have an older laptop with XP. Was thinking of getting a new one so now is the time. Question: apple macbook vs. MS 8.1 pro and cons.

I use my computer as a hybrid for personal and some work. I know I need access to Office and assorted secure portals, but other than that I don't know enough to ask. Advise??

also- will the new provider/supplier of the laptop put my old files, etc onto my new machine? Can they set me up to have a cloud presence, like email, calendar, contacts etc? {I just want to basically slap down my credit card & walk out ready to work - sort of like magic )

We are upgrading to a new machine this week. I am in a tizzy about it too. A faster computer with a nice processor, a terrabite of harddrive space, enormous RAM compared to our 2003 computer! But we did find Win 7 for the fast model of Dell we wanted....on Newegg!
Dell itself charges $50 MORE for Win 7 on their models on their site!

I sent an email to Rovio about my Angry Birds download and histories, and they gave me a link to their page online about moving to a new machine. In that page, is their confession, that they themselves do not have Win 8 either, and only up to Win 7.
I think that is quite revealing of a huge business not using the most recent operating system for Windows!

I too would like it to work with the wave of a wand..but looks like we will be struggling with it all for a while. We run back ups on all our machines. The backup industry has become very affordable. I would like to clone my whole harddrive now, so as not to lose programs. sigh.

I suggest finding a reputable small computer business locally to do this kind of service for you, I don't think the big box type store provide services like this, but you could ask..

There is a business called Geek Squad around here they will come to you to provide personal pc fix or service. They could also assist/advise on what type of new pc to get. You might search for something like that in your area.

FYI: Newegg.com still sells lots of laptops and desktops with Windows 7 if you have the need to abstain from Windows 8



edit: I see that mrsD already mentioned that....well, reinforcement...LOL

Well I am now trying out Mint Maya LTS (long term suppoort)

so far is is doing everything the way I like it to..
And the webpages are rendered nice and clear.

And updating it doesn't mess anything up LOL

I don't know why but updates for me with PClos mess up the videos drivers and I can't or don't want to spend time trying to fix that..

Well....it is done.... our son decided to put the old harddrive in the slot of the new computer, and then moved off the documents etc that way. It was faster and easier.

My Angry Birds came over perfectly... whew! I really need that game for my sanity! LOL

All my photos and graphics are here now, and music.

But still getting used to the new keyboard.