My dream PC (WIP)

[CSX2057]

Stick with Win 7. Don't go for Windows 8 just yet. Railsimulator may not support it atm.

[imnew]

Looks promising mdurdan.

[mrennie]

I used to have a wireless keyboard but I went back to one with a wire, because I got fed up with replacing the batteries in the keyboard all the time. They don't last long and they're expensive. Same goes for the wireless mouse.

Any idea what HDD you're going to get? If you can afford an SSD, it's definitely worth it.

[Chacal]

I'd drop touchscreen. I can't see why you would need that, it's expensive, needs extra drivers, probably not well supported. If it's for design work, get a tablet instead.
Also, wireless keyboard and mouse, these are useless and you will get tired of charging/replacing batteries.
Stick with Windows 7 64 bits.
Get an SSD and put WIndows and some apps like RW on it.
Get a separate HD for data.
Get a couple of 2TB WD Caviar Greens for backups.

[5292nate]

I am closely following this thread! I am taking this advice to heart! As I soon will be getting a new PC, and I need advice! Thanks Mike for starting this! Very useful information!

[donjgatlin]

Stick with Win 7. Don't go for Windows 8 just yet. Railsimulator may not support it atm.

It works just fine with Windows 8. There are pretty significant improvements in overall performance with Windows 8 that I view as beneficial. Go for it.

[CSX2057]

If I go with Win8 I think it supports touch screen out of the box as Vista and & promised but never did...no?
I will have a 1TB drive in and an external 1TB for general use.
I like everything wireless and touch screen compatible as much as possible because I like to either be able to get rid of the mouse and keyboard and use the screen interface or sit across the room with the mouse and keyboard and watch from a distance. The infrared seemed cool for working at the desktop because it doesn't get in the way and you can use it at night without problems seeing it. I put a lot of thought in to this

If you are going to sit back and relax my suggestion use 2 Saitek Throttles or raildriver. However your prefer. I'm just sayin. I also have a Tt Esports Gaming mouse and Steelseries Keyboard. Good for all kinds of gaming.

[donjgatlin]

If I go with Win8 I think it supports touch screen out of the box as Vista and & promised but never did...no?
I will have a 1TB drive in and an external 1TB for general use.
I like everything wireless and touch screen compatible as much as possible because I like to either be able to get rid of the mouse and keyboard and use the screen interface or sit across the room with the mouse and keyboard and watch from a distance. The infrared seemed cool for working at the desktop because it doesn't get in the way and you can use it at night without problems seeing it. I put a lot of thought in to this

Yes, Windows 8 supports touch out of the box. It was designed specifically for touch, basically why some aren't happy with it. Beware: You will have to learn how to use it, don't expect it to be extremely simple up front, Microsoft didn't do themselves a favor there. One thing I love about it is the free XBOX music. You should try it out when you get your machine assembled.

[thecanadianrail]

stay away from the wireless, its a pain in the butt.

[qrfan3]

Stick with Win 7. Don't go for Windows 8 just yet. Railsimulator may not support it atm.

It works just fine with Windows 8. There are pretty significant improvements in overall performance with Windows 8 that I view as beneficial. Go for it.

Have to agree here also, I run Windows 8 Pro 64 bit and to be honest..... runs as smooth as silk.
Of course, my computer specs play a major part as well.

[imnew]

You still with us mdurdan? How goes your pc build?

[imnew]

Alrighty. As long as you are still here amongst us. Hope you get everything sorted out soon.

[GSkid]

On the battery issues with the wireless? Go to the 99 cent stores. They have 4 packs of batteries for only a buck. I don't use a wireless keyboard, but I do use a wireless mouse. Battery life is fairly decent, although they don't even come close to the battery life that wireless mouse makers claim. They must be be on crack to make such battery life claims!

[fraserm]

Hi, Mike. GSkid is right - batteries can be cheap at the right stores. The right mouse makes a diff too. I have a Logitech M570 wireless trackball that I use on my laptop. http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/wireless-trackball-m570?crid=8 I use this thing several hours each day, every day, and I replace batteries maybe every 6 months. And that's with constant use. My desktop uses a wired gaming mouse, a Cyborg R.A.T.7 - http://cyborggaming.com/prod/rat7.htm. All kinds of adjustments, programmable, and frankly, just plain cool-looking.

Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Marc

[BNSF1933]

I just have a regular off the shelf HP puter, with some strategic upgrades (graphics, hard drives), but I have a 27" monitor ($400). Makes RS look real.