While technological innovations continue to influence how we live, they also have their own downsides. One of them is electronic waste. Technology is always advancing, and with it comes new ways in which we go about our daily lives. Manufacturers are always rolling out new gadgets that work better, meaning consumers are always replacing old gadgets such as phones, laptops, PCs, and cameras, among others with faster higher-performing devices. This has greatly contributed to the increase in e-waste, and it is becoming a major problem. However, given that there are numerous creative ways to repurpose old gadgets, you do not necessarily need to get rid of your old gadget. Here are some creative ideas.
Turn an old laptop or phone into a media centre
One of the reasons why you may want to get rid of an old gadget is because you want a device with better and faster performance. However, your old device or gadget may still be able to accomplish some tasks such as playing music and video. By using an old device as a media centre, you will be saving space on your new laptop. You may also want to consider using your old laptop for storing files that can be accessed remotely from other devices in your home network. Alternatively, you can dedicate your old laptop or device for a single purpose such as playing Indian blackjack at Leovegas.com. This is to ensure you get the maximum performance or separate tasks depending on their functions.
Use your old camera as a webcam
High-quality DSLR’s are usually expensive. Even if it is old, it may still be producing high-quality pictures. While most laptops have built-in cameras, a DSLR camera will produce high-quality videos. This means your Zoom calls and Twitch will be of much higher quality. A digital camera also means you can even position it at awkward angles that may not be ideal when using the laptop’s built-in camera.
Use your old phone as an E-Reader
Instead of investing in an E-reader, you can turn your old phone or tablet into one. Apps such as Kindle or Kobo are not system-intensive, meaning they can work seamlessly even in low-end devices. You may want to consider altering settings on your device to make your old gadget ideal for reading purposes.
Use your old gadget as a media remote
Streaming is turning is the in-thing nowadays. People will stream anything and everything, such as when they are cooking, playing videos, exercising, travelling, and many more. This provides an opportunity to turn your old phone into a media hub. This will save your phone from battery life strain. It also means anyone in your home can pick it up without the worry of getting their personal information into the eyes of everyone.
Turn your smartphone into a security camera
The smartphone serves a lot of purposes, with the camera being one of its major functionalities. If the camera is still working, you can use it for security purposes. It can then provide you with an always-on video feed which you can access using another phone at any location. You may need to invest in a mount and tripod to ensure it has a good view of where you want to record. You may also want to consider video monitoring solutions such as Alfred or Manything for your smartphone to serve as a security camera. Since many smartphones are waterproof, they can also serve this functionality outdoors. However, you will need to ensure they stay connected to power all the time to provide round the clock access.
Photograph by Kārlis Dambrāns