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As part of normal business I regularly accept Trade Ins of older systems which I refurbish and then pass on to Big Brother. Today my new assistant accepted an old, I do mean old, Compaq Deskpro 386. 386 not being a model number but type of processor.
Surprisingly enough it runs well but the Hard Drive is only 60 MB. Once DOS 6 is installed there isn't a whole lot of room left. Seeing as how I wouldn't dare pass this antique on to some poor kid in need can anyone think of a practical use for it?
This laptop, hmm.
I got, or had one, it had a busted LCD screen. I don't think I got it anymore, ummm, actually I got it, I just mutalated it a few years back, but I do got the motherboard, and a 4 MB memory card.
I supose it still works, as with a busted lcd screen and no power supply, I don't know.;)
Linux NAT Firewall Router?
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&l...=Google+Search
Start a new artificial reef in the Rideau Canal.
:D :D
There may be some museums around that might be interested in it.
Either C64 Emulator for the kids or Junk Art.
I hate to ask this question, but how much did he get on the trade-in?:D
I like Vernon Frazee's suggestion, it would be perfect for that, i don't think i could find any other use for it myself...
...but an "artificial reef " or "museum" does sound entertaining :D
Leurgy that was truly funny.
OilPatch: the client got $100 discount off of his new computer. My new assistant feeling rather embarassed about this offerred to pay out of his own pocket.
I can't say I'm terribly upset I'll let him set it up as a Linux firewall, call it training, and still be able to claim it as a business expense on taxes. It's just a lot easier to claim on taxes when these things are donated to charity. Besides now I have something to needle him about. :D
Might think of it this way,,,now you have a happy customer!? :D
Hey, I'l take the hdd controller card. :D
Sounds like a good place to shop! I got a old Zenith 286 laptop arounder here, and it still works, what discount would I get? :D
what about a Sharp Mz-100, it still has its original 5 pound (exaguration) battery still with it! :)
OoOoOhh! you may get a Big discount with that!:eek: :D
YES!
Perfect height for a foot stool.
wait...i still have my tandy hangin around somewheres
Hang on, I'm sending you my Commodore VC 20. Can I get $150.00 of for it? It's even older than the 386... :D
Well this has quickly moved from the sublme to the ridiculous. I started this thread with a very simple straight forward question. "What practical use(s) can you find for a legacy computer?" The firewall seems to be the only option and Tetsu, my assistant, is still in the process of getting Linux installed and is learning a lot; thanks again Vern. The first and most important lesson was not to accept a trade-in on his own.
My trade-in plan was devised for two reasons. First as an inducement to a new computer purchase and second to provide a computer to a child who would otherwise have to go without. While it isn't a realistic expectation that all systems being accepted for trade-in be in perfect working order, although that would be preferred most aren't, they do have to have components worth canabalising so that out of every four brought in I have one working system that will be Windows 98 compliant at a minimum. For those of you with antiques of your own good luck with them.
As to what to do with antiques (old comps), theres a load of gamers out here who use old comps for gaming exclusively. Try to play an old dos, Win9x game on XP, even in compatibility mode it suxs.