What do you use instead of Google Backup and Sync client? I haven't found something that works like that. The "best" thing I've found is the FUSE Ocaml filesystem (https://github.com/astrada/google-drive-ocamlfuse) but still it is a "mounted" over network filesystem and not a sync-on-change solution. I tried InSync but could not make it work and it is not free, and also the Gnome "mount Google Drive" option, but it is also a "mounted" over network solution.
Other than that and some of the rough edges (random bluetooth issues, random issues after updating, completely broken Android ADB support), I like Linux Mint a lot. I do all my work and play (CS:GO, NFS, Cities Skylines, Hitman) on it, even for games that are not supported by default.
Hetzner doesn't seem to be listed there, but they offer Nextcloud as a service too: https://www.hetzner.com/storage/storage-share
https://www.cis.upenn.edu/~bcpierce/unison/download.html
Personally, I have the stuff I want synced in git (at work, mostly just text files) - and look to combine that with zfs and zfs send - with the new pricing at rsync.net that is looking very attractive.
But that's different from Google drive sync.
Sometimes, I have to wait for a linux port, but the games usually are on sale by then anyway ;).
TLDR selfhosting a NextCloud server on a raspberrypi and sync data between all your devices. You can also sync calendar/tasks/contacts etc
For periodic filesystem backup snapshots I use Restic.
On the other hand I've had plenty of problems of Insync. And the open source solutions are all garbage.
Atheros also has good support for Linux.
I just looked it up, and Intel's best chip the AC 9560, with 2x2 1.73 Gbps WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 is <$20.
It's an easy swap on desktops and on most laptops too.
Isn't everything soldered these days - including RAM in some cases ?
Unfortunately not the sp4: https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Microsoft+Surface+Pro+4+Tear...
Now pop in the $18 Intel card you ordered last night and landed a hour ago.
Your done !
Oh wait ! NOOB, you forgot to replace the screw !
Have you tried Libre Office? I'm not a power docs user but it gets the job done for me. Opting for Google to replace MS on principles is out of the frying pan into the fire.
What's the right choice in 2019 for a power desktop user who wants video drivers to work,for a 7 year old hp machine?
No experience with Fedora, but of the other distributions that I have tried (Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, CentOS...), Mint is my suggestion for beginners. Now though I like Manjaro for its rolling releases of the newest software.
Fedora is my personal preference, but it is aggressively up to date, including updating to the latest kernels. Good for new hardware, possibly not as good for a 7yo machine, especially with Nvidia graphics.