Chapter 1: The Value of Old Technology

In my experience, I have been fortunate enough to acquire new technology whenever I desired. While these gadgets weren't always top-of-the-line, they served their purpose effectively during their time. However, not all devices have been great—like the HP Stream 11 laptops I once purchased for my spouse and myself. With their Windows 8 system, 2 GB of RAM, and 32 GB of eMMC storage, those laptops were nearly unusable—I'm not exaggerating.

Nevertheless, even those underwhelming devices hold significance in this conversation.

During the peak of the pandemic, I decided to assess my old devices and those belonging to my adult children to determine which were functional and which were not. Being a tech-savvy family, most of our laptops were in relatively good condition.

I meticulously cleaned each device, wiping down surfaces and scrubbing the screens. After that, I completely erased the hard drives and installed fresh operating systems. For laptops that could be upgraded, I utilized spare parts from my collection to enhance their RAM and storage.

Before you judge me, let me clarify that any laptops with Windows licenses received fresh installations of Windows, while those without were outfitted with the latest version of Ubuntu. I also had a few Chromebooks that underwent the same cleaning and updating process. I must admit, Google's factory reset feature is impressively straightforward. A simple "Power Wash" restored the Chromebooks to like-new condition—well, almost.

With all the laptops refreshed and equipped with updated operating systems, I pondered their fate. Listing them on eBay or Craigslist crossed my mind, but I believed they could serve a greater purpose. Although they weren't cutting-edge, they were still functional devices.

My initial batch of laptops found a fortunate home. My daughter mentioned a friend who was an educator at a low-income school in a struggling area. This friend had inquired whether she could acquire affordable computers for her students.

To my delight, she was indeed interested in some, and my daughter asked if I would be willing to sell them to her friend. I readily agreed, but my intent was to give them away—after all, it was for a noble cause.

When Saturday arrived, I had eight laptops, a mix of Windows and Linux machines, along with a couple of Chromebooks ready to go. The teacher shared that many parents of her students couldn’t afford computers for their children, and these laptops would be immensely helpful.

There’s a unique reward in experiencing the joy of giving. The time I spent cleaning these computers came at no cost, and it felt fulfilling to find them a new home where they would be put to good use.

This wasn’t my only act of kindness. I also helped a single mother and her adult son who had both lost their jobs and lacked a computer. I had a newer Chromebook and a desktop that I no longer needed, so I repeated the cleaning and reinstalling process. They were incredibly grateful for the devices and continue to use them today.

While selling these computers would have been an option, I find greater satisfaction in donating them to those who genuinely need them.

Moving forward, I plan to continue this practice whenever possible, simply because it feels right. If you have old technology lying around—be it computers, phones, or anything else—consider giving them to those in need. Even an old computer can help someone secure a job or advance their education. Isn’t that a worthwhile endeavor?

Until next time…

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Chapter 2: Real-Life Impact of Donating Technology

In this chapter, we explore the transformative power of technology donations and how they can positively influence lives.

The first video, I used 1980s technology for a week, showcases how older tech can still be functional and valuable in today's world.

The second video, How Tech Can Bring Our Loved Ones to Life After They Die | WSJ, discusses the emotional significance of technology and its role in preserving memories.