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The average phone is discarded every 2 years, and computing equipment every 3 to 5 years. They are usually in full working order, or even if broken can still be used in other ways rather than discarding.
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Unlike other guides, I won’t push the whole “Give It Away” or “Donate Processing to X Project”. This is more for the sort of person who does not want to let go.
Background
My perspective comes from the fact that I have a Compaq C700 laptop which I bought back in 2008. It has been broken several times, usually screen issues due to the kids, but each time its been easily repaired or converted into something else.
When it first broke, the screen went entirely and I did not have money on hand to replace it, so I used it for a while hooked up to a Monitor with a USB mouse and keyboard, a while ended up being a year and I found it as useful as when it was new.
When the screen was eventually repaired, I let the kids use it as I had no need for it at the time. The kids broke the screen twice. The last time it happened there was no real need for the laptop anymore so the screen was not fixed. But the laptop is used every day without a screen or monitor. How you ask it's tucked away near the router and is running this website, a few others and a mail server. So even though it's almost 8 years old and been murdered several times, its still fighting strong.
What we can do with old hardware
There is no shortage of projects you can turn old hardware to, this includes old Android Phones too.
Firstly, with Android Phones most items require root, you would have to root your phone following a guide for the exact make and model of your phone. You can usually find this through a google search.
1) Turn it into a web server
By installing LAMP or WAMP you can host your own website, allowing you to have a dedicated server at a low cost, the only cost being the power and the broadband. Which is a good deal when for a dedicated server your talking almost £100 GBP a month.
2) Dedicated Juke Box
Connect a pair of decent speakers and have it a s a dedicated jukebox, either with a locally stored music or a streaming service like Spotify.
3) Retro Gaming Console
You can run older games for that nostalgic feel by installing FreeDOS or by installing emulators.
4) Network Attached Storage
Using FreeNAS or simply sharing a folder. You can use your old machine as a centralized place to store and share files around your network.
5) Home Media PC / Smart TV
Why shell out for an expensive smart TV,when you can convert your current with an old computer. Doing this gives you Web Access, Movies, Streaming Services, Music. You will get alot more out of it than a standard smart tv.
6) WiFi Hotspot
Some laptops have the ability to create a WiFi Hotspot, a great way to replace a wireless router if it goes down. Can also be combined with 7.
7) FireWall
Route all internet traffic through the computer and use it as a defence against the web. There are many open source tools you can apply to make the traffic safe or apply parental controls.
8) Test Bed
A spare old machine is ideal for testing a new operating system out, try installing Ubuntu or Fedora and take them for a spin. By using an old machine you don't have to worry about breaking anything or losing important data.
9) Salvage the HDD
If the only think what works is the Hard Drive, you can salvage that one part. Simply remove and install in another computer, or purchase an External USB Enclosure to turn it into a Portable HDD.
10) Personal Cloud
Want a cloud service like google drive, but want to be in control of your files. Combine with number 1 and install ownCloud to host your own private cloud.
Summary
It's fairly easy to breath life into old computers. So think twice before getting rid.
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