An aging MacBook that struggles with demanding tasks can still find purpose in simpler roles. This article answers the question “What to do with old MacBook” and offers various suggestions and insights on maximizing the utility of your older Apple laptop.
8 Solutions for Repurposing and Recycling of Your Old MacBook
You may transform your Mac into a gaming console, wireless hotspot, or media storage. Even if it is faulty, it can still fetch money when sold. Consider these options to repurpose your old MacBook::
- Media playback. Even after Apple ends official support for a MacBook model, it can still handle basic tasks. Browsers remain functional across operating systems, allowing for streaming on the device. Enjoying content on platforms like Apple TV, Netflix, and YouTube doesn’t strain the system, enabling continued viewing on your aging Apple laptop.
- Linux Installation. As macOS updates cease and MacBook models become obsolete, functionality, security, and access to necessary applications decline. Installing Linux provides an alternative.
- Network storage. Repurposing your old MacBook as a file repository or server is viable. Sharing files and connecting the laptop directly to a router facilitates this setup, allowing storage and access to videos, music, photos, documents, and more.
- Transition to Chromebook. Transforming an old MacBook into a Chromebook is feasible with minimal hardware requirements: 4GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. Chrome OS’s cloud-centric approach suits browsing, email, and media streaming. Supported MacBook models include those from mid-2010 onwards, MacBook Air/Pro from 2012, and Mac Mini from late 2014.
Image by Tran Mau Tri Tam from Pixabay- Wi-Fi access point. Utilize an old MacBook to extend wireless internet coverage, particularly in areas with weak signals. Connecting it to a router via Ethernet allows you to share access without investing in additional Wi-Fi repeaters.
- Video Game Emulation. Enthusiasts of classic video games can repurpose old MacBooks into emulators. After obtaining ROM files, install a cross-platform emulator to transform the device into a retro gaming console, providing access to titles from Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, and more.
- Exchange or sale. Even functional old MacBooks hold value and can be sold or exchanged. Offering competitive prices facilitates quick sales, and Apple’s trade-in program offers discounts on new purchases.
- Charitable donation. Donating outdated MacBooks to charities or individuals in need aligns with the trend of philanthropic technology disposal. Low-income schools and various foundations accept such contributions, providing access to computing resources for those who lack them.
Genuine Upgrades and Repair Services at Techtoro.io
MacBooks maintain their value better than most other laptop brands, even as they age. Rather than simply selling or trading them in, you can upgrade your MacBook, enhancing its performance and prolonging its usability.
If you’re unsure about replacing a part, you can always opt for our repair services at Techtoro.io by mail. Simply send us your MacBook, and we’ll conduct a diagnostic assessment and provide you with an estimated cost for the required services. Once the work is completed, you can settle the invoice and expect to have your computer back the following day.
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