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If you're a fan of technology, chances are
you've retired a few gadgets over the years and they're sitting in a box
in your closet. Today's the day to dig out your leftovers and start
thinking about what you can do to let them live and breathe again. Here
are ten of our favorite ideas to get you started.
Repurposing
an old computer is awesome but it's obvious, so let's get this one out
of the way first. There is so much you can do. Laptops can become tablets, desktops can become powerful storage devices, and much more.
Old computers are just slow computers with an outdated selection of
ports, less storage and RAM, and generally paltry graphics cards. All
you need is something else that has those minimal requirements and
there's plenty you can do. Web servers, media centers, retro arcades, a kitchen computer that can get a little messy because it's old and you don't care,
The
digital photo frame is something we've all gotten as a gift or bought
with hopes that it was going to take us into the future of photo
displaying. In the end, I think most of us feel like we were sold
storage box filler. If you actually use a digital picture frame, you get
the added bonus of paying more money for it for the rest of time. These
things draw a reasonably large amount of power for something nobody is
looking at most of the time, especially considering their analog
predecessors—you know, normal picture frames—don't have that downside
and can still display whatever photo you want. I could go on complaining
about the downsides of spending tens of dollars on one of these
basically pointless devices, but let's not and focus on the positive
instead.
You don't want to be running your digital picture frame 24/7 (unless you love paying for wasted energy), so your best bet is to start looking at the thing as a device for specific events. Instead of loading it up with photos, stock your frame's internal storage (or SD card) with art that you like. If it can play video, put music videos on it or just find some awesome motion graphics on Vimeo (that's what I did). Hook it up during a party and you've got something cool to display (instead of photos of your tame vacation to Southern Florida). If it handles audio, too, hook up some speakers and you'll essentially have an audio-visual party mix.
What can you do with a dead hard drive? A lot, apparently. For example, you can turn it into a laser light show projector, make a steampunk clock, or turn it into a smartphone stand.
Hard drives, even when dead, always seem like such a substantial thing
to throw away. Instead, just make something cool and let it's spirit
live on against the wall, on your desk, and in your heart.
Yeah,
yeah, we've technically looked at things you can do with an old
computer but those were all things that didn't involve taking them apart
and actually turning them into new things. If you've got an
old laptop that you never use but wouldn't mind having a second display
for your desktop computer (or newer laptop), you're in luck! This Instructables post
will teach you how to take your laptop apart and make the display
usable with another computer. You could even use the bottom half of your
laptop to do any of the old computer uses we mentioned earlier. It's a
win-win.
While
old cables are nice to have around in case you need them someday, there
isn't much you can do to repurpose them into something better.
Nonetheless, there is one really awesome option: the Ethernet cable keychain.
(See the photo to the right if you're not sure why this is so awesome).
Technically you could do this with other types of cables, but Ethernet
has the distinct advantage of being both thick and locking into its
port. Other cables might not hold the weight of your keys or stay in
quite as well.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) will live on forever as so many different items. You can turn it into a DVD player, make a game cartridge a wireless router, repurpose a controller as an MP3 player or remote control. If you're not ready to part with your NES, you can also just give it an upgrade and, therefore, a bit more life. Just don't let it go to waste.
The
ports on the back of your TV are often under-appreciated. Most of us
plug in an HDMI box or two and call it a day, but the old school ports
(and even some newer ones) let you do all sorts of neat things. The
service USB port on most flatscreens is one of the most fun, allowing
you to power all sorts of USB devices. This means you can plug in
backlighting, or charge your smartphone or game controller. Video out
ports can output what's on your television to another monitor or device
so you can view from multiple locations or record what you're watching. A
port or two on your television can probably host live video input from a
camera you own, which can work as a makeshift security monitor or even a
fun display at a party. For a whole bunch of ideas, and a primer on all
the ports you've got, check out this post.
iPod touches make great iPhones when you add Skype,
or any other VOIP service, to their array of apps, but any old device
will do. Even if you've got a tablet you're not using anymore it can
make a great phone (if you add a headset). Just keep it around the house
and you've got a great makeshift home phone line (especially when you get Google Voice involved).
Tablets also make great video conferencing devices (assuming they're
sporting cameras). If you'd rather not sell yours because it isn't worth
much anymore, use it solely for communication. It's remarkably helpful
if you don't get great (or any) cellular service in your home.
When
you're spending under $50 on headphones you're generally not going to
get the greatest pair, but there is a lot you can do to make them worth
far more than their price tag. Replacing the drivers yourself can net you audiophile-level sound on the cheap. You can also splice them with a headset to give them a few extra superpowers or even turn them into a noise-isolating headset
(in some cases). If you've got a crappy pair and some time, these
upgrades will give you a better sound and features without the
associated cost.
10. Repurpose Your Old Computer in Many, Many Ways
Repurposing
an old computer is awesome but it's obvious, so let's get this one out
of the way first. There is so much you can do. Laptops can become tablets, desktops can become powerful storage devices, and much more.
Old computers are just slow computers with an outdated selection of
ports, less storage and RAM, and generally paltry graphics cards. All
you need is something else that has those minimal requirements and
there's plenty you can do. Web servers, media centers, retro arcades, a kitchen computer that can get a little messy because it's old and you don't care,9. Create Audio-Visual Mixes for Parties with a Digital Photo/Media Frame
The
digital photo frame is something we've all gotten as a gift or bought
with hopes that it was going to take us into the future of photo
displaying. In the end, I think most of us feel like we were sold
storage box filler. If you actually use a digital picture frame, you get
the added bonus of paying more money for it for the rest of time. These
things draw a reasonably large amount of power for something nobody is
looking at most of the time, especially considering their analog
predecessors—you know, normal picture frames—don't have that downside
and can still display whatever photo you want. I could go on complaining
about the downsides of spending tens of dollars on one of these
basically pointless devices, but let's not and focus on the positive
instead.You don't want to be running your digital picture frame 24/7 (unless you love paying for wasted energy), so your best bet is to start looking at the thing as a device for specific events. Instead of loading it up with photos, stock your frame's internal storage (or SD card) with art that you like. If it can play video, put music videos on it or just find some awesome motion graphics on Vimeo (that's what I did). Hook it up during a party and you've got something cool to display (instead of photos of your tame vacation to Southern Florida). If it handles audio, too, hook up some speakers and you'll essentially have an audio-visual party mix.
8. Make a Clock, Smartphone Stand, or Laser Show with a Dead Hard Drive
What can you do with a dead hard drive? A lot, apparently. For example, you can turn it into a laser light show projector, make a steampunk clock, or turn it into a smartphone stand.
Hard drives, even when dead, always seem like such a substantial thing
to throw away. Instead, just make something cool and let it's spirit
live on against the wall, on your desk, and in your heart.7. Lose an Old Laptop, Gain a Second Monitor
Yeah,
yeah, we've technically looked at things you can do with an old
computer but those were all things that didn't involve taking them apart
and actually turning them into new things. If you've got an
old laptop that you never use but wouldn't mind having a second display
for your desktop computer (or newer laptop), you're in luck! This Instructables post
will teach you how to take your laptop apart and make the display
usable with another computer. You could even use the bottom half of your
laptop to do any of the old computer uses we mentioned earlier. It's a
win-win.6. Create the Best Keychain Ever with Old Cables
While
old cables are nice to have around in case you need them someday, there
isn't much you can do to repurpose them into something better.
Nonetheless, there is one really awesome option: the Ethernet cable keychain.
(See the photo to the right if you're not sure why this is so awesome).
Technically you could do this with other types of cables, but Ethernet
has the distinct advantage of being both thick and locking into its
port. Other cables might not hold the weight of your keys or stay in
quite as well.5. Turn Your Nintendo Entertainment System, Controllers, and Games into Several Awesome New Gadgets
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) will live on forever as so many different items. You can turn it into a DVD player, make a game cartridge a wireless router, repurpose a controller as an MP3 player or remote control. If you're not ready to part with your NES, you can also just give it an upgrade and, therefore, a bit more life. Just don't let it go to waste.4. Use Those Unused Ports on Your TV to Charge Your Phone, Set up a Security Camera, and More!
The
ports on the back of your TV are often under-appreciated. Most of us
plug in an HDMI box or two and call it a day, but the old school ports
(and even some newer ones) let you do all sorts of neat things. The
service USB port on most flatscreens is one of the most fun, allowing
you to power all sorts of USB devices. This means you can plug in
backlighting, or charge your smartphone or game controller. Video out
ports can output what's on your television to another monitor or device
so you can view from multiple locations or record what you're watching. A
port or two on your television can probably host live video input from a
camera you own, which can work as a makeshift security monitor or even a
fun display at a party. For a whole bunch of ideas, and a primer on all
the ports you've got, check out this post.3. Turn Your Router into a Wireless Radio
Although I've been with the same router for four years now (aww), before I decided to settle down with my DD-WRT-ed LinkSys 310N I went through routers like toilet paper. If I hadn't given them all new homes before learning I could turn one of them into a wireless radio, I'd have done that in a heartbeat. Although this is one of the more complex DIY projects you can take on, it's also one of the coolest. Just check out the video to the left to learn how it's done. It's definitely a weekend project, but when you're done you'll have a wireless radio for the price of a router you weren't even using. (Pssst! If that's not your style, try this bonus option: turn your router into a home automation server.2. Use a Mobile Device as a Dedicated VOIP Phone
iPod touches make great iPhones when you add Skype,
or any other VOIP service, to their array of apps, but any old device
will do. Even if you've got a tablet you're not using anymore it can
make a great phone (if you add a headset). Just keep it around the house
and you've got a great makeshift home phone line (especially when you get Google Voice involved).
Tablets also make great video conferencing devices (assuming they're
sporting cameras). If you'd rather not sell yours because it isn't worth
much anymore, use it solely for communication. It's remarkably helpful
if you don't get great (or any) cellular service in your home.1. Upgrade Your Crappy Headphones
When
you're spending under $50 on headphones you're generally not going to
get the greatest pair, but there is a lot you can do to make them worth
far more than their price tag. Replacing the drivers yourself can net you audiophile-level sound on the cheap. You can also splice them with a headset to give them a few extra superpowers or even turn them into a noise-isolating headset
(in some cases). If you've got a crappy pair and some time, these
upgrades will give you a better sound and features without the
associated cost.
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