Tips for using old computer screens

Like all tech, monitors have a lifespan. With new monitors getting cheaper and cheaper, there's a good chance you've picked up something that will make your old monitor obsolete. If you're wondering what to do with that extra monitor you have, here are some ideas.

Use old monitor as secondary monitor

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One of the best uses for an old monitor, as you might expect, is as a secondary monitor. If you have a secondary monitor, turning it into a second or even third monitor on your desk is one of the best things you can do to increase your productivity.

The secondary monitor doesn't even have to be the same size or resolution as your new monitor. With a little tweaking (and some space on your desk), you'll be good to go, and TipsMake.com has a guide to setting up a secondary monitor to help you get started.

If you already have a secondary monitor setup, a third monitor can still help you get more screen real estate. But there are drawbacks to this, so if adding an old monitor to your setup doesn't work for you, keep reading.

Turn into a second computer

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If you have enough monitors on your desk, you might also consider turning your old monitor into a second PC with a Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi 5 starts at as low as $50 and actually has enough power to comfortably serve as a home or office computer. It won't let you play the latest AAA titles, but it's a great option for browsing the web, typing up documents, or running light programs.

If you're into DIY projects, Linux, or just tinkering with computers and/or hardware in general, this is a great way to recycle your monitor, as the Raspberry Pi requires you to plug in your own monitors and peripherals. Since you don't need a high-end monitor with the latest specs, an old monitor is a perfect choice.

Use the screen as a Lightbox

If you're into content creation, you know the importance of good lighting, and that's where an old or broken monitor can come in handy. It's a fairly lengthy process, and involves completely dismantling the monitor to remove the internal circuitry and image diffusing/polarizing layers. But once you're done, your old monitor can be turned into a handy Lightbox for talking head videos or product shots.

Depending on your monitor, this process can vary greatly. For example, this Instructables guide recommends installing a strip of white LEDs into the monitor, while another guide simply removes the LCD screen and leaves the backlight on. So you'll need to do some research before you can get started, but it's a relatively simple project that allows you to repurpose a monitor that would otherwise end up as e-waste.

Smart mirror on the wall

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Another handy DIY project, and possibly one of the best ways to recycle an old monitor, is to turn it into a smart mirror. You'll need a Raspberry Pi and some DIY knowledge for this project, but there are plenty of tutorials to get you started.

In fact, it's such a popular project that an entire platform has been built for the Raspberry Pi to help you get started. MagicMirror² is a great example of an easy-to-use, community-driven open source platform that comes with extensive documentation to help you build your first fully functional smart mirror with minimal knowledge or experience required. It even has an API that allows you to extend the functionality of the core platform into anything you want.

Sell ​​or give away

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Last but not least, the easiest way to get rid of a monitor is to sell it for cash or to recoup some of your initial investment. You can also give it to someone who is looking for another monitor but can't afford a new one.

While monitors aren't that expensive these days, a good one can still be quite expensive. You can list your old monitor on sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace and sell it quickly.

Even though you've probably bought a new monitor, there's still a lot you can do with your old one. Storing electronics on a shelf isn't going to cut it, and with all these ideas, you can tackle a fun project or help a friend out.

Micah Soto

Update 09 December 2024