So I’ve recently inherited an old laptop. It’s actually very similar to the one I already have which is over five years old (both computers together only have ten more gigs than my I-Pod). There were two main reasons for the second laptop: 1) I wanted to use the battery as a backup for my original, and 2) I was hoping to take the memory chip and upgrade the RAM on my original. Well, after much fiddling, research, and taking apart of computers I discovered that the battery isn’t compatible (in fact it’s dead and won’t charge) and neither is the memory chip.
Fortunately I didn’t pay anything for the computer and it still seems to work well.
So what do I do with this second computer?
I’ve considered uploading the gOS operating system as shown in Lifehacker. This is basically a Linux based OS loaded with Google applications. It’s what the new $199 Wal-Mart computers are loaded with. I thought it would be interesting to give it a try but right now my system is too slow to download the software.
I could donate the computer. If I can’t find a use for it why not let someone else use it?
I could load it with some simple programs for my 7-year-old daughter to use and let her have it. This could be a great way to give her additional exposure to a PC.
I can keep it as a backup in case something happens to my number one. This isn’t bad but I hate the idea of having a computer lying around, taking up space (it’s a laptop but clutter is clutter).
What do you think? Does anyone have a good purpose for a second laptop? I’m not too tech savvy but I’m open to any ideas. Is there some way to just use the hard drive?
Leave me a comment. Perhaps I’ll use your idea?
P.S. I’m having EarthLink Online Cable installed this weekend so hopefully my system will be running much faster!
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I have a 7 year old laptop just sitting around collecting dust. It’s too slow to do anything nowadays.
gOS seems like it’d be a fun experiment. You might consider taking the full plunge and installing Ubuntu once you get your high speed internet setup.
Another option is to install MaxiVista and use it as a second monitor.
If you just want to use the hard drive, you can take it out and put it in an external enclosure to make it a portable external hard drive. However, it’s probably not worth the cost if you hard drive holds less than your iPod.
Another way to just use the hard drive is to use your laptop as a media server. Setting this up will depend on your OS. A laptop isn’t ideal for a media server, but I’m just throwing it out there.
Other than those options, I can’t think of very many practical uses for it. You can get a much more powerful computer for so cheap now that it’s probably not worth the effort on money to try to revive this dinosaur.
Still not sure what I’ll do with it. The high speed cable wasn’t set up yet. They have to come back another time when they have access to go under the floor boards (we live in a co-op).
Thanks for the suggestions!
gOS is not necessarily the best choice. I personally don’t use it, so I can’t make that much of a judgement, but it seems like Ubuntu wouldn’t be a “plunge”. In fact, Xubuntu (an Ubuntu variant) runs lighter and faster, so it might be better for an older computer. Both OSes are trivial to install and use. At least, way easier than Windows, although it might take a bit of getting used to.
Xubuntu? I’ll have to look into it. We now have cable internet which moves much faster then the DSL so I can finally download without waiting a day for it to finish!
i would love to have it
if u havent gave it away
give it to me i could really use it
my email xxhollowichigoxx@yahoo.com
I do still have the computer. I think I’m going to figure out a way to set it up for my daughter to use. I need to get another power cable.
I think it is a great idea to set it up for your daughter. That way – in case of need – it would still be available for you to use otherwise. If someone absolutely doesn’t need an extra computer, donating it is always nice. Some volunteer computer groups re-hab and update older computers and give them to individuals in need.
My son uses my old laptop and it serves him very well with his school work. He’d love a new one but at least its teaching him how to use a computer, hopefully we can afford get him a newer one when he’s a bit older.
i am in need of a old used compter. anything that works. my ex to mine and all my moeny…….plz i could relly use one. emaill @ jasutin1987@yahoo.com