Creative Ways to Reuse Your Old Computer Monitors

Technology evolves quickly, and upgrading your devices is often necessary. If you’ve recently upgraded to a new monitor, you might be wondering what to do with your old one. Instead of letting it gather dust, here are some practical and creative ways to repurpose or reuse your old computer monitor.

1. Use It as a Secondary Monitor

Image Source: Pixabay.com

Maximize your productivity by turning your old monitor into a secondary display. Dual or even triple-monitor setups are game-changers for multitasking. Whether you’re working with spreadsheets, coding, editing videos, or gaming, the extra screen real estate allows for a smoother workflow.

• Steps to Set Up a Dual Monitor:
  • Connect the old monitor using HDMI, VGA, or DVI, depending on the port compatibility.
  • Adjust the display settings in your operating system to extend the screen.
  • Position the monitor ergonomically for easy viewing.

Even if the resolution or size doesn’t match your primary monitor, it can still serve as a great space for secondary tasks like email or document viewing.

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2. Build a Secondary Computer with Raspberry Pi

For tech enthusiasts, combining an old monitor with a Raspberry Pi opens a world of possibilities. The affordable Raspberry Pi, starting at around $50, can transform your monitor into a standalone computer.

Use Cases:

• Basic Home Office Tasks: Typing, browsing, and managing files.
• Media Center: Use your Raspberry Pi to stream videos or music.
• DIY Projects: Experiment with Linux, coding, or even robotics.

This is a budget-friendly option that brings new life to your old monitor while honing your DIY skills.

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3. Convert It Into a Lightbox

Old or broken monitors can serve as excellent lightboxes for photographers, content creators, or artists. By removing the internal circuitry and repurposing the backlight, you can create an affordable and effective lighting solution.

Steps to Create a Lightbox:

1. Disassemble the monitor carefully, removing internal components.
2. Retain the backlight and diffusion layers.
3. Insert a white LED strip for consistent lighting.

This project is perfect for shooting product photos or enhancing the lighting for video recordings.

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4. Craft a Smart Mirror

Image Source: magicmirror.builders

A smart mirror is an innovative way to reuse your old monitor while adding functionality and elegance to your home. These mirrors display weather updates, news, calendars, and more while functioning as a regular mirror.

What You’ll Need:

• A Raspberry Pi.
• Two-way mirror glass.
• Open-source software like MagicMirror².

With online tutorials and community resources, building a smart mirror is a feasible project for beginners and experts alike.

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5. Sell or Donate It

If DIY projects aren’t your thing, consider selling or donating your old monitor. Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist make it easy to find buyers. Alternatively, donating it to schools, charities, or community centers ensures it goes to good use.

• Pro Tip: Clean and test the monitor before listing it to increase its resale or donation value.

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Why Repurpose Old Monitors?

• Reduce E-Waste: Repurposing extends the life of your device and minimizes environmental harm.
• Cost-Effective: Many of these ideas require minimal investment compared to buying new gadgets.
• Explore Creativity: DIY projects are rewarding and can lead to learning new skills.

Instead of letting your old monitor collect dust, try one of these ideas to give it a new lease on life. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce e-waste and unleash your creativity. Whether you choose to build a smart mirror, set up a secondary monitor, or donate it, there’s no shortage of possibilities.