If you are like me, over the years, you will have built up a drawer full of old phones and MP3 players. Maybe you even have a couple of old laptops or tablets floating around.
The other day I was looking for a spare charger, which is when I realized just how many spare gadgets I have accumulated over the years. I even found my original Palm Pilot. Seeing all those tech electronics lying in the drawer got me thinking about what to do with them all.
After a bit of research I was pleased to discover several ways to make good use of them and even earn a bit of money. Below are the best of them.
Give them away to friends or relatives
If you have young relatives, give them your old gadgets, with their parent’s permission of course. Normally kids will not be too bothered if your phone is a couple of years old. Well they will be bothered, but given a choice between no phone and one that is a few years old, you know they are going to grab that battered mobile with both hands. They do not even need to use an old Smartphone as a phone; provided the Wi-Fi still works, they can connect to the internet and use SnapChat.
Your elderly relatives may also appreciate receiving your old tablet, laptop of phone. Many older people live on tight budgets, so it can prove difficult to find the money to buy this type of item. It can also be good way to turn someone who is internet allergic into a silver surfer. Using an old piece of equipment that nobody really needs any more takes away the old ‘what if I press the wrong button?’ issue, because if they do you can convince them that it really does not matter.
Re-purpose them
Old MP3 players can be re-purposed as hard drives. They are a great way to store photos and files. I know there are many other ways to do this, but got a bit busy so will leave exploring that avenue in detail for another day.
Sell them
In most countries, there is still a good market for second hand mobile phones. I found several firms that will pay you for your old phones and tablets, and, in some cases, pay you well. Some will even take broken phones from you.
Get any broken gadgets repaired
In the past getting gadgets repaired was difficult and costly. However, I discovered that has now changed. Now it is easy.
Looking through the site of an Apple Mac repair shop in Miami I was amazed to see that just about any issue can be repaired. Whether you have broken the screen, are not getting a signal or the case or keyboard is gone you can get it repaired. Apparently, it is even possible to repair a phone or tablet that has been dropped into water.
Use them yourself
Of course, you could always use your old gadgets yourself. I am currently using one of my old phones as an E-reader for when I am out.
Recycling or re-purposing your old tech gadget is not only good for your pocket it is also extremely good for the environment.
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