I switched in the Windows 98/ME era, so quite some time ago. I was tired even then of Windows being an unstable mess. BSODs, headaches with DirectX and different versions, etc. I was/am mostly a console gamer so not being able to play games on my computer was less of an issue for me. So I tried then Red Hat linux which I scored some CD images of and never really looked back.

I got a Kobo about a year ago (Libra Color) it is just great. The kobo store keeps having sales on books I want for $2 so as much as I intended to use the overdrive connectivity, I just keep buying books on it!

If this article is any indication of the state of phsyical media, then I’d expect the next generation to simply not have it at all

https://gbatemp.net/threads/new-fiscal-report-shows-that-physical-game-sales-only-made-up-3-of-playstations-revenue.675322/

Nintendo is already flirting with this with game carts that are just license keys to download the game.

Looks great! Awesome idea to reuse the cusions too!

Have you considered trying to repair it? Darkened screen sounds like failed LED lighting strips and those can be replaced. Watch a few videos on the subject to get an idea of what you are getting into. I did it on a vizio TV and it took me about an hour all told.