Can't you buy a computer WITHOUT Vista?!?!?

Have you looked into buying used? My last computer was used and I made it through 3 years of college with it. The companies that sell them online refurbish them so they're like-new, new being the time the computer really was, so it wouldn't be hard to get XP.

Do you already have a copy of XP in the house? They may have changed it in the last few years, but I recall people being able to install the same license on a least a couple of computers in their home -as long as it looks like it's coming from the same person. If not, just buy a license.

All you would have to do to put it on whatever computer you get is to set the new computer up, put the XP disc in the rom drive, reboot and follow instructions. It's not difficult -certainly nothing that you would need to pay someone to do for you.

Do you live close to St. Louis Park, MN? There is a Micro Center there, you can see what they to offer.
http://www.microcenter.com/at_the_st...ouis_park.html

Interestingly, Dell will build you a computer with a Linux system- but they don't charge you any less. Is it possible for you to switch to Linux and just forgo Microsoft totally? We use Ubuntu Linux and it's fantastic. I have no problems saving files in different formats and opening files from other formats. Vista and pretty much every Microsoft program is so riddled with problems, not to mention terrible ethics. My DH is great with computers though and has built several. My current Dell laptop has all open-source software (including the Ubuntu operating system, Firefox, Open Office, etc)- my husband just completely cleaned out the computer and reinstalled our current software. Apparently it isn't too hard to do. If you need help with uninstalling Vista and installing something else PM me and I'll ask my husband.

Nowhere near St. Louis Park, unfortunately.

Don't have a copy of XP in the house to load or I would do that.

Will see what campus says tomorrow, probably just buy a computer with Vista & deal with it one way or another.

Here in Tucson CompUSA still has some with XP. ALL of my friends with Vista HATE it. That's one reason, that I've resisted buying a new comp. Besides, this one still does what I want it to.

Originally Posted by capt_jordi

I wouldnt buy a Dell... I have a Toshiba and LOVE it. I've only had one major problem with it and that was my fault!

But you could get a computer with Vista and downgrade to XP if all else fails.

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I got a Toshiba with XP too! Aren't Toshi's great?!
My husband got Vista on his laptop. He hates it but he's got it in such a way that he can boot as either Vista or XP. Don't ask me how he does it, I can't figure it out. My Dad's laptop used to do that too only it was a MAc laptop that could boot up as either with Mac or WinXP software.

After spending 4 years working in a computer gaming centre I spent a lot of time building or upgrading PC`s for customers. In my opinion get one custom built and stay away from branded names, they are always advertised as having so much for such a small price, and as mentioned its been known that what is supposed to be inside is not always correct. My Aunty had a problem with her Dell which she asked me to sort out, it took me nearly a week of searching the net to find the oddball driver for the onboard sound chip that was installed. Vista is pants unless you got a decent spec machine, I would never upgrade to IE7, why do you need Microsoft support?

Windows =Just another pain in the glass!!

We just bought a new computer 2 weeks ago, and i must say Vista does play up.. If you want windows xp, and you want a computer for under $600 then start looking on ebay, or second hand shops. Lots of people should be selling theri computers, and having a second hand computer isnt bad at all!

It about making money Nat, bill gates needs to come up with a New Os every few years to keep his millions rolling in,

I hate vista, i have it on dual boot, but i still cant get drivers for my gaming gear, so why use it.

If you really want XP, then ask around your area for someone that bulids them. It can be a little cheaper if you dont go for all the gaming video cards.

I dont care if you buy Dell, HP, etc etc, they all suck, you cant reallyi upgrade them, what you buy is what you get.

If XP is still available until sometime in 2008, I wonder if you can't buy a copy (in fact I think there may be educational discounts) to install on whatever new computer you buy?

I have to admit, having a DH who builds his own, I haven't had to deal with this too much, but when we built my sister's computer less than a year ago, she bought a copy of XP and DH installed it.

You could look at off lease computers, it won't be new but will be fine for what you are using it for and will have XP instead of Vista, and usually has full versions of word processing software rather than the usual MS 3 month and it wont work stuff

First off, never, EVER, buy a dell. It's the worst computer on the market. What you could do is go to a local computer shop and they would be able to tell you where you can get a copy of XP or you could just download a torrent of the XP operating system.

If I had to choose a big name brand, I would buy a Gateway. We had a Gateway that lasted almost 7 yrs before we finally had to call it quits and build something. It didn't stop working, was just too slow for what Mike wanted. That said, our Gateway was completely customized and cost $$$ when we bought it. We upgraded everything, even the tower so we could add to it. Mike's first computer was a Gateway too.

We have a Dell laptop that was given to us, it's good for what I use it for--internet, photos, MS Word. Mike needs a gaming machine because he likes video games (and I have to admit I like the occasional game too ). Our gaming machine isn't even the fastest you can make, and it smokes our laptop.

Do you have any friends or acquaintences who build computers? That would probably be best. We had to uninstall a LOT of software off of the Dell we have. My sister and my Mom both have Dell desktop systems and they came so loaded with extra software. You really have to dedicate a day to uninstalling.

I would say if you can't get anything locally, see about buying a Linux system and buy a copy of XP from somewhere.

Originally Posted by TigerOnTheProwl

First off, never, EVER, buy a dell. It's the worst computer on the market. What you could do is go to a local computer shop and they would be able to tell you where you can get a copy of XP or you could just download a torrent of the XP operating system.

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I would just like to interject here: I have a Dell Dimension 4700 with XP, and I have never, ever had a problem with it in the two years I have had it.

I am on a Dell at the office (3 years now, older than mine) and I've had no problems at the office either.

I have never been able to understand why folks seem to have so many problems with them.

I agree: you need a custom built machine. You need a tinkerer like my stepdad to build one for you. Or you need to buy a used machine that someone is getting rid of because they have upgraded.

On my local freecycle, I've seen several XP machines offered recently - you might try that!

Originally Posted by GingersMom

I would just like to interject here: I have a Dell Dimension 4700 with XP, and I have never, ever had a problem with it in the two years I have had it.

I am on a Dell at the office (3 years now, older than mine) and I've had no problems at the office either.

I have never been able to understand why folks seem to have so many problems with them.

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Our Dell laptop is pretty good too. It's a year old, but it works great. I've heard just as many horror stories about Gateways and Toshibas as I have Dells. My big peeve is the trial software that all of those companies preload on the machines.

Originally Posted by littleraven7726

Our Dell laptop is pretty good too. It's a year old, but it works great.

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I'll bet you a cup of coffee that the motherboard on that thing blows around 3 years old or not long after that. Mine worked great for the first year too.

Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

I'll bet you a cup of coffee that the motherboard on that thing blows around 3 years old or not long after that. Mine worked great for the first year too.

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Is that why I get a new Dell at work every three years??

We have Dell computers at work, about 20,000 of them. We have two in our office, we had a problem with the power pack on mine but they fixed it immediately and no problems with the second one.

My first computer back home was a Dell, it fried the motherboard as soon as it was switched on and took over 8 weeks to get fixed.

Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

I'll bet you a cup of coffee that the motherboard on that thing blows around 3 years old or not long after that. Mine worked great for the first year too.

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At least it was a gift, so we won't be out anything. Then Mike will really want an Alienware. One of Mike's friends had a Toshiba that died after 3 yrs too. I think it was the motherboard too. Sounds like laptops are made pretty cheaply.