New HDD--Keep Win 7 or go to Win 8.1?

[Toolman55]

Hello,

I'm currently running Win 7 and I am very happy with it. Normally I don't run out and buy a new OS just to get it. But Christmas is right around the corner .

So I'm thinking of replacing my WD 250 Gb 7200 rpm hdd with a new SSD. And since I was going to the trouble I thought I would try out Win 8.1.

Am I wasting money? The reviews I've read are slightly encouraging for 8.1, but absolutely dismal for 8.
I see many people comparing 8 to Vista and Windows ME!! There are HUGE discussions over the Start button! Also, It seems that people who upgrade from 8 to 8.1 are having more problems than new units with 8.1.

I'm interested in learning 8.1, but don't want to find myself wanting to drive off a cliff! Just wondering how you folks were finding 8.1. I would appreciate your thoughts - better than 7? No worse than 7, just different? Or pure crap?

Note: I don't, and will not have a touchscreen.

Thanks for your thoughts,
Don

[Train]

Used 8.1 on a clients rig while cleaning out the nasties, I believe after a few more weeks I possibly could live with it, Right now I prefer win 7.

Except of Family Tree Maker, heck several versions of Linux would do the trick nicely.
Zorin OS 7.1, Mint 15, Puppy Slacko, Linux Lite just to name a few.
Using them on a bootable USB stick.

[Midknyte]

Note: I don't, and will not have a touchscreen.

In that case, I'd stick with Win7. Win8 is really meant for a touch interface.

Definitely take a look at some demo systems like at Best Buy or another retailer first.

[HAN]

I own 7 and work at a small office with all 7. Best Windows ever IMO.

That said, if going to 8 (.1) is cheap enough, you can "keep up" which is worth something. If you don't like it, you can install something like Classic Shell, which makes 8 look very, very much like 7.

[Midknyte]

Also note that older hardware may not be able to upgrade to 8.1 (and some are not THAT old even).

http://www.pcworld.com/article/20586...windows-8.html

[Toolman55]

Thanks to all for your input. I've really got to decide if it's worth it or not since it's not really solving a particular problem.

Thank you all again.

Don

[snooker]

For my self once I got the hang of windows 8 I can say I like it . It is different from 7 . Though I am using 8 now more than my 7 ...