11 Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Old Laptop

 

Many people buy a new laptop for numerous reasons. You may need a faster processor for dynamic workflows, more storage to keep client projects organized, or longer battery life to make it through a full workday.

 

However, don't toss away your old laptop just yet. You can give it new life with a little bit of creativity. How you repurpose your old laptop depends on its age, condition, and specs. However, it is likely that your laptop can rise to the occasion for at least one of these 11 tasks:

 

Media Streamer

Before you go out and buy a new streaming device, consider whether your old laptop can serve that purpose. You can download and install Kodi, a free media streaming software, onto your computer and connect it to your television through an HDMI cable. You can also use a S/PDIF optical cable or audio receiver for better sound quality.

 

If your laptop is only a few years old, it likely has the hardware to support this type of activity. If it's an older model, you may require a separate graphics card for smooth operation. Additionally, it may benefit from adding more RAM, getting an external hard drive, or upgrading the processor.

 

Second Screen

If you are a member of the remote workforce, you may be looking for extra devices to clean up your workspace. Your old laptop can come in handy as a second screen.

 

You can extend or mirror your desktop so that you have more space to work. This can be helpful if you're doing research or need reference materials at your fingertips. To do this, connect your laptop to your main computer with an HDMI cable.

 

If you want to use your old laptop as a second screen while you're away from your desk, you can also set it up as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Then, connect your other devices to it and use it as you would a regular Wi-Fi network.

 

Guest Computer

If you have friends or family members who come to visit often, you may want to keep an extra computer around for them to use. Your old laptop can fill that role. Keep your personal files off of the guest computer by creating a separate user account for visitors. That way, they can't access your documents, photos, and other sensitive information.

 

You can use your old laptop as a guest computer for business purposes. If you have clients who need to access your computer remotely, you can set up a separate account for them to use. That way, they can't see any of your personal files or information.

 

Backup Computer

Your old laptop can also come in handy as a backup computer. If your main computer crashes or you can't access your files, you can use your old laptop to get work done.

 

To set up your old laptop as a backup computer, make sure that all of your important files are backed up to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Then, if something happens to your main computer, you can access your files from your old laptop.

 

VoIP Phone

A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone allows you to make calls via the internet using a broadband connection. If you want to save money on phone and data bills, this is a great option.

 

You can use your old laptop as a VoIP phone with the help of a headset that plugs into the audio port. After acquiring the hardware, all you need is to download VoIP software like Skype or Zoom.

 

If you run an online business, you can use your old laptop as a VoIP phone to communicate with clients and customers. If you live far away from others in your network, you can also use it to make calls to family and friends who don't live nearby.

 

Web Server

With a few software downloads, you can turn your old laptop into a web server. The best part about this is that it's very low cost. You can use it to host a personal website, blog, or even an e-commerce store. To do this, you'll need to install web hosting software like WordPress or Drupal. You'll need to purchase a domain name and set up DNS records. Once you have everything set up, your website will be available to anyone with an internet connection.

 

Monitor Your Webcams

If you have a home security system, there's a good chance it includes webcams. You can use your old laptop to monitor the feed from these cameras. Most mobile devices can monitor your feeds as well, but it is smart to have a dedicated computer for it. This way, you can keep an eye on things while you're away from home without slowing down your primary computer.

 

To do this, you'll need to connect your security system to your computer. You can then view the feed in real-time, or download recordings to watch later. You can use your old laptop to monitor baby monitors, nanny cams, and pet cams. This is an optimal method to stay connected to your loved ones while you're away from home.

 

If you have smart home automation, you can also use your laptop to control your lights, thermostat, and other devices, saving you energy and money.

 

Personal Cloud Storage

If you are like most people, you probably have too many movies, songs, and photos taking up space on your computer. You can use your old laptop as a personal cloud storage device so that you can free up some space on your primary computer. This is a great way to keep your files backed up and accessible from anywhere.

 

To do this, you'll need to install cloud storage software like Nextcloud or OwnCloud. Once you have the software set up, you can create folders and invite others to access them.

 

Using your old laptop as a file-sharing server can be helpful if you work with large files or frequently collaborate with others. To do this, you'll need to install file-sharing software like Nextcloud or OwnCloud. Once you have the software set up, you can create folders and invite others to access them. You can also give them permission to upload and download files.

 

Trade-In for Cash or Store Credit

There is a whole secondary market for refurbished laptops. Many people who want a better price on a new laptop are willing to buy one that's been used. If your old laptop is still in good condition, you might be able to trade it to a retailer for cash or store credit.

Many electronics stores have trade-in programs that give you a discount on new products when you bring in your old ones. You can also sell your old laptop online through a platform like California Computers. Before trading it in, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Be sure to wipe your hard drive. This will delete your personal data from the computer and ensure that no one can access it. If you don't clear your laptop, you risk an employee or future owner accessing your personal information.
• Check the condition of your laptop. If it's damaged, you may not get as much money for it. If this is the case, it may be worthwhile to get it fixed.
• Find out what model and brand are in demand. Some laptops hold their value better than others. Knowing the value of your laptop beforehand will help you know whether you are getting a good deal for it or not.

Donate It

If your old laptop is no longer usable, you can donate it to a local school or charity. Many organizations accept donated computers and give them to people in need. Once you donate it, the organization will refurbish it, making it usable for the next person. This is an excellent way to keep your old laptop out of the landfill. Plus, you'll be helping someone who can't afford a laptop.

 

Additionally, you may be able to get a tax deduction for your donation. To find a local organization that accepts donated computers, you can search online or call your city's waste management department.

 

Recycle It

If your old laptop is no longer usable, you can recycle it. This is the best way to dispose of it if it's not in good enough condition to be donated. Recycling electronics works differently than recycling other materials.

 

To recycle your old laptop, you'll need to find a certified electronics recycler. Most cities have at least one certified recycler. You can also check with your city's waste management department to see if they offer recycling services.

 

Endnote

There are many ways to repurpose your old laptop. Just because it cannot be used as a primary computer anymore does not mean it has to be thrown away. With a little creativity, you can find new ways to use your old laptop.