Comments on: Tip: Reuse That Old PC With Your New Mac

By: computer recycling and disposal

computer recycling and disposal — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:09:16 +0000

If you search for companies that reuse computers (such as ours), and use the most local one then they should be able to ensure its put to good use (and if it can’t be reused then at least it will be properly recycled).

By: r4 card

r4 card — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:51:55 +0000

I use the freeware CoRD on my mac, and use it to access my “older” PC, a virtual machine – without the virtual. It allows me to use remote desktop on the old PC that now runs windows 7, and I am able to run some of the apps I need to use that are available only on Windows, right on my MAC, without the slowdown of virtualization. Extremely fast, especially when using at home through the local network.

By: UmmWhatever

UmmWhatever — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:17:02 +0000

So. This can work in reverse cant it? When my friend gets sick of his Mac and decides to build a Gulftown based PC, he can use his old Mac for a lot of this stuff. Right?

By: Murray Wilson

Murray Wilson — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:07:20 +0000

We have developed an innovative approach to e-waste that tackles three problems at once. Re-Use of old PCs and UBUNTU to empower the less fortunate, using at-risk youth as the labor force – TEDxCreativeCoast – Murray Wilson – eWaste and the Social Landfill http://bit.ly/bDu4hM

By: Larry

Larry — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:14:26 +0000

“Ack, an old machine like that can easily pull 300w”

Very doubtful if could pull that unless its ripping movies 24/7. The PC in the picture probably has a 250 watt PS or less. I am sure you could find some old MONSTER PC, but the typical consumer PC would not pull that power. As a itunes server, or quickbooks only PC it would be idle 23.5 hours a day.

By: KsbjA

KsbjA — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:47:41 +0000

I agree that throwing away perfectly fine hardware is a waste. Repurposing older computers can be really useful. A few other uses I can imagine are these (most options in this list work fine with Linux):
> That Old Computer In the Kitchen – perfect for reading TheAppleBlog while drinking a cup of coffee in the morning, keeping a virtual cookbook and similar uses.
> SheepShaver! With Mac OS Classic! Nostalgia FTW!
> A file server, or even a server for a self-hosted web site.
> A dedicated media center, with XBMC or Boxee or something like that. Hook it up to your TV, maybe install a better graphics card and enjoy!
> A dedicated gaming computer. The only downside is that you (kind of) need Windows. You can also install gaming console emulators, if that’s your thing.

There are more things one can do with an old PC, but these are the ones I can imagine myself doing in case I get my hands on an older but working personal computer.

By: Dave Greenbaum

Dave Greenbaum — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:46:22 +0000

Power considerations are important, thanks for bringing that up.

By: MG8120

MG8120 — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 09:19:30 +0000

Canon just released the photo All-In-One Wireless Printer. It’s Canon Pixma MG8120. Let’s find out more about it. I love your blog, so fantastic !

By: Kayoone

Kayoone — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 01:03:36 +0000

A nas built out of old junk can easily pull 20x the power a modern nas does. So in the long run, you spent more money.

By: Darren

Darren — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:31:41 +0000

Ack, an old machine like that can easily pull 300w, and with very little power saving capbilities. At common tier 4/5 rates in california that means almost $3/day to keep this old hunk o junk running.
(0.3KW/hr * $0.4 *24hrs = $2.88)

You’d be better off dropping $400 on a craigslist mac mini that pulls 10-40w – it’ll pay for itself in power savings in 6-9 months, and it’s still a mac.