Tech Deals Abound as Intel Challenges Apple and Linux Gains Traction
January 2026 saw a flurry of activity in the tech world, from significant discounts on Dell products to advancements in AI and a renewed interest in Linux-based systems. Multiple sources highlighted Intel's challenge to Apple in the laptop chip market, while Dell offered substantial savings on various products. Simultaneously, a growing movement embraced Linux as an alternative to mainstream operating systems and streaming services.
Dell provided new customers with a 10% discount on products when signing up for their email newsletter, according to Wired. The company also offered additional perks such as exclusive offers and invitations to special sale events. Customers could use the Dell promo code AFFBUNDLE10 to get an extra 10% off when bundling select products. These discounts extended to various product categories, including monitors, laptops, and desktops. Wired reported savings of over $600 on select models, including $250 off monitors, $40 off laptops, and up to $1,200 off desktops.
Meanwhile, Intel's new Core Ultra Series 3 laptop chips demonstrated strong performance, posing a challenge to Apple's dominance in the laptop market, according to multiple sources.
In other tech news, Newegg offered promo codes and deals on a variety of electronics, gaming products, and home appliances. Wired noted that Newegg, a leading online retailer for PC hardware and tech products, has expanded its offerings in recent years to include refurbished items and home appliances.
A shift towards Linux-based systems and self-owned media gained momentum. Hacker News reported a growing sentiment among users to ditch mainstream operating systems and streaming services in favor of Linux and locally owned media. The movement reflected a desire for greater control over personal data and a rejection of subscription-based entertainment models. "At this point, I strongly believe even straight up piracy is better for artists than streaming," stated a user on Hacker News, arguing that streaming services often prioritize ads and AI-generated content over artists. The shift also involved exploring alternative music players for Linux.
Additionally, advancements continued in various fields, including microbiology, biosemiotics, interactive fiction, and AI coding tools. Anthropic's Claude Code, an AI coding tool, was among the notable advancements.
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