Which new laptop ?

[big g]

I need help please...............

I am looking to 'upgrade' to a laptop - about time too ; they all appear to have Win8.  I am happy with my XP, I realise that support for this ends 2014.
Would like views on the Win8.  I use FTM 2005.  How different will it be for me, a complete non techie mature lady !

[falcybe]

How different will it be for me, a complete non techie

Quite exciting probably. Have you seen that Windows 8 will work on laptops built up to 2012 but to get the full use of the new operating system you need to buy a laptop or similar with a touch screen? http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/meet
And touch screens are no more techie than pointing at the screen and touching the icon for what you want to do: open FTM 2005, send or read e-mails, look at photos, chat on RootsChat, chat with your niece in Australia for free on Skype. The list is endless and all you have to do is point.

FTM 2005 works on Win7 so will also work on 8.

cheers, falcybe

[Calverley Lad]

Please note that some companies are offering a choice of Windows 7/Windows 8.
I would have a look round and get the feel of the keyboard before making your choice.
(Some k/b are smooth to touch/level with facia, whilst others you can tell when a key is depressed and keys are standing proud.)
You will see what I mean when running your fingers over keys.
 Brian

[RedMike]

The advice re the keyboard is sound and if you intend doing a lot of typing then its as important as the internal spec.
i went through this process with my current laptop by going to pc world & currys and trying them all out. There is a vast difference between them all both in terms of type of keyboard ( tiled, scrabble, touching keys etc) & build quality. Also worth considering the full size keyboard wuth numer pad if you are working with spreadsheets / number crunching etc.
I've used toshiba, HP, sony & Samsung in recent months and the latter 2 were best for me.

Not used win8 other than on a phone so cant comment but Win7 is sound.

What is your mian use going to be, as that can help you decide on spec.
I do a lot of photo work so wanted a seperate graphics card. Once you start specing your laptop it will narrow your choice down from the hundreds that are out there down to few that suit your need.
if you end up with a short list then visit the shops for a trial run and read the reviews on the web sites.

[big g]

Back again, new laptop bought after digesting all help; bought Sony, windows 8.....only problem my   Family Tree Maker 2005  doesn't like W8 and won't do all it used to !!!!!

Do I need to buy a more recent FTM or what ?

G.