Hesitating at a T-Junction. Windows 8 or Linux Mint?

[Dutchuncle777]

I am in the market for a new phone and a new laptop.

My needs are very basic. All I require is a notebook or ultrabook that can do web browsing, emails, basic spreadsheets and word processing. Add to this internet voice and possibly video calls. System security is essential as I am dealing with high profile clients' data as a financial advisor.

I love Android but am going with Windows Phone 8 for security reasons, or I might even stay woth Nokia's Symbian 60 for now.

The ability to sync between and computer via USB cable or Bluetooth is essential as I often operate on premises where there is hardly any mobile signal. Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 seems to have thrown a spanner in the works as far as that is concerned, but someone may have a solution for that.

The solution needs to be valid for the next three years, or longer. I really don't need the latest, fastest system around.

What are the pitfalls with Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8? I am also looking at Blackberry only for its superior systems security features. I don't quite like BB or Nokia, but they are the safest to use for businessfolks. Data security and integrity is not negotiable. As much as I like the Galaxy S3, it is not secure enough for my requirements.

What OS and how much RAM will I need? Will Windows 7, for instance, integrate seamlessly with Windows Phone 8? Or should I buy a Nokia Lumia 900 and not the 920, to stay with 7 on both phone and laptop?

Linux Mint and smartphones...........?

 

[roguemat]

I am in the market for a new phone and a new laptop.

My needs are very basic. All I require is a notebook or ultrabook that can do web browsing, emails, basic spreadsheets and word processing. Add to this internet voice and possibly video calls. System security is essential as I am dealing with high profile clients' data as a financial advisor.

I love Android but am going with Windows Phone 8 for security reasons, or I might even stay woth Nokia's Symbian 60 for now.

The ability to sync between and computer via USB cable or Bluetooth is essential as I often operate on premises where there is hardly any mobile signal. Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 seems to have thrown a spanner in the works as far as that is concerned, but someone may have a solution for that.

The solution needs to be valid for the next three years, or longer. I really don't need the latest, fastest system around.

What are the pitfalls with Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8? I am also looking at Blackberry only for its superior systems security features. I don't quite like BB or Nokia, but they are the safest to use for businessfolks. Data security and integrity is not negotiable. As much as I like the Galaxy S3, it is not secure enough for my requirements.

What OS and how much RAM will I need? Will Windows 7, for instance, integrate seamlessly with Windows Phone 8? Or should I buy a Nokia Lumia 900 and not the 920, to stay with 7 on both phone and laptop?

Linux Mint and smartphones...........?

Disclosure: I like Windows. Others will differ. In the end try everything out and choose what you prefer.

Don't get the 900. Get the 920, it's forward compatible, and is an AWESOME device. Plus it's sandboxed nicely (like iOS) so you don't have to worry about an app from the store doing dodgy stuff.

WP8 also doesn't need an app to sync with. It comes up as a regular USB storage device on any PC. Ofcourse, if you have W8 there is a nice app to use for syncing.

Windows 8, Windows RT, and Windows Phone create a nice merge of form factors all running the same kernal. The integration between phone and tablet and desktop is awesome.
Think about it this way: When you want to get a tablet for around the house, are you really going to run linux on it? No.

Anyway, that's my opinion.

 

[Dutchuncle777]

Disclosure: I like Windows. Others will differ. In the end try everything out and choose what you prefer.

Don't get the 900. Get the 920, it's forward compatible, and is an AWESOME device. Plus it's sandboxed nicely (like iOS) so you don't have to worry about an app from the store doing dodgy stuff.

WP8 also doesn't need an app to sync with. It comes up as a regular USB storage device on any PC. Ofcourse, if you have W8 there is a nice app to use for syncing.

Windows 8, Windows RT, and Windows Phone create a nice merge of form factors all running the same kernal. The integration between phone and tablet and desktop is awesome.
Think about it this way: When you want to get a tablet for around the house, are you really going to run linux on it? No.

Anyway, that's my opinion.

Thanks, Roguemat, for your good advice. The sync - as long as it is via USB, then it will be great. I agree, the 920 is awesome. the 820 also seems to be a good buy.

I will only consider Linux if Windows cannot satisfy my needs, which is unlikely. Linux remains a good IDEA but that is where it ends.

 

[HavocXphere]

Windows 8 is kinda painful. Download the preview and see...its good till 31 Jan I think.

I'd agree though that Windows has a better chance of working out of the box. If you go with Linux it'll involve a fair share of fiddling to get it working.

WP8 also doesn't need an app to sync with.

Same with Android. In fact I think all new smartphones except Apple's do that.

Windows 8, Windows RT, and Windows Phone create a nice merge of form factors all running the same kernal.

Technically not the same. Sufficiently similar though for end user purposes.

 

[roguemat]

Technically not the same. Sufficiently similar though for end user purposes.

Actually, Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 run the same kernel. Technically too.
They don't run the same OS, but no-one said they did.