Why Microsoft's Push for New PCs Frustrates Windows 10 Users: Exploring Solutions

In a that has left a number of users frustrated, Microsoft has advised Windows 10 users to consider purchasing new PCs to upgrade to Windows 11. This recommendation comes at a time when many people are struggling financially, making the prospect of buying a new computer an unwelcome suggestion. Even if they have the money, if there's nothing wrong with their system, why buy new? I can understand the security aspect as warned in the end of support notification, but you're not stuck!

For many users, the idea of having to buy a new PC just to upgrade to the latest operating system feels unnecessary and burdensome. The reality is that not everyone can afford to replace their current devices, especially when they are still functioning perfectly well. This situation has sparked a wave of frustration among Windows 10 users who feel that Microsoft should take a different approach.

Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptop

Instead of pushing users to buy new hardware, Microsoft could take a page from their Xbox strategy. The Xbox ecosystem allows gamers to enjoy their favorite titles across different generations of consoles, ensuring a seamless experience without the need for constant hardware upgrades. A similar approach could be applied in a slightly different way, where a lite version of Windows 11 could be developed to run on older hardware. Heads get scratched when their specs are better than a number of systems fresh off the lot.

A number of these users we've spoken with believe that the push for new hardware has more to do with selling desktops and laptops than with providing a better user experience. While upgrading to the latest technology can offer benefits, it shouldn't come at the expense of those who are barely getting by.

Alternatives Routes to Consider

For those who are not ready to make the leap to a new PC, there are alternatives that can provide a Windows 10, Windows 11 or a Windows 11-like experience:

1. Windows 11 OS Deals: Looking for deals on the Windows 11 OS that might make the upgrade more affordable without needing new hardware? We have crazy good deals you can nab for $9.75... because why not?! (Windows 11 + Office Lifetime Bundles also available.)
   
   

2. Linux Distributions: Consider using Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Mint, which offer a user-friendly experience and can run on older hardware. If the programs you use can work on Ubuntu, and you could careless about staying on Windows... are you losing anything? By the way, you can have both operating systems on the same system... just decide on which one you'd like to use at start up:
   

   
   

   
   

   For gamers, no worries... Ubuntu has you covered. Ubuntu is a versatile operating system that supports a variety of gaming platforms. Here are some of the most popular ones:

   
   

   - Steam is one of the most popular gaming platforms and has extensive support for Linux, including Ubuntu. With Steam Play and Proton, you can play many Windows games on Ubuntu.

   
   

   - Lutris is an open-source gaming platform that allows you to manage and play games from different sources, including Steam, GOG, and Epic Games. It also supports Wine, which enables you to run Windows games on Linux. We use the Epic Games platform even more so than we use Steam nowadays (which includes titles beyond just... Fortnite), and if you do too, you're good!
   
   - Wine is a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications, including games, on Linux. It's a powerful tool for playing games that don't have native Linux support.
   
   - PlayOnLinux is a graphical frontend for Wine, making it easier to install and manage Windows games and applications on Linux.
   
   - Heroic Games Launcher is an open-source game launcher for GOG and Epic Games Store. It provides a user-friendly interface to manage and play your games on Linux.
   
   ***You can use your Xbox Game Pass, but... take the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate route just like you would with Amazon Luna to stream to your hearts content without the headaches of a workaround.
   

While the push for new hardware may be frustrating, there are ways to navigate this challenge without breaking the bank... so hopefully you're able to adapt with the information we've provided by October 14, 2025. If it's the perfect opportunity for you to buy new, enjoy and... Game on!

Speak of gaming, Soulstone Survivors is coming soon to GOG!

 + Sophi 

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On Behalf Of... Chromebooks!

I wanted to speak on behalf of Chromebook. I really just said that, but Luis went a bit hard on this option. I think it has an audience, that's all I'm saying because... a number of people only use the internet and web-based apps (that's all). When they aren't home, they don't carry around a laptop... they're on a phone. So... why spend more when you can get what you need? Quality matters if you want it to go far, but... find a good balance.

I believe the average person who uses a laptop and doesn't require heavy editing or use a lot of offline programs, won't notice a difference because everything is there that they may need. The women I know who edit photos, mainly use Canva.

There are 2-in-1 Chromebooks that can give some users what they want, that's why they're still around. You get the option to draw with a pen. the Lenovo USI Stylus Pen is compatible with the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i.

Apps for Drawing on Chromebook:

Clip Studio Paint

Krita

Sketchbook

Ibis Paint X

Infinite Painter

ArtFlow: Paint Draw Sketchbook

Medibang Paint

Concepts: Sketch, Note, Draw

Apps for Photo Editing on Chromebook:

Canva: Design, Photo & Video

Pixlr - Photo Editor

BeFunky

Adobe Lightroom Photo & Video Editor

Adobe Photoshop Express Photo Editor

+ More

Apps for Video Editing on Chromebook:

Videoleap - Video Editor/Maker

Kapwing

WeVideo

Sumo Creative Suite

Splice - Video Editor & Maker

+ More

Apps for Audio Editing on Chromebook:

Amped Studio

BandLab

Incredibox

+ More

Google Chromebooks are pretty quick because they don't require a lot and most of the time they're affordable. I think the only time you will notice a slowdown is when you have a bunch of tabs open. When you get into the more expensive options, you are better off looking somewhere else because you're possibly looking for something that can do more (offline). If you're an artist who wants a Chromebook... because of its affordability, and you use Google on a daily basis, then a Chromebook like the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i might work for you. Compare the options, speed, memory, storage, ports, pen compatibility, and price.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook | $408

Intel Core i3 3GHz

13.3" FHD Touch Display

8GB RAM

256GB Storage

Chrome OS

4.53lbs

Lenovo USI Stylus Pen | $31.91

4096 Pressure Level Sensitivity

150-Day Battery Life (AAAA Battery)

If you're okay with spending a little more for a detachable keyboard, then the Lenovo Idea Pad Duet 5 Chromebook could work. Keyboard included. The cover gives it that Microsoft Surface feel.

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook | $449.99

Snapdragon SC7180 2.55GHz

13.3" OLED FHD Touch Display

8GB RAM

128GB Storage

Chrome OS

4.02lbs 

If you go with a good Chromebook that's priced well... you win if you go in knowing what you're getting. You can also use your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Luna, and Geforce Now to stream games. Make sure you have a good connection and you should be satisfied. 

By the way, if you're heading to Orlando or Tampa this year... we're promoting major discounts to Aquatica, Sea World, Busch Gardens, and Adventure Island for up to 49% Off.

• Deals include all-day dining for $87.75, 2-week deals for $205, and more!

            

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SDGT Wishmas List 2021

It's that time again, and to be honest... while tech is awesome, my eye this time around has been on my actual living space. Covid continues to make the rounds like a monster in its umpteenth horror film that always finds a way to come back... so why not add something to your living and/or workspace that makes it a bit easier to be there day in and out?

Games definitely allow you to escape, so they'll obviously be included in this... but the list is as follows:

Concealable Desks

When it comes to concealable desks (aka wall-mounted folding desks), I don't recommend them for permanent desktop setups... but if you have a gaming laptop... it's a beautiful thing as long as it's mounted properly. Laptops are portable (duh of the day)... and when you want to clear the space you don't have to worry about where your laptop and other accessories are going to go.

These types of concealable desks have space for:

• Full-sized USB keyboard
• Mouse
• Portable speakers
• Laptop Plug
• Game Controller(s)
• Gaming Headset
• Microphone
• Webcam
• Basic office material (paper, folders, pens, etc)
• Drawing Tablets

This may seem like a weird entry (even if we've been in left field before)... but think of how clean you can keep your living room, office, bedroom, or dorm room (if you're able to screw anything into the wall). It helps just keeps things a bit more organized. If you want to secure it a bit more as far as preventing someone from messing with the contents (especially in a dorm room where your snacks maybe), you can drill or screw in a hasp door clap latch... to add your own padlock.

If you're concerned about this thing not staying on your wall... get a few adjustable L brackets and place them below it to take pressure off the screws. Adding a few decor pieces (small plants or figurines) on top could also be a nice touch... and some of these concealable desks even have a chalkboard for some of you who want to have that on the front. You can even get creative and fit a picture into that opening or attach a whiteboard.

Peripheral Storage Mounts

Sticking to the theme of storage and organization... headphones and game controllers definitely deserve some love also... when they aren't in use. Headsets should remain in a case when they aren't in use in order to maintain the quality, but there are options for those of you who would rather place them on a wall mount. It keeps them off your desk, off the table, or even the floor (I won't say any names).

Surround Sound

If I'm promoting more in-home action... it's hard not to recommend surround sound. The theatre has been up against the ropes since covid hit it with a 3 piece, and I'm sure plenty of you have seen movie studios releasing major box office films direct to premium streaming services like we have. So... if you haven't made the move yet... why not consider adding more oomph to your audio with surround sound?

If you're paying for a streaming service, trust me... you will most likely come to appreciate surround sound. Even if you aren't one to see what the higher volumes can do, you'll be happy you made the upgrade. The sound from quality audio is superior to your standard stereo speakers built into the telly, and when a film or show has to surround sound... it's a real treat because it enhances the experience.

I'm not arguing with anyone... but for me, I recommend Logitech based on my own personal experience. I've had multiple surround sound systems, but I've had a set of Logitech speakers for nearly 20 years or more and they're still ticking. Holy crap, I have speakers older than some adults (mind blown)! This particular model is the Logitech Z906 5.1 surround sound system.

TV

When it comes to TVs, I don't really have anything to recommend in particular, but... there are some decent prices out there if you're in the market for one. I only really recommend this for those of you who really want a new TV to enjoy your movies and shows... don't try to keep up with the latest and greatest only to end up in the same position minus less money. I'm not recommending the 4K options below, but I'm just throwing some out there for you to check out.

TCL 5-Series UHD Dolby Vision HDR Roku TV

Amazon Omni UHD Fire TV

Samsung Crystal UHD Smart TV

Headphones

If you're looking for corded in-ear headphones, I recommend the 1More Quad Driver Earphones.

For Bluetooth earphones, I recommend the 1More True Wireless Earphones.

For over-ear headphones, I'd say check out the PuroPro Headphones. Based on my personal experience, they're comfy, foldable, able to rest flat, they're Bluetooth, and... they protect the ears from noise-induced hearing loss without the depth of sound hitting a wall. If you want the sound cranked without restriction... these are not the headphones for you, just keep in mind the safe listening threshold for listening to music, movies, or whatever at certain decibels. 

All these audio products have been reviewed by SDGT.

Posters and Wall Art

I can't recall a craze for posters and wall art in the recent... decade, but they still get love from some. I recommend posters and wall art because they can still assist you in delivering a nice vibe to your living space + office. If you get a certain sized poster or just a good frame to accomodate the size, it even transforms some posters into an art piece. Wall art is in a similar realm, but I'll discuss that below.

As mentioned, wall art comes in many forms. This particular piece of wall art is one I'd want in my living space because... it's just awesome. I haven't had a lot of time to really finish up a certain wall in my living room, but... I'm looking at different pieces like this (even if I'd want one larger than 12x11in).

Collectibles

If you really want to add a bit of cool to the space that you can live with long-term, why not go for some collectibles? You can sit some of the most unsuspected collectibles in places that fit them well and catch visitors completely off guard... just because of how awesome they are. Picture this little collectible of Goku on the end of a shelf next to a plant or next to a lamp, perhaps even a window seal. You can't tell me that someone wouldn't look at it and not say... "Dude... that's badass".

Gift Cards

If you don't know what to get the gamer and tech fanatic who seems to have everything they want, the answer is simple... gift cards, gift cards, gift cards! Amazon giftcards are a given, I'm sure they have something in mind and will put them to good use from the site, but there are some other sites out there with solid options as well. You have Target, Walmart, and... just about anywhere else you can think of. If you have an idea of where they may want to get something from... get a bit more specific with your giftcards. For example, you have Steam gift cards that allow them to be used in the Valve Steam Store that has game deals galore.

I would say credit card based giftcards like... Visa, but... no. They have an additional fee tacked onto those giftcards, so unless they just need such a giftcard to use offline, save the money. Actually, let me show you how to get some free money instead:

Gift giving can actually pay off if you reload your Amazon giftcard balance with $100 or more, because using this link will score you $10 additional bucks.

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Microsoft Surface Laptop Go... pen compatibility?

Surface Laptop Go is Microsoft's budget-friendly Surface option. It rocks a 12.4" touchscreen display, comes in at a lightweight of 2.45 pounds, full-size keyboard + good size precision trackpad (watch those palms) and... all the etceteras you see below:

720p HD camera
Fingerprint Power Button
One Touch sign-in on select models
USB-C + USB-A ports
Surface Connect (which could've been the more cost-friendly Thunderbolt 3 or something)
Headphone jack
1536 X 1024 (148 PPI)
3:2 Aspect Ratio
10 point multi-touch
4GB or 8GB LPDDR4x RAM
10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 Processor
13 hour max battery life
Intel UHD Graphics
eMMC: 64GB + SSD: 128GB or 256GB storage
Dual far-field Studio Mics
Omnisonic Speakers w/ Dolby Audio
Bluetooth 5.0
Aluminum top + Polycarbonate base

1 Year Limited Warranty

In the box you get the (Duh of the day) Surface Laptop Go, 39W Power Supply, Quick Start Guide,
and documents for Safety + Warranty.

What you don't see is a (dun dun dun)... a pen, but is it compatible? That's what I was wondering when I initially saw the Surface Laptop Go reveal, so I did some digging and came across this road to nowhere (I'll come back to this).

There are 3 different options for the Surface Laptop Go, starting at $549.99 w/ the best specs chilling out in the $899.99 option. You would think that $899.99 would come with a little something extra outside of the ram and storage increase, but... from what I've seen... there isn't.

Now we're back at that... road to nowhere. Maybe it's just me, but where in this video do you see products specific to the... Surface Laptop Go?

It's annoying when companies come out with products and will not go that extra mile to spell out what's actually compatible with that product. How helpful would it be for Sony to release the Playstation 5 and list accessories for past gens in a link meant to be for the PS5? Imagine the good intentions of your parent(s), significant other, friends, or whoever...  resulting in a gift that's not compatible... that would suck for the both of you. 

Just to be clear, this isn't a company vs company comparison, that was only an example of incompatible products. The person in charge of what's presented on Microsoft's site... has to get it together. Microsoft isn't the only company guilty of this, I've had a similar problem with HP. 

It's not that hard, spell out what's compatible with your product... don't even have a link labeled "Shop Surface Laptop Go Accessories" only to have everything else for everything else tucked in there. WTF? If there aren't many compatible products, list the compatible ones on the same page as the product... that's a win-win.

Overall, I don't know anyone signing up to buy something knowing that it will end in disappointment. Money isn't as easy to come by for a lot of people, especially right now... so it's imperative to spell things out or you may find that your potential customers are going elsewhere to buy a similar product that delivered. Your product probably delivered too, but who knows that it actually delivers if you don't showcase it?

Going back to the specs, I don't think that this product is compatible with a pen... because they don't list that the product is Pen enabled (unlike the Surface Laptop 3). This doesn't mean you can't buy a drawing tablet to connect to the Surface Laptop Go in order to do your thing, but... it's safe to assume that you'd be wasting your money on a Pen thinking it will work with this product. 

Doesn't make the product good or bad, and I'm not saying it's right or wrong to buy it... but if you're looking to buy a product that gives you the ability to draw on the screen... it's better safe than sorry not to buy unless Microsoft says the product is compatible. 

Yes, in the accessories area they show pens, but... as you see under the compatibility area under these pens... the Surface Laptop Go is nowhere to be found.

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