Stop spending money on Raspberry Pi projects and use your old laptop instead

For years, the Raspberry Pi was the board of choice for any hobbyist with a fun project idea. After all, they were very expandable, widely used and cheap. However, due to RAM shortages caused by the uncontrolled expansion of AI data centers, a single 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 now sells for $305, almost triple its price since its launch in January 2025. With costs expected to remain high for the foreseeable future, now is the perfect time to learn how to recycle and reuse old computer hardware. Not only will you learn something new, but you’ll save money and prevent a perfectly good device from ending up in a landfill.

That said, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Most laptops start to slow down after a few years, and the minimum software requirements are constantly increasing, so an older device probably won’t be as powerful as you remember. Yet finding creative, homemade solutions to everyday problems is rewarding in itself, and even more satisfying when it costs nothing.

There really aren’t many limits beyond your own creativity. Raspberry Pi hardware doesn’t have the same level of performance as laptops or desktops, so unless a super compact or low-power device is required, an old laptop is probably the best option anyway.

One of the benefits of a streaming-focused entertainment ecosystem is that virtually any device with an Internet connection and a screen can become a home media center. As long as it can open a supported browser, streaming video shouldn’t be a problem. You can also turn it into a Plex or NAS server, allowing you to access files remotely, although it’s a good idea to stick to 720p or 1080p video as 4K requires higher download speeds and a decent graphics card/CPU for smooth playback.

Any laptop from the last 10 years should be able to handle tasks like game emulation, office work, and basic coding without much trouble. Just try to avoid anything that requires a lot of processing, like video editing or 3D modeling. These activities are difficult for modern PCs and are almost certainly doomed to failure on an outdated laptop.

If you have not used a device for a long time, it is important to carry out a quick safety check before putting it back into use. Frayed cables and swollen batteries are dangerous. If you see them, follow proper disposal instructions and do not turn on the device. If you can easily access the fans, clean them quickly as well. These tend to accumulate dust, preventing proper air circulation and causing excessive heat build-up. Wiping them with a dry cloth will help keep things fresh and quiet, while ensuring you get the best possible performance from your device.

Just like humans, computers become less efficient as they age. If simple tasks like booting take a long time, consider installing another operating system. Linux is the obvious choice thanks to distros like Lubuntu and Linux Lite offering a Windows-like experience with less overhead. Depending on your project and distribution, you may need to learn how to use the command line, but Linux’s GUI can take you further than most people think.

Finally, think carefully before using an old laptop for public-facing projects or anything accessible from outside your home. Outdated systems may contain vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit. Although unlikely, it never hurts to consider security, especially if your project involves cameras, microphones, or the storage of sensitive information.