How to Breathe New Life Into Your Old Chromebook
Second Monitor or Digital Photo Frame
Chromebooks are among the most affordable laptops on the market, but over time, their hardware specifications often fail to meet modern demands. Instead of letting your old device gather dust in a cupboard, you can give it a new purpose. One of the simplest solutions is to use it as a second monitor. Using specialized software like Duet, you can connect your Chromebook to your primary PC or Mac to extend your workspace. If you do not need a second display, the laptop makes an excellent digital photo frame; simply open a photo slideshow in full-screen mode and adjust your settings to prevent the screen from turning off.
Smart Home Control Centre
If you have smart devices at home, an old Chromebook can become your dedicated control hub. Through the Google Home web interface or the relevant application, you can consolidate your lighting, climate control, and other systems in one place. For more advanced users, there is the Home Assistant platform. It can be used via a browser or by installing Linux, which turns the Chromebook into a multifunctional control panel. This is particularly convenient if your laptop features a touchscreen.
Media Server and Retro Gaming
Although Chromebook hardware is limited, it can still be used for file storage or as a media server. By installing the Linux operating system, platforms like Plex or Jellyfin can make your files accessible to other devices on your home network. Furthermore, you have the option to turn your old laptop into a retro gaming console. Linux-based applications like Batocera allow you to run classic game emulators, transforming your old device into a portable gaming machine.
Alternative Methods
If you do not want to replace the operating system entirely, you can use the built-in ChromeOS feature known as "Linux on ChromeOS" (Crostini). This provides access to a virtual machine where you can run Linux applications. However, note that this method is more resource-intensive than a direct Linux installation. If you are looking for more radical changes, you can explore projects like Chrultrabook or MrChromebox, which offer detailed instructions on converting a Chromebook into a fully functional Linux laptop.
Ultimately, discarding old tech is not necessary. With a little creativity and technical knowledge, your old Chromebook can continue to serve a useful purpose in your daily life.