I'm taking a few online computer courses in which I need to have Office 2013 and specifically Access 2013. At the moment my PC is running Windows XP so I know I have to upgrade to Windows 7 or 8.

Based on current reviews, I don't want to get Windows 8 so I will opt for Windows 7. However, based on the price, I am almost tempted to buy a small netbook with Windows 7 starter for $194.00 than upgrade my home desktop for $129 and install Office in the netbook. You see, we also have an iMac at home which I am using more and our Dell is about 8 years old so we might be retiring it soon.

I also thought that the netbook would be portable so I could take it places with me.

But at the same time, I also want to think I can extend my home computer a few more years.

Any thoughts?