zenpierre :
Thanks everyone for the great replies and particularly the build specs. I plan on discussing these replies with my son this evening. I think that the input may direct him toward building seeing as the general consensus is a better machine can be built for the same price.
I too suggested avoiding Windows 8, but found MEC-777's supportive comment intriguing. Published reports notwithstanding, I've not heard that many good comments from Windows 8 users. Maybe change is difficult? My son is 16 and has adapted from XP to Vista to Win7 pretty easily, so maybe Windows 8 is in his future? Clean loads typically go over pretty well in my experience (upgrades not so much!).
With that in mind, and in your opinion, what is the gaming future of the SteamOS? My son says that League does not run on Steam. I've not seen much of the LoL series championships but do those folks run League on Windows machines?
Thanks Again Everyone!
Several friends of mine are hard core PC gamers and work with programing, networks, purpose-built PC's etc. for a living. They all suggested I go with Windows 8 for my latest gaming build.
I'd heard a lot of negative things about windows 8 beforehand, but decided to trust their suggestions. I can honestly say, I'm glad I did.
Yes windows 8 is significantly different from 7, than 7 is from XP and Vista. But that being said, IMHO it was a step in the right direction.
I watched no tutorials and had no previous training for windows 8, I just simply installed it and began using it. It didn't take long to get used to where things are and how to set it up the way you want. I DO NOT miss the start button, mainly because I rarely used it to begin with! Every thing I need and use I pinned to the task bar. IMO I find it much easier to do what ever it is I need to do. Once you have it customized, it really does save time.
I don't really use the metro layout, I just switch to the desktop on start up and leave it like that. Some prefer the new metro layout. To each his/her own. This new level of customization is another reason I like it. I'm an android fan and love the aspect of being able to set up your OS layout to be exactly the way you want it.
In terms of gaming, so far I have played the following without a single issue:
-Medal of honor single and multiplayer
-BF3 single and multi
-Crysis 2
-World of Tanks
-Planetside 2
-Arma II (DayZ mod)
All the newest games should work just fine, but I can't speak for some of the older titles. After a quick search, there seems to be lots of people already running LoL on windows 8 without any problems.
Windows 8.1 will be released soon (will be a free upgrade for those with 8) which is to address some issues that I'm honestly unaware of.
I think a big part of the issue is people don't like change. I happen to love it. It's fast and snappy and again, the level of customization just goes well beyond the capacity of windows 7. It made things easier for me, but that's my opinion.
The Steam OS is a little different. That will allow gaming with games available on steam. For games outside steam, the PC you have that OS installed on will allow you to stream a live feed of a game you're playing on another windows machine, to your TV (or another display). It's a little tricky to explain but I think for the purposes of the machine your son will be using, it would be best to stick with windows.
Just a few more words about building vs. buying pre-built. For me, assembling the PC was half the fun. You also gain the satisfaction of knowing you bought components that were optimized for your specific needs and budget and the simple fact that you built a whole computer with your own hands! It's also a great learning experience. Knowing how it all works is a great benefit considering the growth of technology these days.
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