Xtra PC Reviews
Xtra PC, found online at Xtra-PC.com, is a USB stick whose creators claim can bring an old pc back into a like-new state, saving customers from having to buy a new computer when it begins to slow down.
How Does Xtra PC Work?
Most people are aware that there are a variety of issues that can affect your computer, making it function slower and less reliably, and that all computers eventually begin to have problems just due to their age which makes it frustrating or even impossible to use them for all of your computer needs.
But Xtra PC creators state this doesn’t mean that you should just automatically give up these old computers.
Instead, you can use their special flash drive which insets into an available USB port on your PC in order to bypass your old, slow Windows operating system and instead uses a Linux system to “make your PC into a blazing fast, high performance PC with a new, simple to use, operating system that has the familiar look and feel of your Windows PC.”
This company says that this product will even work with missing or faulty hard drives, and since it works off a USB, your existing computer and files will not be altered at all.
That being said, this product does have a long list of system requirements in order to be able to use this product – customers should refer to their website to see if their computer meets these.
Cost/Price Plans
The Xtra PC website repeats over and over that their goal is to provide people with a way to “fix” an only laptop or computer for just $25, but the truth is that their Xtra PC Basic is the only item they have priced at $24.99 and it only offers 8GB of storage.
In order to get much more significant storage and speed, you’ll need to upgrade to one of their more expensive USBs, which are priced between $34.99 and $79.99, depending on what kinds of features or storage you are looking for.
Refund Policy
Their website does say that customers are able to return their purchase within 30 days of the date of the original shipment.
Customers must include their order number, name and email of person who bought Xtra-PC, and shipping address in their package when they return this product, otherwise it will not be accepted for return and customers will not be able to receive their refund.
In addition, all returns must be in original condition with all original parts and packaging.
It is important to know that this company stays strict to this window of time for returns. Your product must be physically returned within 30 days of the original shipment date – not the delivery date – otherwise you will not be able to receive a refund, regardless of the circumstances that delayed your return.
The website also states that if your product is delivered more than 30 days after the original date of shipment that automatically means that you have no opportunity for return. Customers will want to take this strict policy into consideration when they make their purchase.
Customer Service Contact Info
Customers who wish to contact their Customer Service team with any questions, concerns, or complaints can do so by email at [email protected].
Xtra PC Reputation
It appears that there are some people pointing out that Linux is an open source operating system, so technically it is free to download and install yourself.
But the Xtra PC is not designed for people who are incredibly technically savvy and informed, it is designed for the average computer user who would have serious difficulty undertaking that kind of a project.
As for average computer users who have actually attempted to use the Xtra PC to get new life out of an old laptop or computer, they seem pretty happy with this product all around, describing it as easy to install and use, following through on its promises of simpler and faster operating, and being relatively inexpensive for what it accomplishes.
All-in-all, it seems as though this product is a good choice for people who want an older computer or laptop to be able to perform the most basic – and most popular – actions of computers, and since they provide a 30 day Refund Policy, even though it is strict, many customers can feel comfortable trying this product for themselves before making a final decision.
Competitors and Alternatives?
As mentioned above, Linux is an open source operating system and there are various ways to get it installed on your computer so it can be used, however Xtra PC does seem to have gone the extra mile to ensure the process is as simple as possible.
If you have any experience with Xtra PC or their products, please leave your reviews below.
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Xtra PC Customer Reviews
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Shipping and Tracking
Xtra-Pc does not work as advertised and having trouble getting a refund.
I installed Xtra PC on my old computer following all provided instructions. After I did so, most of my files were no longer available. I contacted tech support and after describing my symptoms, Xtra pc tech support told me my computer was running on a Linux system (!?!) which was news to me but, whatever.
The tech told me to ask for a refund. I have asked for a refund about 5 times now and get no reply. There is no phone number to call. I never received an itemized invoice with purchase confirmation info and have not heard back from the company in two weeks. Meanwhile they have clearly sold my contact info to other companies and I have been inundated with product offerings that I'm not interested in.
I had high hopes for this xtra pc product but it just doesn't work as advertised.
Support is virtually non-existent.
Now believe this product is a SCAM
I believe this Product is a SCAM, SCAM
I ordered mine 1 month ago and NOT heard anything from them, customer support is a robot , no one responses,
I think it's a few IT guys who made this up and fooled us, I should have known better to check review before sending them 89 US $$$. BUYERS BE AWARE, YOU MAY NEVER RECEIVE THIS PRODUCT, because I believe it really doesn't exist
very unhappy customer
sucked in
Well that was a waste of money .
if it looks to be to good to be true , its because its not .
Yes , I believe, it's a scam and they got me , I ordered two from them , from online and it has been a month and I have not received anything,.... on line customer support is a robot that does not do anything
Reasonably Happy
Watch out for the ripoff when you go to buy.
I went to buy and it gave me an AU (Australian dollars) and then it supposedly gave me a discount.
When I went to PayPal it turned into USD (American dollars) and was processed without the discount as well as that I paid the original price.
I immediately asked for the refund when I saw the PayPal price minus $30 it took from me.
Theft is what I call it.
I suspect they've done this to many people because it seemed like it was just a normal process.
I actually suspect they actively do this on a regular basis.
Maybe PayPal is in on it as well.
I would suggest that this is like a legal con they skim off your money in an unsuspecting way.
The other major problem is that the contact email in PayPal for Xtra-PC didn't work.
Good on you fu....kn thieves.
I'm going to make sure I go to every review on the planet to let people know of this con that you get your money back but skims a whopping $30 to $40 of your account.
I call it legal theft.
Thanks again Xtra-PC and PayPal ........PARASITES
it is scam, I ordered mine 1 month ago and heard nothing from them, customer support is a robot , no one responses,
I think its a few IT guys who made this up and fooled us, I should have known better to check review before sending them 89 US $$$.
very unhappy customer
what a shame
It's just Good old fashioned Puppy Linux! Been around since 2003. I am currently running fatdog64 which is an offshoot. ISOs are free, just need a flash drive. Stop supporting rip offs!
this is all lie and a BIG SCAM SCAM,, SCAM
faulty
learn free Puppy Linux.
Reasonable but NOT brilliant
Have used Xtra-PC for a few months now and it was reasonably easy to set up. I can access the internet, also some of my Word Excel files, but not pictures or videos.
Forget the programs you may have, these just cannot be opened.
I can access my email but not web pages. I can write and print letters and forms. It loads quire quickly and allows some work, but as stated in the title, is ain't brilliant. So, I have given the old computer to the kids to play about with and paid out for a new PC.
Recommendation, I wish I had not wasted my money. Score out of 5...2
so far I have NOT even tried to use the one I bought BECAUSE I purchased the Turbo 32 thinking this was for 32 Bit PC but now I see the requirements are 64 Bit ! I just tried to contact someone for help or just get a Cell Number to call them tomorrow - Good Luck with that ! I only have a couple of questions before I try this and it looks like it will take an Act Of CONGRESS to get some answers !
The system requirements say it is for 64 bit. I have contacted support twice without issue. A chat pop up comes up on the page where a support person will chat with you.
it's puppy linux.
Buyer Beware
use puppy linux. free save for the drive.
Just recieved
Please, don't be a fool like me!
It installed a whole operating system. It installed a different browser (Firefox) which I didn't want. It installed a new email account which I didn't want. I could not for the life of me figure out how to open my file folder (I tried for an hour). It completely did away with my toolbox, so if you want a toolbox at the bottom of your screen you won't have one.
Allegedly your videos load 10 times faster, hell, I couldn't even find my videos.
Listen folks, I bought the middle one,(16 gb) because they claim it's even faster,(blazing fast
The advertisement of Xtra PC sounded really convincing and I was thinking of a purchase. Fortunately, I always double check in the internet for reviews of any product, which has saved me lots of money and frustrations. I will stay away from Xtra PC.
A big compliment to whoever makes these reviews abailable on the internet and also to those who contribute with their experience!
download FREE puppy linux
Must be a Biden company.
COMPANY IS A RIP OFF
it is just puppy linux. download and enjoy!
I GOT RIPPED OFF AND IM GOING TO MAKE SURE THE WHOLE PLANET KNOWS.
WATCH OUT FOR THESE PEOPLE.
IM GOING TO MY GOVERNMENTS CYBERCRIME PEOPLE AND I WILL MAKE A FORMAL COMPLAINT SND MAKE SURE THEY SCRUTINISE THIS COMPANY BECAUSE THEY ARE THIEVES AND BY WHAT I HAVE READ IN REVIEWS THE PRODUCT IS A CON.
TEY ARE SIMPLY CYBER THIEVING PARASITES
Scam don't waste your money, like I did!!!!
thank you all for the feedback, i was just to about to buy the item mentioned in the add. but seeing all these reviews, it changed my mind.
Spent money I didn't have for something that didn't help
I bought this device and it is a whole operating system of its own. You have to set up a new email account and new browser, not at all what I wanted, I am not returning it but will not be using it. Sorry I fell for this program.
What you are getting is a forked version of a Linux distribution, of which there are many. I have used dozens and installed several on some seniors who live in my retirement community. There are several drawback to running it on a USB: it will be slower, USBs don't last forever and tend to wear out the more writes are made. Yes, it comes with a different browser but installing a different one (Chrome for example is very easy.) The best thing to do is locate a local geek (like me) and have them install a Linux version on your computer in a dual boot environment, that is when you turn it on you get to choose between your old system or the new one. Linux will run faster and can do everything that Windows and Macs (there are even some that look just like Macs) except faster and requiring less memory. Most Linux operating systems come with Firefox, an excellent browser, and you can use your current email, etc. with very little adjustment. You can even try different Linux versions on a USB and see which you like best. The cost is essentially zero. There will be a slight learning curve, but no different than moving from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
Eric C. Welch is right. I have no comment about his post. If you are young and have bunch of knowledge about computer then learn Linux yourself and you can do all Extra-PC does. I am 68 and was DOS user 40 years ago so it does help me a lot to learn Linux. It took me 4 months just to understand and install Linux Ubuntu on Gateway laptop MT6840 for myself with $0.00 but for some seniors like me that lengthy time is better for going fishing than ...no need to write. My advices to those folks like me "stick with Window".
One thing retired people do have is plenty of time, including time to wait for your old machine to work. Just be patient...
NO GOOD!!! Total waste of money!!!
SCAM 1 month ago and heard nothing from them, customer support is a robot , no one responses,
I think its a few IT guys who made this up and fooled us, I should have known better to check review before sending them 89 US $$$.
very unhappy customer
Essentially a scam
As pointed out in the article above, it runs Linux, and actually (as far as I can tell) only a very slightly reskinned version of LXDE (the start menu button and desktop are different). You can have essentially the same system by installing Debian and selecting the LXDE option it actually handily provides, without being too tech savvy.
If the price was low enough to be on par with a USB stick of the same size, I would actually probably recommend this product - because even though running an OS on a USB stick isn't the best idea for performance in a lot of cases, to essentially refurbish a perfectly good but very old computer it is more than enough.
THIS Product is scam, SCAM SCAM, I ordered mine 1 month ago and heard nothing from them, customer support is a robot , no one responses,
I think its a few IT guys who made this up and fooled us, I should have known better to check review before sending them 89 US $$$.
very unhappy customer
scam
It only works if you have the xtra pc plugged in then it will open up to a different front page with icons that do not work. I am not happy with it and customer support stinks. I am trying to return them for a refund and they want to refer me to a lawyer. Stinks for service as they can't seem to take care of the problem.
if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
why is it people still have trouble with that?!
I agree, This product is a SCAM
it is scam, I ordered mine 1 month ago and heard nothing from them, customer support is a robot , no one responses,
I think its a few IT guys who made this up and fooled us, I should have known better to check review before sending them 89 US $$$.
very unhappy customer
Xtra PC is Crap
thanks for the information,
Thanks for mentioning that OPENING THE PACKAGE VOIDS THE RETURN POLICY! That was mentioned on the company website, however, it wasn't mentioned above.
Oh so you can't try it out and return if it's crap?! Sounds like a scam right there. A legitimate company who backs up their product doesn't need to make policies like this. Thank you, I'm glad I looked for reviews before buying.
Seriously ? Wow. I mean it was bad enough that the return policy is short and starts from when they "ship" it rather than upon receipt of it, but that's ridiculous.
Thanks for the heads up, was pretty much decided it was a scam but that cinches it.
I Agree this product is SCAM, SCAM
it is scam, I ordered mine 1 month ago and heard nothing from them, customer support is a robot , no one responses,
I think its a few IT guys who made this up and fooled us, I should have known better to check review before sending them 89 US $$$.
very unhappy customer
Drive capacity reported in Win-10
The USB drive that came with Xtra-PC has 32 GB printed on it, but when I ran the properties function on this drive, it said 46.2 MB total capacity. This is nowhere near 1 Gig, how much more 32GB.
Is this intentional fraud or a matter of different operating systems?
I need answers else, it will be escalated to proper decision oversights.
I expect there is a partition on the flash drive which is either hidden. Very similar to when you buy a new laptop or PC nowadays, all the OS and drivers are installed from a small hidden partition.
I'll try again. I suspect strongly that this flash drive has a hidden partition. this is common practice on new PC's Laptops etc. All of the installation files and drivers are stored on this partition which you cannot easily access for obvious reasons.
You cannot see the other partitions on Windows because they are most likely formatted using one of the EXT file systems, which are not supported by Windows, but pretty much the default in the Linux world.
This product is a SCAM, Buyers be aware
it is scam, I ordered mine 1 month ago and heard nothing from them, customer support is a robot , no one responses,
I think its a few IT guys who made this up and fooled us, I should have known better to check review before sending them 89 US $$$.
very unhappy customer
DODGY, MIS-ADVERTISED, BETTER AVOIDED.
I tried not long ago to install the latest iteration of Linux and found issues right from the start. Many components do not even have a driver in linux including the printer.
Whatever do you mean by "the latest iteration of Linux," praytell? There are so many distributions (distros, versions) so readily available these days, and most all FOR FREE, your explanation is hardly helpful and clear for either novice or veteran PC users.
As for the notions proposed by Xtra-PC marketers, who would obviously like to MONETIZE their own playing around with their chosen version, which reminds me of the USB stick commonly marketed with pre-loaded software to backup your photos onto the stick without actually having to know how to manage your own files and folders (IOW too bleeping stupid to OWN a computer), these claims are based upon partial truths and do NOT mention even the most OBVIOUS of potential pitfalls or blatant failures!
Yes, there may well be plenty of worthwhile "life" left in an old PC, perhaps even at speeds more like what one might think they remember when the old iron was first purchased, but to expect such without ANY mental effort to learn a whole new operating system is PIE in the SKY.
Interested in learning? I'd suggest starting at DistroWatch for a much more BALANCED perspective!
All UK purchasers be aware that you will pay an extra £15 import charge on top of carriage and everything else. I started to install, but backed off when it mentioned the boot menu key. I am pretty sure I know what it is instructing me to do, but feel a bit reticent to go messing about with internal software. Will get the electronics wizard in my family to set this up for me. I should have asked him his opinion in the first place but he was busy with his own life at the time. Tut!