Cale Hunt brings to Windows Central more than nine years of experience writing about PC gaming, Windows laptops, accessories, and beyond. If it runs Windows or in some way complements the hardware, there’s a good chance he knows about it, has written about it, or is already busy testing it.
Cale has published hundreds of reviews on Windows Central, and he's not afraid to give his honest opinion regarding everything from PC gaming hardware to Windows software and laptops.
This allows him to efficiently curate buying guides and product advice, giving readers a no-nonsense look at the options that will best suit their needs.
When he isn’t in his office writing, tinkering with tech, or gaming, Cale enjoys playing acoustic guitar (he’s a sucker for Bluegrass music), reading novels, tending the garden, and providing his two cats some much-needed attention.
Latest articles by Cale Hunt

You don't have to spend a lot to get a quality desktop computer
By Cale Hunt last updated
PC Desktop computers aren't known for being cheap, but there are affordable options that pack a punch. My top picks will help you find your next budget PC.

These pre-built desktop PCs are the best we've tested
By Cale Hunt last updated
Hardware Pre-built PCs come in many shapes and sizes, from budget options for homework to premium builds with power for gaming. Here are the best we've reviewed.

How does the new Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) compare to older models?
By Cale Hunt published
Surface Microsoft's two-stage Surface Pro launch is confusing. Let me clear things up.

How does the new Surface Laptop 8 compare to the Surface Laptop 7?
By Cale Hunt published
Surface The Surface Laptop for Business (8th Edition) has launched, but before you run out and buy one, I have some details about what exactly is new (and why you should probably wait).

I tested Alienware's $349 QD-OLED gaming monitor, and it's better than I expected
By Cale Hunt published
Review Alienware's AW2726DM is an easy recommendation for anyone who needs a $349 QD-OLED gaming monitor. It does come with some concessions to meet that price, and I explain them here.

One month with Snapdragon X2 made me a believer
By Cale Hunt published
Laptops I got my first extended taste of a Snapdragon X2 Elite chip, and I can't believe how well it went. Here are a few things you should know if you're considering a new laptop with Qualcomm's silicon.

Is the new Alienware 15 actually a better deal than the Aurora 16?
By Cale Hunt published
PC gaming The new Alienware 15 is the most affordable gaming laptop in the family, but how does it compare to the next best Alienware 16 Aurora? Let's find out.

Why Windows 11 update sizes are growing and what’s actually causing it
By Cale Hunt published
Windows Windows 11 updates have ballooned up to 5GB and beyond, and many users assume that it's AI that's mainly contributing to the bloat. Here's what's actually causing sizes to increase.

Top 5 RAM scams to watch out for when buying in 2026
By Cale Hunt published
PC build RAM prices remain out of control, and bad actors are taking advantage of honest buyers with a wide range of scams. Here's how they work and how you can protect yourself next time you buy memory.

Pick one of these pre-built PCs if you want to play Minecraft
By Cale Hunt last updated
PC gaming Java and Bedrock versions of Minecraft have low PC system requirements, but that doesn't mean a more powerful PC can't make the experience far better. Here are the best pre-built PCs for Minecraft.

Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 11) is an outstanding laptop, mainly thanks to Snapdragon's X2 Elite
By Cale Hunt published
Review The Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 11) should be a top choice for students, small business pros, and even casual Windows users who want a premium laptop starting at $1,199.

Here's how Microsoft's powerful new Windows recovery tool actually works
By Cale Hunt published
Windows 11 System Restore has long been the go-to option for Windows recovery, but it's certainly not perfect. Microsoft's new Point-in-Time Restore aims to fill in the blanks.

LG just launched a $599 laptop — how does it match up to the MacBook Neo?
By Cale Hunt published
Laptops The LG gram Book 15 for 2026 has made its debut at a discounted $599, which immediately makes me think of the MacBook Neo. Here's how the two laptops compare.

The Steam Controller is going for $399 on eBay, and gamers aren't happy
By Cale Hunt published
PC gaming It's Valve's controller, sure, but it's still just a controller.

Could Valve's Steam Deck 2 be an ARM-based handheld?
By Cale Hunt published
PC gaming Valve has confirmed the Steam Deck 2 is under development, and that leaves a lot of open possibilities.

A working TrackPoint foot controller exists and the creator explains why
By Cale Hunt published
Hardware Almost every ThinkPad ever made has had a TrackPoint pointing system, and one engineer wants to repurpose them to create affordable accessibility controllers for PC gaming and more.

Secure Boot might stop working on your PC in 8 weeks. Here's how to check.
By Cale Hunt published
Windows The slow decline of outdated Windows versions continues as Microsoft confronts expiring Secure Boot certificates for the first time ever.

I can't believe this 4TB SSD is 57% cheaper right now
By Cale Hunt published
Deals Solve your PC's storage woes with massive discounts on 4TB, 2TB, and 1TB WD_Black SN7100 SSDs.
Roblox Reality shows off DLSS 5’s AI upscaling in a big way
By Cale Hunt published
Gaming Known as Roblox Reality, it's aiming to give games photorealistic graphics without requiring a cutting-edge PC.

PC modders revive full wireless support for PlayStation controllers
By Cale Hunt published
PC gaming A free and open-source GitHub project called DS5Dongle is finally bringing haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to the wireless DualSense experience on PC.

Blizzard quietly adds Warcraft 3: Legacy to Battle.net
By Cale Hunt published
PC gaming After Warcraft 3: Reforged effectively ruined Warcraft 3 for so many players about six years ago, Blizzard has now added a "Legacy" version to Battle.net. Here's what you need to know.

Our favorite HOTAS system for flight sims gets a massive discount
By Cale Hunt published
Deals For a limited time during Amazon Gaming Week, you can pick up the best flight sim HOTAS we've ever tested for $100 less than usual.

Is METROV the new best way to recreate Windows Phone 8.1?
By Cale Hunt published
Phones Although Windows Phone went away years ago, it has lived on in the hearts of many. This custom Android launcher returns the feel of WP 8.1, and it's starting to get attention.
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