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What do you do with old computers

dukebound85

dukebound85

macrumors Core
Original poster
Jul 17, 2005
19,170
4,169
5045 feet above sea level
What do you do with old computers that are still very functional but apple no longer supports?

1- Run the latest version of OSX for the machine that may no longer have support or updated apps (safari, etc)
2- Run later unsupported OS X versions via "hacking" and "patching" that work but have issues
3- Convert to a linux box and have a supported up to date os but not compatible with the mac platform
4- other

I am running into this with a 2008 mbp and leaning towards #3. #1 became concerning with security and tried #2 recently before getting annoyed with bugs

I am interested in your thoughts and they why or why not
 
#1 It's not like I'll use a computer that old for anything more than fiddling around. So, security isn't particularly important.

I've tried #3. When it comes down to it. What's the point? The OS is what makes a Mac a Mac. Otherwise it's just a PC in a fancy case with proprietary parts running Linux. I've tried Linux distros that have a Mac feel like Elementary OS. They are a pale imitation. Which I think is worse than just using something different.

Sometimes I get interested in trying out some modern BeOS (Haiku) or Amiga OS (AROS, Icar OS) distro for Intel or PowerPC. Copland would also be neat if I ever get a compatible Power Macintosh. BeOS always interested me. Just because I remember in the System 7 days. It was rumored as a possible savior for the Mac and the floundering Copland and Gershwin projects. That is until the return of Steve Jobs and NeXTSTEP.
 
I sell or recycle them ;) Giving an older laptop to a kid is also a nice idea.
 
Still using my late 2013 Macbook as my only computer.

I've not had this issue before, as all my previous laptops were cheap Windows ones which stopped working after a couple of years and went in the bin. Well, taken back to an electronics shop to be recycled, as is the unwritten rule here in Switzerland.

Once this laptop becomes too old, as I do like being on the latest version of everything, I reckon I'll use it as a geeky plaything and go for (2).

However, I have a first gen iPad mini (which I never upgraded as I've no real use for an iPad in my life) and every few months I think "oooo, I can use this as a photo frame, Harmony remote controller, music streamer ......" and I spend a while setting it up as such before getting bored and turning it off and putting it back in the cupboard. So in reality I reckon any old laptop will actually be (4): keep in a drawer with loads of ideas about how to use it that I never implement.
 
Put them up in the attic.
There's still a Macintosh IIci up there, in its original box!
An AppleColor 13" display, too!
 
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I keep almost all of my computers, I find that eventually I find an odd use for them, and then I have parts. I usually stay on the most stable OS the machine supports, I like my systems to be stable and fluid, so I don't mess with the unsupported stuff.

Currently using Sierra and Snow Leopard on my 2010 iMac, and I will buy a new computer before I update this one. Work MP is running Sierra too, but it may get updated to Mojave for better support without breaking 32-bit support.
 
Either install Linux on them or sell them/give them away. If no one wants it, recycle it.
 
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