited for heavy duty use, but still offer typical needs that most people want but as you noticed they tend to lag or get slower, thus the laptop maybe a better choice. However, if you don't really dwell too much on being mobile, then the desktop wins, maybe sync'ing some data from laptop/netbook to it. I like the netbook only because it's lighter and can connect to the WWW and fetch pgms., files, whatever and store in small case and other discs or paperwork, and becomes a useful tool. If I had to buy new, I would settle on a skinny laptop with DVD drive and all those ports and wifi for me does the trick.

tada -----Willy Happy