Tag: what to do

  • What to Do With Old Computer Parts?

    What to Do With Old Computer Parts?

    Are you wondering what to do with old computer parts?

    Well, there are actually plenty of options on how to still get the best out of these parts just when you think they are no longer of use.

    Sell the Old Computer Parts

    You probably don’t have any use for the aged AGP graphics card and Intel Pentium 4 but someone might be looking for them. If you are running out of ideas on what to do with old computer parts at home, you can put them up in online marketplaces and see if they can make you earn some cash.

    You can sell them as individual parts or develop them into computers so you can sell them this way. You might not get lots of cash for all your effort but you could still get some pocket money while someone will get the computer parts they need.

    Recycle Old Computer Parts

    While it might be easy to fall into the temptation of throwing them away, computer parts may contain dangerous metals that you would never want to rot away in the landfill.

    Your area might have certain locations and options for recycling and all you have to do is search online to find a free and easy place where you can responsibly get rid of these unwanted parts.

    Repurpose the Old Computer Parts

    There are some computer parts that you can repurpose by themselves. For instance, an old hard drive can be turned to an external hard drive with just a simple enclosure. A DVD drive can also be turned to an external DVD drive.

    If you got really good DIY skills, you can turn this to an external graphics card to enjoy better laptop gaming. Not all computer parts could be repurposed but instead of throwing them out right away, see first if some of them can be used for your current electronics.

    Create DIY Projects Using Old Computer Parts

    It might not really be useful but in case you got plenty of discarded computer parts and you have the time to do some fun activities, you can always start some fun computer-inspired DIY projects.

    For instance, an old PC case can be turned into a unique aquarium. Old graphics cards and motherboards can be used as circuit board coffee table or other cool stuff. Check online for projects you can try or think outside the box to create your very own geek haven at home.

    Conclusion

    Try any of these ideas on what to do with old computer parts and make the most out of them.

    Related: Best Computer Accessories

  • What to Do With Old Computer Cables?

    What to Do With Old Computer Cables?

    One of the top signs that you are a true 21st-century human is when your house has several drawers filled with old computer cables and wires of all sorts.

    As most techs have a short life cycle, it is almost impossible not to end up with 10 cables or more that you don’t use anymore. The good news is that there are some excellent ideas on what to do with old computer cables.

    Take a Quick Inventory

    Before anything else, you need to check the cables you’ve got. You should basically watch out for those that might still be valuable for you.

    It doesn’t mean you should be hoarding them and instead, just keep your eye out for things that still have potential use but not obsolete anytime near.

    Recycle Old Computer Cables

    After the inventory and there are still a lot of remaining cables, you should try recycling them instead of disposing of them in the trash.

    Modern computer cables are usually made of valuable materials like gold and copper. They might not really be worth much on their own but if all people bother recycling their old cables instead of dumping them on the garbage bin, it will surely make a big impact.

    Gift the Old Computer Cables

    Not everyone upgrades their computers right away. Before you discard your large collection of old computer cables, see to it that you ask your family members and friends if they have any use for them.

    Some computer cables can still be used with some other devices. Check the functionality of these cables first before you donate them.

    Donate the Old Computer Cables

    With more and more kids now using computers on a daily basis, cables can get damaged, misplaced, and lost frequently. Local schools and nonprofit organizations will surely appreciate old cables from you. Just make sure that you don’t give them a pile of these cables.

    Be sure that everything you give is still in good working condition. Call in advance and ask them what they can use then go through your things to see if you got what they need.

    Give the Old Computer Cables Away

    You might not longer be using your old computer cable but an acquaintance might be.

    A simple post on Twitter or Facebook announcing that you got some cables that others can still use might result in more responses than what you might think.

    Related: Best Laptop Accessories

    Conclusion

    No matter which of these ideas on what to do with old computer cables you decide to follow, the main point is to avoid throwing them away. Take note that cables can be as dangerous as other forms of electronic waste if mishandled.

    Related: Best Computer Accessories

  • What to Do With Old Apple Watches?

    What to Do With Old Apple Watches?

    You have finally rewarded yourself with the latest Apple Watch. The big question now is, what will you do with the old one?

    While you can always sell it, you can’t expect much for its resale value. Instead, you can just keep it and put it to good use in your life.

    If you prefer to keep your old Apple Watches because of sentimental reasons, here are a few things you can do with your old Apple Watch.

    Monitoring Device

    There might be a member of your family who can use your old Apple Watch.

    You can let them use it for their own benefit and for your benefit as well.  You might have a teenage child that you want to contact easily with no need to worry that they won’t answer their phone. You can also use the Apple Watch as a timer for your children who find it hard to focus and tend to work better with some incremental tasks.

    Overall, the Apple Watch is very easy to use and your child can set and reset the times without needing you to help them out.

    Day and Night Watch

    You can never go wrong when you have two Apple Watches with you. By having two of them, you can be sure that you always have some backup. You can wear your day watch as your night watch charges or vice versa.

    Would you like to use a lightweight aluminum watch for your workout and a heavier stainless one for more formal events? Two watches can solve this issue.

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    Permanent Nightstand

    Your old Apple Watch can also be repurposed as a permanent nightstand clock.

    You can connect it to power and turn it on its side with its digital crown facing upwards.

    Safety Blinker

    There is a flashlight feature in watchOS 4. If you love running at night, you can strap one watch on each arm and then turn on their flashlights, possibly either the flashing red or white variety.

    This will make your presence known to motorists so you can enjoy a safe and secure jog.

    Kitchen Timer

    Apple Watches can be used as a timer but if you ever need two, you can do that.

    The old Apple Watch can be used for timing your hard-boiled eggs while the other can be used to time the cinnamon rolls in the oven. Now, that makes things easy, right?

    Bike Riding Accessory

    You can attach your old Apple Watch to the handlebars of your bike and use it for its GPS features or to play music during your biking.

    Conclusion

    Hopefully, we were able to provide you with some ideas for your old Apple Watch, since selling isn’t the best option. Good luck!

    Related: What to Do With Old Hard Drives

  • What to Do With Old AirPods?

    What to Do With Old AirPods?

    Water resistance and noise cancellation features are the reasons why AirPods Pro is considered one of the best AirPods that ever hit the market.

    But with this recent launch, it only means one thing – owners of old AirPods will be upgrading soon.

    Recycle Old AirPods

    The sad news is that recycling AirPods is a bit complicated, so let Apple take care of this as they have a trade-in program. The high-quality build of these earpieces will make the decomposing process take years so let Apple do what they do best. If you notice, Apple even labels the AirPods boxes with a “do not landfill” icon. So yes, recycling AirPods is simply complicated.

    Wired headphones can be shredded and melted down for copper, the lithium-ion batteries stay attached to the AirPods, posing a serious fire risk when sliced. And breakdown videos show that manual removal of the batteries is cost-prohibitive for the recyclers.

    For this reason, the easiest option you’ve got here is to sell your old AirPods.

    Sell Old AirPods

    It is very likely for your AirPods to die after a few years since lithium-ion batteries are used to power them. These batteries are known to degrade each time they are charged. Retailers know this. For this reason, there are not a lot of places that will be willing to buy old AirPods yet there are some that will.

    Different resellers will have different prices for used and old AirPods that depend on their condition and model.

    Amazon

    Amazon doesn’t pay much attention to the model of your AirPods. They pay the same price for recent generations with wireless or wired charging cases.

    You can get around $36 if your AirPods are still in perfect condition, which means that they can power on with no visible cracks. If there are some cracks but still power on, you can get $9 or $4.50 if they don’t anymore and cracks are visible.

    Buy Back Electronics

    It might be a bit difficult to try to please Buy Back Electronics. They will never look twice at your AirPods if they already show signs of heavy usage even if they are functional with no cracks or chips.

    If your AirPods are still completely functional with no major blemishes, they will pay you up to $27 for pairs with a wired charging case or as much as $37 for pairs with a wireless case.

    If your AirPods are in their mint condition, pairs with the wired case can make you earn $37 while pairs with the wireless case can give you as much as $42.

    However, if you have a sealed box of AirPods for whatever reason, Buy Back Electronics can pay you $50 for pairs with a wired case and up to $60 for a wireless one.

    My Phones Unlimited

    While it might be a bit pickier compared to Amazon, My Phones Unlimited will pay you a little bit more if you’ve got the newest model.

    Whether you have a wireless or wired charging case, the recent generation AirPods in perfect condition will get you $40 if you give them your charging block and cord.

    Conclusion

    If you are wondering what to do with old AirPods, your best choice, for now, is to sell them and get back some of the money you spent on buying them.

    Related: What to Do With Old iPads

  • What to Do with Your Broken Phone? Smash or Trash

    What to Do with Your Broken Phone? Smash or Trash

    So, you’ve dropped your phone and now it’s broken. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. But what should you do with it? Should you throw it away? Sell it? Fix it? In this article, I’ll give you some humorous options for what to do with your broken phone.

    First off, you could turn it into a fancy paperweight. It’s a great conversation starter and will add a touch of sophistication to your desk. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than buying a real paperweight. Just make sure to remove any sharp edges to avoid any paper cuts.

    Another option is to turn it into a piece of modern art. Simply glue it onto a canvas and voila! You’ve got yourself a unique masterpiece. You could even start a trend and sell your broken phone art on Etsy. Who knows, maybe it’ll become the next big thing.

    Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could turn your broken phone into a DIY project. Take it apart and see what makes it tick. You never know, you might learn something new. And if you can’t fix it, at least you’ll have some spare parts for your next project.

    The Tragedy of the Broken Phone

    Ah, the tragedy of the broken phone. It’s a tale as old as time, and yet it never gets any easier. One moment, you’re happily scrolling through your social media feed, and the next, your phone is lying shattered on the ground. It’s enough to make anyone want to cry.

    But fear not, my friends, for I have been there and survived to tell the tale. And I’m here to offer some advice on what to do when your phone inevitably breaks.

    First things first, take a deep breath and try not to panic. It’s easy to feel like your entire life is stored on that little device, but most of the time, your data can be recovered. Take a moment to assess the damage. Did you drop it and crack the screen? Did it fall in the toilet? (Hey, it happens to the best of us.) Knowing what you’re dealing with will help you figure out your next steps.

    If you’re dealing with a cracked screen, you have a few options. You can try to fix it yourself with a DIY kit, but be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart. You could also take it to a repair shop, but that can be expensive. Or, if you’re feeling brave, you could just live with the crack. Hey, it adds character, right?

    If your phone is beyond repair, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement. Before you rush out to buy the latest and greatest model, consider your options. Do you really need all those fancy features? Could you get by with a cheaper model? And if you do decide to splurge, make sure you invest in a good case. Trust me, it’s worth it.

    In conclusion, the tragedy of the broken phone is a tough pill to swallow, but it’s not the end of the world. Take a deep breath, assess the damage, and make a plan. And remember, in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a phone. (But seriously, invest in a good case.)

    To Repair or Replace? That Is the Question

    Ah, the dreaded broken phone. It’s a situation we all hope to avoid, but inevitably, it happens to the best of us. So what do we do when we’re faced with a shattered screen or a malfunctioning battery? Do we repair or replace?

    Well, my dear reader, that is the question. And let me tell you, it’s not an easy one to answer. There are pros and cons to both options and ultimately, it comes down to your personal situation and preferences.

    Let’s start with repair. If your phone is only suffering from minor damage, such as a cracked screen or a broken button, then repair might be the way to go. It’s often cheaper than replacing the entire phone, and it allows you to keep all of your data and settings intact. Plus, you get to hold onto that beloved phone case you’ve been using for years.

    But, and this is a big but, if the damage is extensive or if your phone is an older model, repair might not be the best choice. The cost of repair could end up being more than the phone is worth, and you might still end up with a phone that’s slow or glitchy.

    On the other hand, replacement might seem like the obvious choice if your phone is beyond repair or if you’re due for an upgrade. But before you go running to the nearest phone store, consider the cost. A brand-new phone can be expensive, especially if you’re looking for the latest model. And if you’re not eligible for an upgrade, you might have to pay full price.

    But, and here’s the silver lining, you can often trade in your old phone for a discount on a new one. And if you’re savvy enough, you might be able to find a good deal on a refurbished phone or a model that’s a few years old.

    So, what’s the verdict? Repair or replace? Honestly, it depends. Consider the cost of repair versus replacement, the extent of the damage, and your personal preferences. And don’t forget to factor in the sentimental value of your trusty old phone.

    In the end, the most important thing is to make a decision that works for you and your budget. And hey, if all else fails, maybe it’s time to go back to a good old flip phone.

    The Screen Scene

    The Screen Repair Showdown

    So, you’ve dropped your phone and now the screen is shattered. Don’t panic, it happens to the best of us. But what do you do now? You have two options: get it repaired or buy a new phone.

    If you’re like me and don’t have the budget for a brand-new phone, screen repair is the way to go. But where do you take it? Do you go to the manufacturer or a third-party repair shop? It’s a showdown between convenience and quality.

    Manufacturer repairs may seem like the obvious choice, but they can be expensive and time-consuming. Third-party repair shops are often cheaper and faster, but the quality of their work can be hit or miss.

    Personally, I opt for third-party repair shops. I’ve had some great experiences and saved a lot of money. Just make sure to do your research and read reviews before choosing a repair shop.

    Screen Protectors: The Unsung Heroes

    Prevention is better than cure, right? That’s where screen protectors come in. They’re like the unsung heroes of phone protection.

    Screen protectors can help prevent scratches and cracks on your phone screen. They come in various materials, such as tempered glass or plastic. Some even have special features like anti-glare or blue light filtering.

    I always use a screen protector on my phone. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of money and frustration in the long run. Plus, they’re easy to apply and come in packs of multiple, so you’ll always have a spare.

    In conclusion, whether you’re dealing with a broken phone screen or trying to prevent one, there are options out there for you. Do your research, weigh your options, and don’t forget to protect your phone with a screen protector.

    The DIY Dilemma

    As someone who has dropped their phone more times than they can count, I know the struggle of dealing with a broken device. The DIY route can be tempting, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before diving in.

    Tools of the Trade

    Before attempting any DIY fixes, it’s important to have the right tools. A few essentials include:

    • Screwdrivers (both flathead and Phillips)
    • Spudger (a tool used to pry open devices)
    • Tweezers
    • X-acto knife
    • Heat gun or hair dryer

    While it may be tempting to use whatever is lying around the house, investing in quality tools can make all the difference in the success of your repair.

    The iFixit Phenomenon

    If you’re considering a DIY fix, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the website iFixit. Known for their extensive repair guides and tool kits, iFixit has become a go-to resource for DIY repairs.

    But before you start taking apart your phone, it’s important to note that not all repairs are created equal. Some fixes, like replacing a battery, can be relatively straightforward. Others, like replacing a cracked screen, can be much more complicated and require a higher level of expertise.

    Ultimately, the decision to attempt a DIY fix comes down to personal preference and skill level. Just remember to proceed with caution and don’t be afraid to seek professional help if needed.

    The Manufacturer’s Role

    As someone who has dealt with their fair share of broken phones, I can tell you that the manufacturer’s role in the process is crucial. After all, they’re the ones who made the darn thing, so it’s only fair that they take some responsibility when it breaks.

    First and foremost, let’s talk about warranties. Most manufacturers offer some sort of warranty on their phones, which can vary in length and coverage. For example, Apple offers a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship, while Samsung offers a one-year warranty that covers defects and malfunctions. Motorola, on the other hand, offers a two-year warranty on some of its phones.

    If your phone breaks within the warranty period, you can usually get it repaired or replaced for free. Of course, there are some limitations and exclusions, so make sure you read the fine print before you start celebrating.

    But what if your phone breaks outside of the warranty period? Well, that’s where things get a little trickier. Some manufacturers offer repair services for a fee, while others don’t offer anything at all. Apple, for example, offers an out-of-warranty repair service for a flat fee, while Samsung doesn’t offer any official repair services for out-of-warranty phones.

    Of course, there are always third-party repair services that you can turn to if the manufacturer doesn’t offer anything. Just be careful, because some of these services can void your warranty or even cause further damage to your phone.

    So, what’s the bottom line? The manufacturer’s role in dealing with broken phones is important, but it’s not always clear-cut. Make sure you understand your warranty coverage and options for repair, and don’t be afraid to explore third-party options if necessary. And remember, sometimes the best solution is just to upgrade to a new phone altogether.

    The Carrier Conundrum

    Ah, the carrier conundrum. You’ve broken your phone and now you need to deal with your carrier. It’s like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. Let me tell you about my experience.

    I’m a Verizon customer, and I have their Total Mobile Protection plan. So, when I broke my phone, I thought it would be an easy fix. I called Verizon and they told me to go to the nearest Verizon store to get a replacement phone. Sounds simple, right? Wrong.

    When I got to the store, they told me they didn’t have any replacement phones in stock and that I would have to wait for one to be shipped to me. That’s when I learned that the replacement phone they send you isn’t necessarily the same model as your broken phone. They’ll send you a comparable model, but it might not be the same color or have the same storage capacity. So, if you’re attached to your rose gold iPhone with 128GB of storage, you might be out of luck.

    But the carrier conundrum doesn’t end there. If you have phone insurance, you might be able to get a replacement phone faster, but you’ll have to pay a deductible. And if you have a third-party insurance provider, you might have to jump through even more hoops to get a replacement phone.

    In the end, I opted to wait for the replacement phone from Verizon. It took about a week to arrive, and it was a different color than my broken phone, but it worked. The carrier conundrum might be a headache, but it’s a necessary evil when dealing with a broken phone.

    The Backup Brigade

    Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Our beloved phone slips out of our hands and crashes onto the ground, shattering the screen into a million pieces. It’s a heartbreaking moment, but fear not, my fellow phone warriors! I’m here to introduce you to the Backup Brigade.

    First things first, if you haven’t already, invest in an SD card. This little guy can save you from losing all your precious photos, videos, and documents. It’s like a tiny superhero that swoops in and saves the day when your phone decides to take a nosedive. Just make sure to back up your files regularly, or else the SD card will just be another casualty in the phone graveyard.

    Next up, we have the trusty Google Drive. If you’re like me, you probably have a million and one random files floating around in your Drive. But did you know that you can also use it to back up your phone? It’s true! Just download the Google Drive app, select the files you want to save, and voila! You now have a digital copy of all your important stuff.

    But what if you’re like me and forget to back up your phone regularly? Don’t worry, there’s still hope. Data recovery services can work wonders, but they can also be pretty pricey. So, make sure to do your research and find a reputable company before shelling out the big bucks.

    In conclusion, the Backup Brigade is here to save the day when your phone decides to go on a suicide mission. Whether it’s an SD card, Google Drive, or data recovery services, there are plenty of options to ensure that your precious files are safe and sound. Just make sure to back up regularly, or else you’ll be left with nothing but a broken heart and a shattered screen.

    The New Phone Fiasco

    So, I broke my phone. It was a tragic accident, but it happened to the best of us. After mourning the loss of my old phone, I had to face the daunting task of getting a new one.

    I decided to go with an Android device this time since I’ve always been an iPhone user and wanted to try something new. Let me tell you, it was a wild ride. I had to learn a whole new operating system, and I felt like a grandma trying to figure out how to use it.

    But I persevered, and eventually, I got the hang of it. I even started to like some of the features that Android had that the iPhone didn’t. And then, just when I thought I had it all figured out, my new phone started acting up.

    I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with it, so I took it to the store. It turns out that there was a glitch in the system, and I had to get a replacement phone. Great.

    But here’s the kicker – the replacement phone was an iPhone. I felt like the universe was playing a cruel joke on me. I had just spent all this time learning how to use an Android, and now I was back to square one with an iPhone.

    In the end, I learned that it doesn’t really matter what kind of phone you have. They all have their pros and cons, and it’s just a matter of personal preference. So, if you find yourself in the same situation as me, just take a deep breath and remember that it’s just a phone. And maybe invest in a good phone case.

    The Aftermath

    So, you’ve broken your phone. Congratulations, you’re now a member of the elite club of clumsy people. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you navigate the aftermath of your phone’s demise.

    First things first, assess the damage. Is the touchscreen functionality still intact? Can you still use the home button? Is the keyboard or mouse affected? These are all important factors to consider when deciding what to do next.

    If your phone is still functional despite the damage, you might be able to get away with just using it as is. Sure, it might not look pretty, but who needs a high-end phone anyway? Embrace the imperfections, I say.

    If your phone is beyond repair, it’s time to start thinking about replacement options. Do you want to splurge on the latest and greatest model? Or are you more of a budget-conscious shopper? Whatever your preference, there are plenty of options out there.

    But before you rush out to buy a new phone, consider the environmental impact of your decision. Electronic waste is a major problem, and contributing to it by constantly upgrading to the newest model isn’t exactly helping the cause. So, think twice before you toss that broken phone in the trash.

    In conclusion (oops, I wasn’t supposed to say that), breaking your phone can be a bummer, but it’s not the end of the world. Assess the damage, consider your options, and don’t forget about the environment. And hey, at least you have a funny story to tell now, right?

    The Protective Measures

    Let’s face it, we’ve all dropped our phones at one point or another. It’s a sad reality of life. But fear not, my friends! There are some protective measures you can take to prevent your phone from shattering into a million pieces.

    First and foremost, invest in a good protective case. Not one of those flimsy ones you can buy at the dollar store. I’m talking about a case that can survive a nuclear explosion. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the point. A good protective case can save your phone from a lot of damage.

    If you’re in a pinch and don’t have a protective case, don’t worry. There’s always packing tape. Yes, you heard me right. Packing tape. Just wrap your phone in a few layers of packing tape and voila! You’ve got yourself a DIY protective case. It may not be the most stylish option, but it’ll do the trick.

    Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But won’t the packing tape leave a sticky residue on my phone?” Fear not, my friends! Just use a little bit of rubbing alcohol to remove any leftover residue.

    In summary, protect your phone with a good case and if you don’t have one, use packing tape. And always remember, a little bit of tape can go a long way.