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Getting a new laptop is a super fun day! You’ve got a shiny new toy to figure out with pages that load quickly, new features, and of course all those log ins and passwords you need to remember. If this leaves you with an old laptop though, here are 6 uses for it before throwing it on book shelf and calling it art.
If you plan for this laptop to be gone forever from your house, you need to clear it off. Be sure you have any documents, photos, etc. transferred. Once you’re 100% sure everything you want is off, you need to clear the hard drive. This simply helps to protect any information that is hidden on it. You could even remove it and then destroy the old hard drive to be extra safe.
Once your identity is safe, here are some options for that old laptop of yours.
Sell It For Parts
There are people out there who know way more about computers than I do – including how to build them. You may be able to list the computer on Craigslist or a Facebook yard sale site to get $20 or so for it. Be sure to be honest in your listing of the computer’s age and abilities. This option is especially great for those of us who have a tendency to drop laptops…
Donate or Recycle It
If you simply want to get rid of the laptop, you can donate or recycle it. You can go here to find a recycling center in your area. If you’d rather donate it, you can contact your local school or organization to see if they can use it. If they don’t need it, you can send it to a refurbisher.
Hand It Over To The Kids
If you are able to clear off your old computer, it’s going to run a lot faster. This makes it a perfect option for playing DVD’s. You can set it up so that it is easy for the kids to use. They can also play games, practice typing, etc.
Wall Mounted Digital Picture Frame
If your screen display isn’t damaged, it makes a great digital picture frame. You’ll need to remove the lid and keyboard casing, and then turn the screen outward before mounting. To help with the cosmetic appeal, be sure to select a deep frame and matting. You can go here for detailed instructions.
Use as Media Player
Instead of buying a Roku you can use your old laptop for streaming. To help make everything run as smoothly as possible, there is free software you can download like Plex. It’s a free media center for videos, music, pictures, and more.
Put the Hard Drive to Use
If the hard drive still works on your computer, you can use it as an external hard drive. You’ll need to remove the hard drive from the computer and place it in a USB caddy. External hard drives typically run $70-$150 so this has great value.
Print Extra Coupons
You are allowed (2) coupon prints per computer. If you need more than (2), you can use an old computer to print them. If your old laptop is painfully slow, you may need to do a little work beforehand. The easiest option would be to move everything you want to keep to an external hard drive and install a new operating system. Linux Mint is one option.
See more frugal living ideas.
