One of Microsoft’s biggest hardware partners joins its “bold strategy, Cotton” moment over upgrading to Windows 11, suggesting everyone just buys a Copilot+ PC

by

“That’s a bold strategy, Cotton, let’s see if it pays off for ’em.”

When I think about ASUS joining the “Just Buy a Copilot+ PC” trend, the persistent joke from the film Dodgeball instantly pops up in my mind.

The first thing that comes to mind when I see ASUS joining the “Just Buy a Copilot+ PC” movement is the classic meme from the movie Dodgeball.

I want to make it clear that I’m not criticizing Copilot+ PCs; on the contrary, I genuinely appreciate them. Particularly those powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors. If you’re considering purchasing a new Windows 11 laptop at this moment, my suggestion would be to opt for one of these Snapdragon-powered devices.

However, this situation seems connected to the approaching end-of-life phase for Windows 10, and I must admit, I’m quite uncertain about the wisdom of this approach.

In a somewhat subtle move noticed by Windows Latest, ASUS recently posted an article entitled “Here’s Why Making the Move to Windows 11 and Maybe Even Upgrading Your Laptop is a Great Idea Right Now.” Clearly, this is promotional content at its core.

It’s important to note that Windows 10 is nearing its end-of-life phase. Continuing to use software without essential updates like security patches isn’t advisable, as it could pose potential risks.

However, it’s troubling to note that many computers lack the necessary hardware specifications to support an official upgrade to Windows 11, preventing millions from making the transition. This poses a significant challenge.

One issue is that if we just discard all these millions of devices, it will lead to an enormous accumulation of electronic waste.

However, another concern arises due to the fact that with prices escalating and disposable income dwindling, many millions find it challenging to spare funds for purchasing a new laptop.

Even with a discount, to get a Copilot+ PC, you’re looking at a minimum of $500-$600 to get one.

I don’t find it surprising that ASUS, the laptop manufacturer, is encouraging people to purchase their latest product, the Copilot+ PC. After all, they are a business and need to generate revenue.

From my perspective, the point seems to be missing the core concerns. It fails to tackle the underlying reasons behind people not yet upgrading to Windows 10, or purchasing new machines compatible with it.

It’s unfair for people to be unable to afford Windows 11. To be honest, I would consider purchasing a laptop with a Snapdragon processor since they are known for their quality. However, the Copilot+ feature is not essential at this point.

It appears that this situation is likely to worsen. In essence, Microsoft and associated businesses may leverage the End of Life (EoL) of Windows 10 as a strategy to persuade users towards purchasing Copilot+ computers instead.

If you belong to this group, know that you indeed possess alternatives. To be completely honest, I’m strongly against the notion of discarding millions of computers that could still be useful, instead of sending them to a landfill.

If you find yourself unable to update to Windows 11, don’t worry, there are alternative solutions at hand. As it turns out, a Linux enthusiast is here to let you know that by switching to Linux, you could prolong the lifespan of your current computer for quite some time.

Over time, Linux has demonstrated its ability to function effectively even on quite outdated computer systems. In more contemporary periods, distributions such as Linux Mint, Ubuntu, and Fedora, among others, have proven to be particularly welcoming for beginners and those transitioning from Windows.

In addition to the typical Google Operating System found on Chromebooks, there’s also Chrome OS Flex, which can be utilized on various types of hardware. This operating system offers a streamlined, minimalistic experience, with web applications remaining the main focus.

By 2025, Photoshop itself will be accessible via a web platform. For everyday computer users, video editing tools like Clipchamp (Microsoft’s offering) in web applications have become increasingly popular, reducing the necessity of native Windows apps to a significant degree.

A customized approach isn’t universal when it comes to handling the phase-out of Windows 10; this predicament was brought about by Microsoft, regardless of whether it turns out to be advantageous or problematic.

If this issue affects you, unfortunately, I must admit that I’m unsure which solution would work best for you at this moment. However, I want to inform you that purchasing a new computer is indeed an option among many others you might consider.

I strongly disagree with the idea of advocating for Copilot+ PC as a solution. It seems like an unnecessary expense when there might be other, more cost-effective options available. I find it highly unlikely that Microsoft would endorse switching to another operating system, given their history and business model. Therefore, I don’t believe this approach is the right one.

I’d also like to know your perspective on this matter. Does it affect you, and if so, what approach do you favor? Do you have any suggestions for Microsoft in this situation? Perhaps a trade-in program could be an option? Feel free to express your thoughts in the comments below!

Read More

2025-06-04 15:09