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Hot Swap: A Laptop Mag series about making the tech switch

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By published

Whether it's a so-called "downgrade" that has upgraded your life, an operating system migration that has moved you, or you want to embrace the clarity of a docking station, making the swap can be sweet.

Two cartoon computers shaking hands on a red background with the word Laptop above them and the words Hot Swap beneath them.
(Image credit: Future)

In technology terms, a "hot swap" is when you change out your tech without powering down. It's fast and enables you to be nimble.

Unfortunately, the idea of switching out our technology can leave us feeling cold. There's risk in the unknown, and it could be costly. But it doesn't have to be this way.

Laptop Mag staff and its contributing writers are swapping out their tech constantly and reporting back on how life was before after the switch.

If you've ever wondered if you should make the switch — no matter how unconventional — Hot Swap, an occasional series from the Laptop Mag editorial staff, has the answer.

Disclaimer

Have a swap idea for us? Email nick.lucchesi@futurenet.com with the subject line "Hot Swap Idea" and we'll consider it for an upcoming story.

Laptops

I switched to a dual-screen laptop — a near-perfect setup for multitasking on the go

I “downgraded” from a Windows laptop to a Chromebook. Here’s what happened.

I tweaked my Alienware X16 R2 laptop to extend battery life. Here are all my tricks.

I replaced my laptop with this mini PC for a week, and here’s what happened.

Wearables

I switched to a smartphone and Xreal glasses — a perfect laptop alternative for travel

Monitors

I downgraded from a 1440p to a 1080p monitor — here's what happened

Mice and Keyboards

I swapped my Windows mouse for an Apple Magic Trackpad. Here’s what happened.

I switched from a standard-size keyboard to a 60% one — here's why I love it!

Software

I added 5 vital macOS apps to Windows. I don't regret it a single bit.

I found an app that connects all my apps — without trying to replace them. It's a life-changer.

I replaced my laptop with Samsung Dex. Here’s what happened.

Phones

I switched from iPhone to Android, and there's still one thing I can't get over

I “downgraded” to the iPhone 16e from an iPhone 16 Pro. Here’s what happened.`

Audio

How I turned my office into a personal concert hall with tower speakers and a MacBook

I gave up my AirPods Pro 2 for Powerbeats Pro 2. Here’s what happened.

I added a cheap DAC to my PC's audio setup. Here's how it changed my sound.

Tablets

I replaced my MacBook Air with an iPad Air. Here's what happened.

Nick Lucchesi
Nick Lucchesi
Editor-in-Chief for Laptop Mag

EIC for Laptop Mag. Admirer of a good adjective. Killer of passive voice. Mechanical keyboard casual.