Windows 7 w/Bootcamp vs new laptop

orthodoc · 08-22-2012, 01:04 PM

For my biostats course we have to install and use SAS. I have a Mac desktop that meets the 'adequate' specs we were given and has Bootcamp on it; but the Windows OS on it is XP. We have to have Windows 7.

Reading online, it looks as if it's not that easy to replace XP with 7. I'd have to do a 'clean install', but I haven't wiped this computer while using the Windows platform, and I don't have the original software to re-install - it's all with my ex. While buying Windows 7 and trying this would be the least expensive option I don't have a lot of time to spend cursing and sweating, trying to get the thing working.

If I bought a PC laptop, I'd need an Intel Pentium 4 or better processor; 2+ GB RAM; direct x9.0c compatible graphics card; Windows 7 OS, of course. Does anyone have an opinion on a good value out there for these needs? I see Celeron and other processors listed for the student special laptops and don't know if that will do. I don't need gaming stuff, but I need to be able to use Silverlight and be able to stream video.

Any recommendations? Or is it worth trying to put Windows 7 on an older Mac desktop?

08-22-2012, 01:04 PM	#1
orthodoc Not Suspicious, Merely Canadian Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 3,774	Windows 7 w/Bootcamp vs new laptop For my biostats course we have to install and use SAS. I have a Mac desktop that meets the 'adequate' specs we were given and has Bootcamp on it; but the Windows OS on it is XP. We have to have Windows 7. Reading online, it looks as if it's not that easy to replace XP with 7. I'd have to do a 'clean install', but I haven't wiped this computer while using the Windows platform, and I don't have the original software to re-install - it's all with my ex. While buying Windows 7 and trying this would be the least expensive option I don't have a lot of time to spend cursing and sweating, trying to get the thing working. If I bought a PC laptop, I'd need an Intel Pentium 4 or better processor; 2+ GB RAM; direct x9.0c compatible graphics card; Windows 7 OS, of course. Does anyone have an opinion on a good value out there for these needs? I see Celeron and other processors listed for the student special laptops and don't know if that will do. I don't need gaming stuff, but I need to be able to use Silverlight and be able to stream video. Any recommendations? Or is it worth trying to put Windows 7 on an older Mac desktop? __________________ The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. - Ghandi

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