What the Tech: Old devices, new life
How many old phones and tablets do you have gathering dust around your house? We all have them – those devices that once cost a pretty penny, now relegated to a drawer because the screen’s cracked, the battery’s weak, or it just doesn’t work like it used to. Before you toss them out or head to recycling, I’m here to tell you that these “worthless” gadgets can still do some pretty smart things!
I recently tried to get my old iPad fixed. The screen was cracked, and the frame was bent. The repair tech practically laughed and called it worthless, offering to recycle it. But if a device still powers on, there’s absolutely still life in it!
Here are a few ways you can give your old devices a new purpose and actually get your money’s worth:
- Your Personal Music Machine: Got an old phone you’re not using anymore? Turn it into a dedicated music player! Load up all your favorite songs for the gym or your car. No texts, no calls, no distractions – just pure music, just like an old-school iPod.
- The Ultimate TV Remote: Old phones make fantastic TV remotes for streamers like Roku or FireTV. Just connect to your WiFi and TV. The apps are often much easier to navigate than those tiny remotes you’re always losing in the couch cushions.
- A Full-Color E-Reader: Old phones and tablets are awesome for reading, especially if you’re a Kindle user. Simply download the app and add your library. They’re actually better than a traditional Kindle for photos and graphics since they display in full color – perfect for cookbooks, comics, and magazines.
- Your Emergency Lifeline: This is a big one. As long as an old phone can turn on, you can always use it to call 9-1-1. It doesn’t even need a SIM card or a passcode. This is a great idea for homes with young children who have no smartphones. If something happens to mom or dad and the child can’t unlock their parent’s phone, they can tap “Emergency” on a locked phone to call for help. Keep one charged as a backup!
- A DIY Security Camera: Apps like Alfred and Manything can transform any old phone into a security camera. Plug it in, connect to your WiFi, point it at a door, and you’ll get motion alerts with live video delivered right to your primary device.
- A Dynamic Digital Photo Frame: Remember that bent and cracked iPad I mentioned? It’s now a fantastic digital photo frame on my desk. I set up a shared album, and my family can add photos remotely. It’s a great way to display cherished memories.
We all invested good money in these not-so-old devices. So, before you consider tossing or recycling them, think about how you can give them a new life and keep them out of landfills.
If your phone, tablet, or computer simply won’t power on, you can still recycle it responsibly. Best Buy and Staples offer free recycling for most small electronics and sometimes even give you points you can use for shopping!
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