Tag: what to do

  • What to Do With an Old iPad?

    What to Do With an Old iPad?

    The new generations of Apple iPad are now slimmer, lighter, and definitely faster than the older ones. So, it wouldn’t be a surprise if millions of iPad owners are now upgrading to new models.

    If you are wondering what to do with an old iPad, below are some suggestions:

    Use the Old iPad as a Kitchen TV

    If you love spending time in your kitchen, you might have already considered getting a small television set for the room, especially if the living room is not connected to your kitchen and there is no way for you to watch your favorite shows on your expansive plasma TV.

    Why not use your old iPad as a kitchen TV instead? In these times when video streaming services are the trend, you could launch your favorite streaming app and binge-watch all of your favorite series while you are busy preparing delicious meals for your family.

    Use the Old iPad as a Cookbook

    If you are not a big fan of watching TV while working in the kitchen, you can still make it a mainstay in the room by using it as a cookbook instead. Remove everything that doesn’t have anything to do with healthy living and cooking.

    Put your iPad on a stand, connect this for good to a power source, and use this when cooking something creative. The best thing here is that you don’t have to worry that oil will splatter on its display. After all, gone are the days when you need to clean it every day.

    Use the Old iPad as a Digital Photo Frame

    You might initially think that turning your old iPad to a digital photo frame is impossible, especially since the device will use more energy compared to single-purpose devices that run on CR2 batteries and meant to show photos.

    Well, the photo frame here doesn’t refer to the usual one you put on your bedside table that shows photos 24/7. Instead, you can use your old iPad during those times when you might think of buying a digital photo frame.

    For example, when organizing your wedding anniversary party, the digital photo frame can be placed in the hallway to show your wedding photos as a way to welcome your guests. Digital frames tend to be a bit pricey so save yourself the expense and use your old iPad for this purpose instead.

    Use the Old iPad as a Security Camera

    And this is probably the most popular usage of an old iPad. If you have any type of security camera system such as the Ring, ADT, Blink, etc., there may be a compatible iPad app available to download.

    After you change a few settings such as the brightness and auto sleep timer, you’ll have an iPad that works as a security camera monitor.

    Other Uses for an Old iPad

    There are many other uses for an old iPad these days thanks to some useful third-party apps. A few of the popular uses are below:

    • Baby Monitor
    • Music System
    • WiFi Backup Storage
    • Wireless Mouse or Controller
    • Remote Computer Terminal
    • Smart Remote
    • Video Conference Station
    • Always-On Live Streaming Cam
    • Dedicated Reader
    • Digital Calendar
    • Kid-Friendly Learning Tool
    • Mobile Gaming Device

    Conclusion

    These are just some of the creative ways on what to do with an old iPad. Give them a try and breathe new life to your old device.

    Related: iPad Pro or Surface Pro X

  • What to Do With an Old Computer Monitor?

    What to Do With an Old Computer Monitor?

    Unused and discarded electronics have become commonplace in today’s society. Gadgets that still work sit forgotten in the storage room, gathering dust. Old computer monitors are the best examples of these electronics.

    Whether you have decided to switch to a laptop or you already got a new computer set, there are lots of recommendations on what to do with an old computer monitor to ensure that it doesn’t become completely useless.

    Sell the Old Monitor

    Selling your old computer monitor is one of the best ways to get the money you need to buy a better gadget in the future. Yes, you might not get the same amount as what you originally paid for it yet you will be surprised to know that there are lots of people bidding on a decent monitor.

    There are many online websites where you can have your old monitor listed for sale. All you have to do is take clear, bright, and clear photos of it so you can increase your chances of asking a good price for it.

    Donate the Old Monitor

    One of the best uses for old devices is to make them available to people who can still put them to good use.

    You might think of your old monitor as nothing but a forgotten memory but for someone looking for a working computer, this is an affordable way to make it happen.

    Use the Old Monitor as a Second Monitor

    With laptops now dominating the world, it is all too easy to forget how amazing it was to use two monitors. Having two computer monitors can take your experience to a whole new level as you can watch your favorite TV shows on one and beat your game enemies on the other.

    On top of this, there are also some applications such as video editing where dual monitor setups unlock functionalities that are impossible on single screens.

    Use the Old Monitor as a TV

    Yes, old computer monitors can make decent TVs. That cable box from the local cable provider might be compatible with your monitor and all you have to do is connect it through HDMI or DVI to HDMI adapter.

    While its size might not be the big screen you have always wanted, this can still serve as an extra TV in your bedroom or home. Just pair it with external speakers and you are good to go. The best thing about monitors as TVs is that they are less expensive, letting you enjoy great savings.

    Decorate the Old Monitor

    Another awesome feature of monitors is that most of them can be mounted on the wall. You can attach a relatively cheap mounting bracket to the wall and fasten the monitor securely to it.

    With a bit of ingenuity, you can even keep the cables out of sight to create a really awesome digital picture frame that everyone will love.

    Conclusion

    Whatever you choose to do with your old computer monitor, make sure you don’t forget that nothing good will come from storing it for a long time.

    Related: Best Gaming Monitor

  • What to Do With a Computer Before Selling It?

    What to Do With a Computer Before Selling It?

    If you have plans to sell your computer, you know for sure that an important thing you should never forget to do is to wipe its hard drive. But, is this really everything to it?

    Selling your old computer can be a bit scary. You invested long hours using it and it already contains tons of your personal data and stuff. However, at one point or another, you need to let it go. 

    Prior to selling it off, though, here are a few tips on what to do with a computer before selling it you need to keep in mind:

    Back-Up Your Data 

    Before anything else, you have to make sure that you back up any or all important data on your computer that you would like to keep including important programs, documents, and photos. If you only got a small amount of data you wish to keep, there are cloud storage services you can use for backup.

    You can also copy and paste files directly to a removable device. If your data is a bit large, you could set up the Windows integrated Backup and Restore utility for backing up your files in an external hard drive. 

    Get Your Product Keys

    If your purpose for selling your computer is to use the money to buy a new one, you need to look for and back up product keys for Windows and software programs that are installed in the old computer at the moment before you sell it. This way, you will be able to install them again easily to your new computer. 

    In case you have never tried having a backup of these product keys or you cannot find them at all, your best option is to use the special product key finder program so you can find and backup product keys for Windows and all installed software. 

    Format the Hard Drive 

    Don’t forget to format your computer’s hard drive before you decide to sell it off. This actually offers benefits for you and the person who will buy it. It gives you the assurance that your personal data will be protected and won’t remain on the computer hard drive where the buyer can access and see them.

    On the other hand, formatting the hard drive gives the buyer a completely clean and tidy environment from the get-go.  

    Reinstall the Operating System 

    After formatting, there won’t be anything on the hard drive. To show the computer better to the buyer and convince him to purchase it, you need to install its operating system again.

    You can choose to install the newest system like Windows 10 or you can also install the operating system that the buyer likes or prefers. 

    Clean Your Computer

    And one last step is to ensure that your computer is clean. Remove all your usernames and passwords that you used for locking the computer.

    Also, wipe down the keyboard, screen, and other parts of the computer to make it look good and run better. Doing so can help you score a great price for it. 

    Conclusion

    These are some of the most important tips on what to do with a computer before selling it. Try to do most of these tasks before selling any computer. Good luck! 

    Related: What to Do With an Old iPad

  • What to Do With an Old Laptop?

    What to Do With an Old Laptop?

    Your old laptop might no longer be as fast and reliable as it used to be but it doesn’t mean it no longer has a purpose.

    After you salvage and transfer all the valuable data in it, there are several great ideas on what to do with an old laptop.

    Save the Old Laptop Hardware

    Remove any salvageable components from the laptop such as the SSDs, hard drives, and SO-DIMM RAM modules. You can repurpose these components into external drives to be used in another device.

    Use the Old Laptop Monitor

    This is for the computer hardware experts. You can detach the laptop monitor and use it as a standalone display provided that you no longer have any use for the entire device. This will definitely require a bit of DIY work yet it lets you use the screen of your laptop as a secondary desktop display.

    Recycle Your Old Laptop

    Don’t just dump your old laptop in the garbage bin and instead, look for any electronic collection program to help you in recycling the device. There are many organizations that accept these old laptops and you can easily find them online.

    Related: Best Gaming Laptops

    Donate The Old Laptop

    There is always a high demand for used electronics to help someone who might be in need. Remove anything important in the hard drive then go to charities accepting old electronics like your laptop.

    Trade-In The Old Laptop

    There are also places that let you trade in your old laptop in exchange for gift cards. Whatever amount you receive will depend on the laptop’s current condition.

    Sell The Old Laptop

    If your device is still in good working condition, why not try selling it online? As there is a special market for electronics that are no longer functional, you can have your laptop listed on any of these sites as well.

    Related: Best Teacher Laptops

    Repair The Old Laptop

    Another good idea on what to do with an old laptop is to format its drive and begin with a clean slate. As you know, long years of accumulated files and software can slow down your device. You can open the device and clear off the dust.

    This boosts the performance of your device as cleaning can help improve ventilation and reduce thermal throttling. You can also install a lightweight operating system for your laptop to become more responsive.

    Use the Old Laptop as a Media Station

    If you have no plans to say goodbye to your old laptop any time soon, you can use this for playing movies or storing your favorite music provided that your device is still functioning obviously.

    Use the Old Laptop as a Digital Photo Frame

    Transform your old laptop into a photo frame. This is a cool project that also lets you save the hardware at the same time.
    Never let your good old laptop gather dust in the corner. Society is already wasteful enough so try not to make the problem worse.

    Use these tips on what to do with an old laptop to make the most out of your discarded device.

    Related: Surface Laptop or MacBook Pro

  • What to Do With Old Hard Drives?

    What to Do With Old Hard Drives?

    Hard drives do not last forever, especially the older models. Long years of wear and tear can take their toll on hard drives. Once this happens, you need to replace them sooner than later.

    Most of us will simply destroy and get rid of the hard drive. But here are a few tips on what to do with old hard drives.

    Recycle or Donate Old Hard Drives

    Instead of letting your old hard drives rot in the landfill, check first if your area has some technology recycling or refurbishing programs. There are groups that could give new life to old devices then give them to people who need them the most.

    For completely dead hard drives, you can recycle these instead. You can now find companies running services for e-waste reclamation. There are also places that give store credit for electronics surrendered to them for recycling. You can visit participating centers or check if pick-ups are allowed by the program.

    While hard drives are accepted in most recycling programs, it is best if you check first the list of electronics they accept.

    Related: Best SSD

    Harvest the Old Hard Drive Parts

    Harvesting the magnets is one of the easiest and simplest things to do with old hard drives. Hard drives contain some really powerful magnets that could be used for all kinds of things.

    You can remove the magnets from your old hard drives then use these as ultra-strong ref magnets. You can also use them for temporarily magnetizing your tools when you work with some small parts.

    Hard drives also have extremely polished platters that can be used as cool mirrors. Just combine the hard drive magnet with a platter and you will already have a geeky and unique mini mirror you can use for your gym or office locker or even for your home fridge.

    If you don’t want to recycle the parts found inside the hard drive, an empty hard drive case can also be turned to a hidden safe. Thieves would never bother going through a bin filled with old drives nor will they be interested to steal and aged and useless-looking drive.

    Be Crafty With Old Hard Drives

    For the computer hardware experts, there are a few cool things that can be done with an old hard drive.

    Don’t worry if your hard drives are no longer functioning because you can still use them in many ways. You can give them a second life as a desk clock or even a USB hub. With just a bit of fiddling with wires, you can surely think of artsy ways to make the most out of your old drives.

    These are only some of the useful and fun ideas on what to do with old hard drives. For those who love taking things apart and tinkering with electronics, old hard drives are treasure troves of small bits and pieces you can play with.

    Related: External Hard Drives

  • What to Do If You Spill Water on a Laptop?

    What to Do If You Spill Water on a Laptop?

    Out of all the types of liquids you can accidentally spill on your precious laptop, water is no doubt the most common one.

    If you are one of those unfortunate people who have ever found themselves in such a scary situation, don’t worry as there are many things you can do to get rid of water that seeped inside your device and prevent serious damage to it.

    Spilling Water on Laptop

    But before anything else, it is best to keep in mind that this particular guide is available only if you spill water on your laptop. Alcoholic beverages or drinks containing sugar are more harmful so they also need more attention when cleaning. In these situations, the first four steps in this guide should be followed only if you feel comfortable dealing with a damaged laptop. Due to the large amounts of debris that these fluids can leave behind, it is highly recommended to call a qualified laptop service before restarting the damaged laptop.

    Here are the steps to follow on what to do if you spill water on a laptop:

    • Do not panic.
    • Unplug your laptop right away after you spilled water on it. This is the very first and probably the most important step since it has something to do with the user’s safety.
    • Shut down your laptop and if possible, remove its battery to prevent unpleasant situations.
    • After shutting down your laptop and removing its battery, you need to hold its screen at a 90-degree angle. Put your laptop upside down on a flat surface. This is to ensure that the water doesn’t get inside the device and protect its important components like the motherboard.
    • Use paper or cloth towels to clean up any excess water left behind. Never wipe your laptop and instead, just leave the napkin or cloth to absorb the water. Using a fan is also not recommended since it will only introduce more amounts of dust inside the device.
    • Let your laptop dry for a minimum of 24 hours. There are even some people who suggest extending it for as long as 48 hours. There are also recommendations like placing your laptop in a compartment filled with silica gel or grains of rice to eliminate the moisture although this is not necessary.
    • Laptops are compact as hell these days. Resist the urge to turn on the laptop and take it to a professional.

    Follow these steps on what to do if you spill water on a laptop so you can save yourself from additional expenses later on.

    Related: Surface Laptop or MacBook Pro

  • What to Do With Old Printers?

    What to Do With Old Printers?

    Where does your old printer go once its life cycle comes to an end? Should you just throw it away in the trash? Are there options for recycling? 

    Many people don’t really think what happens to their good old printer once a new one comes along. However, as the world sees a growing number of different types of waste, knowing what to do with old printers is very important now more than ever. 

    There are three choices here. You can sell, recycle, or donate them. 

    Sell Your Old Printers

    For old printers that are still in good running conditions, you can make some cash out of them. There are now many places where you can sell your old printers, such as websites like Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist.

    Besides the websites listed above, you can post about it on social media and join those buy and sell groups to sell off your printer locally. While these groups tend to be a bit crowded, you can get a good chance of making a sale in no time. 

    On the other hand, if your old printer doesn’t work anymore, you could still get back some of your investment if you sell it to repair shops and junk shops. Research about these shops in your area and call them beforehand to check the types and brands of printers they accept. 

    Recycle Your Old Printers

    Probably the easiest and fastest way to get rid of your old printer is to recycle it. There are retailers that have designated recycle bins in their shops where you can drop off your old printer. Some stores also have recycling programs. 

    Many areas also have e-waste collection centers. You can check the official website of your county or city to know the hours and drop off locations of these centers. Taking your old printer to a recycling center is the simplest option to solve your problem and do it in such a way that it won’t pose any harm to the environment. Aside from the printer itself, the toner cartridges can also be recycled. 

    If there are no e-waste collection centers around you, you can contact the manufacturer of the printer. Some of them have take-back and e-waste recycling programs. Just make sure you call them in advance to see if they will accept your old printer. These companies might only accept certain devices for such programs. 

    Donate Your Old Printers

    What you already consider as trash might just be the best treasure for someone else. If your old printer is still working, most organizations will be more than happy to take it and put it to good use. Good examples of these organizations are schools, charities, nonprofits, community organizations, and recreation centers. Old printers can also be donated to organizations specializing in electronics outreach programs for people in need.

    Conclusion

    Now that you already know what to do with old printers, make sure you select the best option so you can be sure that you will get the best out of your good old device.

    Related: What to Do With A Computer Before Selling It

  • What to Do With Old Cameras?

    What to Do With Old Cameras?

    Is there an old camera occupying a significant space in your drawer? Have you purchased the latest camera model and you don’t know what to do with your old one?

    There are several interesting ways to breathe new life into your old photo equipment. Here are some ideas on what to do with old cameras. 

    Sell Your Old Cameras

    Selling your old camera is one of your best options, especially if you can still use some cash to buy new photo gear. You can drop it off at the nearest consignment shop in your area where a hoarder or collector can come across the camera and lenses you once loved.

    You can also have it listed on auction websites or put an ad on online websites or in the classified section of your local newspaper. 

    Related: What to Do With Old Books

    Donate Your Old Cameras

    One of the options that are usually overlooked is donating your camera to a good cause. There is a high chance that you will find a local thrift store or charity that would never hesitate to take your old device off your hands.

    You can also try to dig deeper to find more deserving outlets. Inquire at local schools to check if they offer photography lessons in their art program. Schools will be happy to take your old camera to loan out to a student in need. 

    And many charities would appreciate an old camera. There is probably a photography-related charity that will happily accept used equipment. All you need is to do some online search to look for charities where your old gear can be put to good use. Just like the schools, non-profits will be more than happy to have some donated camera equipment handy. 

    Repurpose Your Old Cameras

    Getting something shinier, faster, and newer might be exactly what you need to use your old lenses and camera for something fun. Did you always want to give infrared photography a try? Or maybe you want to make a homemade lens amount yourself so you can attach lenses to the camera?

    Having an old camera is your opportunity to try something outside the box. You can convert your old camera to a pinhole camera. You can also get affordable imported trinkets from the local home accessory shop to accessorize your old camera and turn it into a cool and unique living room décor. 

    Old Cameras Can Be Backup Cameras

    A slower and older digital camera could be put to good use as a reliable backup for your new one. Mechanicals and electronics are not perfect and that sparkling new gear might no longer be as a trusty in the future.

    Having a good backup camera accessible can save the day, whether you are on a remote vacation or an important commercial shoot. 

    Conclusion

    The trash can is the last place where you would want your old camera to end up. You can sell it or give it to someone who might be able to use it. Of course, you can also just choose to keep it and then pass it on to the next generation.

    As long as you know what to do with old cameras, you can be sure it won’t go to waste, so to speak.

    Related: What to Do With Old Computer Parts

  • What to Do With Old Speakers?

    What to Do With Old Speakers?

    You have finally decided to replace your old speakers with a brand new one. That’s good news. But, what happens to your old system now? Storing them is out of the question so you have to figure out how you can get rid of them properly.

    Here are some tips on what to do with old speakers after you bought something new:

    Repurpose Your Old Speakers

    Before deciding to throw them out of the house, check if you can still use your old speakers somewhere else. If you only replaced the home theater system, will this speaker set work for another TV in your bedroom or for your computer, for example?

    If yes, you can try upgrading your old speakers and using them for a new purpose instead of saying goodbye to them completely.

    Sell The Old Speakers

    For old speakers that are still in good usable shape with an acceptable sound, you can sell them and make some money. You could have the speakers listed on social media platforms or use other sites where you can have your speakers put up for sale.

    Just make sure that you list them at a decent price so you can earn cash on the side and get rid of them at the same time.

    Donate The Old Speakers

    If there is no one interested in taking your speakers away but they are in perfect shape, you can always donate them to a charity. Many charities will be more than happy to help you get rid of your speakers. They can take them away and offer them for sale at low prices or they could also donate these to those who might need them.

    After all, not everyone really has the money to buy decent speakers yet it doesn’t mean they no longer deserve to listen and enjoy some great music. Wouldn’t it be great if you can do something to give back to those who are in need?

    Give Away The Old Speakers

    There is a chance that there is someone you know who can use a good set of functioning speakers. If you don’t have any use for your old speakers but they still look and function great, you can ask your family and friends to see if someone is looking for speakers.

    For sure, there is someone who will say yes and be willing to take them away. It can give your old speakers a whole new life in a new home.

    Recycle The Old Speakers

    If you are done exhausting all of the alternative uses for your old speakers as stated above but nothing seems to be the right answer, maybe it is about time to get rid of them for good. But, no matter what you do, just avoid throwing them away.

    Just so you know, speakers are made of recyclable materials so it is best to check with the recycling centers in your area to see if they can do something about them.

    Conclusion

    Whether it is the plastic, wood, or the rest of the electronics and parts inside the speakers, these could still be recycled. Your old system shouldn’t just rot in the landfill. Have it recycled instead of throwing it away to give it new life all over again? There are a lot of ideas on what to do with old speakers and all you need to do is think outside the box.

  • What to Do With an Old iPhone?

    What to Do With an Old iPhone?

    If you have recently invested in a brand new smartphone, there are a few things you can do with the old iPhone. Never just throw it away because you can do so many useful things with it.

    Here are a few suggestions on what to do with an old iPhone.

    Sell the Old iPhone

    You should know that iPhones are known to hold good value even if they are already a bit older. You can still get a good price for your older iPhone if you offer them in reputable shops. You can also sell it privately to yield something higher.

    Gift the Old iPhone

    While you can always sell your old iPhone, why not consider donating it? Someone in your family or group of friends will surely be happy to receive it as a gift. There are also websites you can visit where you can learn things you can do to make a positive difference with your old device.

    Give the Old iPhone to Your Kid

    Look for a tough case for your iPhone and download and install some of the newest games for kids. This will transform your device into an instant way of keeping your little ones entertained with no need for them to borrow and consequently smash your sparkling new iPhone.

    Use the Old iPhone as a Baby Monitor

    If you will check the App Store, you will see some apps that will allow you to use your old iPhone as a baby monitor so you can check the live video of your kids at night or any time of the day.

    And if you have a newer security system, you probably can download their iOS app and use the old iPhone as a security camera.

    Use the Old iPhone as a Kitchen Tool

    If you are a certified cooking aficionado, you can mount your old iPhone in the kitchen then use this as your measurement calculator and recipe book. This way, you can be sure that your iPhone won’t be getting greasy, wet, or accidentally dropped on the kitchen floor. Just activate Siri and you will need to use your hand to get all the recipes you plan to cook.

    Use the Old iPhone as a Music System

    Even if you are not using an active SIM card on your old iPhone, you can still use it. Just connect it to WiFi and the music service you are using. Connect it to your system with AirPlay or Bluetooth so you can use your old iPhone as a shared radio playback and music system.

    Use the Old iPhone as a Backup Drive

    Finally, your old iPhone can be used as a backup drive as well. Just remove all the things you don’t need then install the USB Flash Drive app available for free so you can have a flash drive connected to the WiFi you can use as your backup storage.

    This is pretty cool as it also integrates with different third-party services for file storage such as Dropbox and iCloud Drive. This can also be used for playing various video formats.

    Conclusion

    Follow these tips on what to do with your old iPhone and make the most out of the remaining years of your device.

    Related: iPhone Accessories, What to Do With An Old iPad