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Xtra-PC Review
UPDATED January 2020
Read out Xtra-PC review to see if this product can improve the speed of your computer and do everything else that the maker claims.
Total Rating: 4
4/5
Reliability
Ease of Use
Computer Compatability
Shipping Speed
Value for Money
BOTTOM LINE: Xtra-PC provides access to a Linux operating system via a USB flash drive that you can plug into any computer. Not only can it boost the computer’s speed, but it also gives you extra storage on an external drive. It essentially bypasses the old operating system that you usually use.
PROS: It takes only seconds to plug in the Xtra-PC and start using a new operating system. You can use Linux to surf the web, send emails, download games and apps and for anything else you do on your computer. It also comes with added storage for some of your most important documents and files.
CONS: You can download free copies of the Linux operating system from other sources on the web. It may overwrite the files on your computer and erase some of those files. Some users also claimed that it did not let them access any of the files saved on their devices when plugged into the USB port.
What is Xtra-PC?
Xtra-PC is a product designed to help your computer run better and to boost your overall speeds. It is available in three different packages that let you choose which one to use based on how quickly you want your computer to run. As long as you have a USB port, you can use the device on both desktop and laptop computers. It only requires an internet connection the first time that you plug in the USB. When you use the product later, you do not need a connection to the internet. You can edit documents, watch videos and do anything else you want on your computer.
Every computer in the world uses some type of operating system that runs the device. The most common are Windows from Microsoft and iOS, which is the operating system used by Apple computers. Both of those systems charge a licensing fee and come loaded with software and programs that you’ll never use. Xtra-PC allows you to bypass that operating system and instead use Linux as your OS. This is the same OS that many professionals use today. In our Xtra-PC review, we’ll take an in-depth review of this device and look at all the available versions of the product.
The Xtra-PC Turbo 16 is the first edition of the device released and still one of the most popular versions.
How Does Xtra-PC Work?
Your internet service provider (ISP) sets the maximum speed of your internet. Most companies have a cap and will slow down your data when you hit that cap. The speed can relate to where you live, the type of internet you have and even where you place the wireless router in your home. In areas where internet speeds are quite slow, providers often give their customers access to Linux. This OS typically comes on a disc that you need to insert int your computer. As many computers today lack a disc drive, you can get access to that same OS via Xtra-PC.
Xtra-PC not only gives you OS access, but it also comes with the support that you need. Those who have less experience with computers may have a hard time learning how to install the system and how to use it. The support offered by the makers of this product ensures that you can get help the first time you install the product and every time that you want to use it in the future. It comes on a USB drive that gives you extra storage too. The amount of storage available depends on which USB drive you buy.
Linux is one of the most trusted operating systems in the world and one that professionals love.
How Can You Use Xtra-PC?
Using Xtra-PC is as easy as using a flash drive or a thumb drive to look at treasured photos. Once the product arrives, you need to remove the drive from the packaging and turn on your computer. You can then insert the drive into an available USB port on your computer. It’s helpful to close any running programs before you insert it. It can take a few minutes for your computer to recognize the drive, but it will then bring up a window that asks what you want to do with that device. You’ll want to click the prompt that allows the drive to run and download Linux on your computer.
The whole process should only take a few minutes, but it heavily depends on your internet speed. If you have a slower speed, it can take an hour or more to download it. You mustn’t leave your computer during this process because multiple windows will ask you different questions. When the computer nears the end of this process, you should notice some changes to your homepage or screen. Once Linux downloads, you can use that OS to do some work from home or anything else you want to do with your computer.
Does Xtra-PC Work on Macs?
The makers of Xtra-PC offered detailed instructions for Mac owners on how they can use the product with their computers. You may need to follow some extra steps.
Where Can You Use it?
The list of things that you can do with Xtra-PC is almost endless. One of the main features of the product is the Linux OS, which lets you do the same things that you would with any other OS. You can use it to check your email and send new messages to those on your contact list. Other things you can do with this OS include:
- Surf the web and visit some of your favorite sites
- Access and edit documents
- Listen to music
- Download new files
- Watch television shows, films and videos
- Use any of the spreadsheets that you need
When you use Linux, you have full access to programs and software. One thing to keep in mind is that all your files may not transfer. As Xtra-PC overwrites the existing OS when plugged into your computer, it can also skip over some or all of your files. If you want to speed up your computer and still use your favorite programs, you may want to scan for viruses and check with your ISP about getting a signal booster. The Linux OS offered by Xtra-PC is a convenient way to use Google Docs and other online programs that you can access from any other device when you log into your account.
What Causes Your Computer to Run Slowly
- One or more programs take up too much hard drive space when running
- Your computer has a lack of available space
- Background apps keep running without your permission
- A lack of RAM
- You have too many temporary files saved on your computer
- The computer suffers from viruses and/or malware
Who's This for?
Xtra-PC is for anyone who wants to use an old computer or a computer that runs too slowly. You can use the disk cleanup setting on your computer to delete temporary files and unnecessary programs, which can improve your speed. This doesn’t always work for everyone though. Xtra-PC generally works well for users who want to use Linux and those who feel comfortable switching to a different OS. You’ll likely notice that it is a little different from the one that you currently use. Some of those who could benefit from Xtra-PC include those who:
- Want to make use of old computers that have older operating systems
- Have computers they stopped using because of viruses and malware
- Want to reuse a computer that lacks a hard drive
- Have computers they wiped and no longer have operating systems for
You can install and use Xtra-PC on any type of computer that has a USB port. If yours lacks a port, you can contact the maker of the product and get access to an online version that works just as well. This product will require that you have both an internet browser and an internet connection though. You can use Xtra-PC on almost any type of computer.
What Programs Can You Add to Xtra-PC?
You can customize Xtra-PC to work with your favorite programs and apps.
- Document editing software such as Open Office
- Photo editing programs and software suites including Photoshop
- Netflix and other streaming apps
- Games
- iHeartRadio and similar music apps
- Firefox, Chrome, and other web browsers
- Antivirus software
Can You Use Xtra-PC on Any Computer?
While the makers of Xtra-PC claim that it can work with most types of computers and even those that don’t have hard drives, there are some system requirements to use any version. It will only work on computers with a 700 MHz microprocessor or higher. You also need a 2.0 or a 3.0 USB port and a minimum of 512 MB of RAM. The maker of the product recommends that your computer have at least 2 GB of memory. The computer also needs a graphics card capable of supporting HDMI, DVI or VAG.
The computer should have a BIOS that gives you access to the computer and lets it work with a USB drive. As you’ll insert the device into a USB port, it can only run if you can launch the program from that port. You also need some type of network card, but the device works with both wired and wireless cards. After you install and begin using Xtra-PC, you can work without connecting to the internet first. You can only install it if you have an internet connection though. This is because the device will use the internet to ensure that you have the most updated version of the OS.
How Long Does it Take to Get Xtra-PC?
Shipping typically takes four weeks or less depending on your location.
- United States – Two business days
- Canada – Seven business days
- Overseas addresses – Two to four weeks
Where to Buy?
We found Xtra-PC devices available for sale on multiple websites that include Amazon. Most of the reviews posted on Amazon are quite poor though, and many of those reviews focus more on the site than on the product. We also found that Amazon allows third-party sellers to list the product for sale. When you buy from a third-party seller, you might get a used USB drive that someone already used on a different computer or one that lacks the original packaging. The best reason to buy Xtra-PC from Amazon is that you can get the product for a little less than it sells for on the official site. Some of the other reasons we recommend using the official Xtra-PC site include:
- Range of products
- Good warranty
- Fast Shipping
- Live customer support
- Multiple payment methods accepted
The official Xtra-PC site also offers a discount for those who buy in bulk. You’ll pay full price the first product, but you then get a 40% discount that applies to all other products purchased at the same time. This is a great way to gift holiday gifts for tech lovers in your family. All purchases made through the official site come with a 30-day money-back guarantee too.
30-Day Money Back Guarantee Details
You can return any Xtra-PC product for a full refund within 30 days.
The Xtra-PC 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to request a full refund within 30 days of buying one of these products. Your 30 days will start on the date that the product ships to your home. The company asks that the product be in good and like-new condition and have the original packaging.
Types of Xtra-PC Products
Though people love to talk about Xtra-PC online, you might not realize that they refer to all products with the same name. This company makes three different products that include the Xtra-PC Turbo 16, which was the first and original one released.
Xtra-PC Turbo 16
If you want to get an idea as to how Xtra-PC works and want to save a little money, you might try the Turbo 16 first. Though it retails for $49.99, it is usually available for $34.99 from the official site. This model does a good job of improving your computer speeds but lacks the features found on the more expensive versions.
Xtra-PC Turbo 32
The Turbo 32 increases the speed of your computer by 1.5 times what the Turbo 16 can. Retailing for $89.99, you can buy it from the official website for as little as $49.99 plus shipping and handling. In addition to helping your computer run faster, this model also comes with 32 GB of extra storage. You can keep family photos and important documents secure on the drive.
Xtra-PC Pro
If you want the best Xtra-PC product and don’t mind paying more, then the Pro is the best model for you. It retails for $159.99 but often goes on sale for $79.99. When you buy the Pro model, you also get free shipping and handling in the United States. The Pro doubles the speed of the Turbo 16 and gives you an impressive 64 GB of storage for videos, photos and other files. It also comes with file rescue software, which usually costs $99 on its own. This software lets you restore some of the files on old computers and make copies of those files.
To use Xtra-PC each time you turn on your computer, you need to make your computer boot from that device instead of using its existing OS.
How Can You Boot from the USB Port?
- Press down on the setup button on your computer while it's turned off
- Find the boot menu from the options that appear on the screen
- Click on the USB option to tell your computer that you want it to always boot from there
- Select the save button on the bottom of the screen to save those changes
- Follow the same steps if you want to return to your original OS later
Should You Buy it?
Pros
In addition to looking at Xtra-PC reviews online, we also considered the way we felt about the product and how it performed in tests. That led to us giving the product a better review than some other sites did. We understand that those who are more familiar with computers may have no problems finding a Linux OS that they can download and use. If you have less experience though, this product can introduce you to a whole new world and help you use those old computers that you thought were worthless. We’ll discuss the pros of the Xtra-PC and its cons in this section.
Good for Beginners: It can take weeks of reading and researching before you feel comfortable finding a copy of Linux that you download to a USB stick and use on your computer. Many users with less experience find that it takes even longer until they feel comfortable changing their BIOS systems and using those drives. Xtra-PC is a great product for beginners who want to learn Linux basics and use that OS. You get a USB stick that comes with the OS already installed and instructions that tell you the exact steps to follow to use that system.
Using Xtra-PC in Other Settings
- Office and work settings
- Church
- Schools, including elementary schools and colleges
- Non-profit organizations
- Shelters for victims of domestic abuse, homeless people or those dealing with addiction
Protection from Malware: Malware refers to those files that you pick up when surfing the web and downloading games and programs. It can take on many different forms and include both adware and spyware. Adware increases the number of ads that you typically see and can make ads appear when you’re online or trying to open a file. With spyware, you risk the file stealing your private information and sending it to another computer. Though Xtra-PC does not outright state that it offers protection from malware, it can keep you safe from viruses and other hazards. The Linux OS can also prevent you from downloading potentially dangerous files such as those attached to popular games.
Stay Safe on the Web: One of the benefits of Xtra-PC that most reviews fail to mention is that it can help you stay safe on the web. Every time that you visit the site, you leave behind a trail of the places you visited. Those cookies help site owners know where you live based on your IP number and can track your online movements. You might also visit sites that force you to sign up for updates, which means that they will automatically send you ads and notices when they run sales or add new articles. Xtra-PC lets you surf the web anonymously and without anyone knowing who you are or where you are.
Does Xtra-PC Come with Any Apps or Programs?
The extra programs included on your USB stick let you surf the web and do other things.
- Firefox
- Open Office
- Audacious
- Thunderbird Mail
- Photo Viewer
- Media Player
Other Benefits of Using Xtra-PC:
- You can reuse old computers that would otherwise wind up in a landfill
- The included apps let you do your favorite online and computer activities with ease
- All three of the products come with an updated version of the Linux OS
- You can pick from those devices based on how much speed and extra storage you need
- The USB drive lets you visit your favorite websites when connected to the internet, including Google and Facebook
- Yahoo, USA Today and ABC are just a few of the leading websites that approve this product
- You can save files to the drive that you view and use on other computers
- It can significantly increase the processing speed of any computer
- With the Pro version, you get software that recovers lost, damaged and some deleted files
- The device makes it easy for you to upgrade as new updates become available for Linux operating systems
Cons
No matter where you look for Xtra-PC reviews on the web, you’ll come across some negative reviews. The biggest complaint seems to concern the fact that the device adds a Linux OS to your computer, which you can do from other sources. If you don’t feel comfortable downloading free programs to your computer, having that OS on a convenient USB stick is a great option. Some of the other cons that we found during our research include:
- It can take an hour or more to set up the product
- There is a high chance that it will block access to the files on your computer
- You usually cannot use the programs and software that your older OS used
- The company charges high shipping rates to some areas
- Some users waited weeks to get instructions on how to use it with a Mac and never got a response
Other Potential Issues with the Xtra-PC
- Some shoppers found that the company overcharged them
- There were issues with users getting their refunds within the specified time frame
- Shipping can take much longer than shown on the website
- Can delete files and programs on your computer
- May not come with full instructions
The Competition
Xtra-PC is far from the only product that puts Linux on a USB drive. One alternative is the Linux Mint 19.0 Cinnamon Install USB. It comes with a Linux OS that is easy to install and 16 GB of storage on a USB drive. You also get a DVD that teaches you how to use that OS and some extra software. Another alternative to Xtra-PC is the Kali Linux Bootable USB, which includes 16 GB of storage. Both of these products received complaints from users that customer support never responded to their calls or that the USB was corrupted.Microsoft makes it easy for users to add Windows 10 to their computers. This OS is in direct competition with Linux. With the Windows 10 Home Edition, you get a copy of Windows that you can install on your computer via a USB drive. This gives you full access to the Windows suite of programs too. If you want to recover some of the files you lost, you can try software such as the 9th and Vine USB Drive. Not only can it recover missing or corrupted files, but it can help you reinstall programs on your computer.
Can You Use Xtra-PC with Other Products?
Some of the tools you can use with the Xtra-PC include wireless mice, keyboards, speakers and webcams. You just need to make sure there are available ports for those items.
Final Verdict
Working with a slow computer is incredibly frustrating. It can take minutes for the system to boot up and even longer before you can open a browser or run a program. While that slow speed can be the result of your location or ISP, it can also occur because your computer is too old. Xtra-PC is a handy product that works on modern computers and those that run any type of OS. It works on both laptops and desktops and can even work on computers that have a lack of space or no hard drive. All you need is a computer with a USB port that meets the system requirements of the maker.
It’s nearly impossible to look at this product without seeing some of the negative reviews. Those reviews point out that you can get access to Linux from other sources for free. While that is true, Xtra-PC provides you with extra support that you can get over the phone or online. It gives you access to all the programs that you love and can even give you access to some of the files saved on your computer. Xtra-PC is one of the best products around to speed up old computers.
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