Windows 8 for Photo Processing...touch screen needed? I'm getting ready to buy a new computer. All the new ones come with Windows 8. There is a pretty good deal available now on a 17...

MtnMan Loc: ID

I'm getting ready to buy a new computer. All the new ones come with Windows 8.

There is a pretty good deal available now on a 17 inch laptop with an i7 processor, 1TB hard drive, and 8 GB memory, which are all in the range I want. Some of the things I am doing with the relatively large images from my D800 are a bit slow on my current i5 with 5MB.

The concern I have is that I have heard from a couple of sources that Windows 8 is a disaster without a touch screen. The laptop does not have a touchscreen.

I went through the Windows Vista fiasco and don't want to do that again.

Can someone with actual hands-on experience give some advice on whether the touch screen is vital?

Victor S Loc: SouthCoast MA

Mtn Man: I'm curious too as I need to step up on my computer. I will tell you to go with 16 GB memory and at least 2 TB hard drive if you can swing it. These photos (especially RAW) take up room quickly. The i7 processor is great. Check this out at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDK0MAC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2SCC73RVS69TP&coliid=I1VSFN2AKETK41

MtnMan Loc: ID

Don Vittorio wrote:

Mtn Man: I'm curious too as I need to step up on my computer. I will tell you to go with 16 GB memory and at least 2 TB hard drive if you can swing it. These photos (especially RAW) take up room quickly. The i7 processor is great. Check this out at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDK0MAC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2SCC73RVS69TP&coliid=I1VSFN2AKETK41

That's a bit more than I want to spend.

At that price it doesn't have a touch screen!

I was reading some stuff on the Lenovo site. They apparently are having some issues with their touchscreens. Also I didn't see any touchscreens larger than 15 inch.

Let's see what field experiences we get.

Mikey69 Loc: La Crosse, Wi.

I have a new all-in-one PC with windows 8, it is a touch screen. But I seldom use the touch screen, I've used a mouse for so long, I just hate thinking about touching the screen. I have photo shop elements, and I have not come across any instance where I HAVE to touch the screen. My mouse works just fine.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I bought the Dell 14" Inspiron laptop a few months ago. Windows 8, no touch screen, and all is well :) Even Picasa works with it! (though if you're really picky about post-processing, you won't want this computer as resolution isn't great)

wilikioti Loc: Deep South, USA

MtnMan wrote:

I'm getting ready to buy a new computer. All the n... (show quote)

Windows 8 is tough to get use to! I finally got mine working the way I want it but I would definitely prefer Windows 7. I had an email yesterday from HP that said they had a few computers left with Windows 7. (Now they tell me) Check the HP website and see if they might have what you want.

Dianakkb Loc: Norwalk, Ohio

I have a 17" Window's 8 i7 laptop with 1TB and a large amount of DRAM (don't remember exactly). I have multiple photo and video programs and lots of pictures (raw and jpeg) on it. I just use a mouse, no touchscreen. I don't think not having touchscreen would be an issue. If you don't like the app style screen, there's a couple of free downloads to make it work more like Window's 7. I use one of them since I wasn't crazy about how Window's 8 works. My laptop is a Samsung and on sale was in the area of $700.00. It does some strange things on occasion but I'm not sure if it's caused by the laptop itself or Windows 8, or me. Nothing major though, mostly just some of the features I'm not familiar with.

zuzanne Loc: Crawfordville, FL

I have an HP running Windows 8. It does not have the touch screen. I did not want the touch screen. for working on my photos with Elements 11 or Lightroom 4 I wanted more control and with the mouse pad I have it. I liked Windows 7 better but have gotten used to 8.

zuzanne

wilikioti Loc: Deep South, USA

Dianakkb wrote:

I have a 17" Window's 8 i7 laptop with 1TB an... (show quote)

:thumbup: I've always thought that touch-screens were only good to get fingerprints. :lol:

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

I have Windows 8 and no touch screen.
I click on the Desktop icon on the purple start page and there is the desktop.
There are a few menus hidden in the corners that are easy to find and use.
Windows 8 is very easy to use in the desktop world.
Only problem I have is Opanda EXIF reader does not work very often......Very seldom.....
I am considering the HP laptop with Windows 7. Itchy finger is about to pull the trigger.....
HP Link: http://shopping.hp.com/;pgid=c7twGfjc0ptSRpIq7ZUcoGXQ000081WaqfAq
Pat

StephenVL Loc: Los Angeles, USA

I have a desktop running Windows 8 with no touchscreen. And I have a laptop running windows 8 with a touchscreen. The truth is that you do not "need" a touchscreen to run Windows 8. Everything can be done without a touchscreen. Everything has a mouse or keyboard equivalent.
However, I love using a touchscreen with Windows 8. Many things are just faster and easier. You want to select that photo or button just touch it.
You do not lose anything by having a touchscreen ( except maybe a little cash). With a touchscreen all of the mouse and keyboard controls still work. It is just easier with a touchscreen.

SpeedyWilson Loc: Upstate South Carolina

I have a desktop with a 21 inch touch screen, running Win 7. I never use the touch screen. But, that's just my preference, the screen is too far away from me, the keyboard is much closer and quicker to use. If I had a smaller laptop, I might use the touch screen more.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Thank you all who have provided input. It is evident that the people having trouble with Windows 8 and no touch screen have other issues. Perhaps it is their particular computer or how they have it set or how they use it but I'm also happier to go with one without a touch screen.

I was looking at the third one over with the i7.

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/essential/g-series/g700/?cid=US:display:ic049t&dfaid=1

Photoninny Loc: Monterey Bay Area

MtnMan wrote:

Thank you all who have provided input. It is evident that the people having trouble with Windows 8 and no touch screen have other issues. Perhaps it is their particular computer or how they have it set or how they use it but I'm also happier to go with one without a touch screen.

I was looking at the third one over with the i7.

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/essential/g-series/g700/?cid=US:display:ic049t&dfaid=1

All the memory and processor you can afford is well and good, but don't forget screen resolution. I'm assuming you will be editing megapixel files. The above unit has a 1.4 MP display. Full HDTV is 2MP. And you share that with the toolbars.
One more thing to think about! :shock:

MtnMan Loc: ID

Photoninny wrote:

... but don't forget screen resolution. I'm assuming you will be editing megapixel files. ...

Oh yeah...D800.

But you can zoom in to pixel peep.