My aunt's got an old slightly broken laptop. She's got a new one. No one has any need for this old one anymore. It has no selling value. Etc etc etc.
I know I can put an SSD in it and run it on Linux to make it run smoothly as a laptop for emails and word processing etc, but I already have a crap old laptop for exactly that.
What sort of fun things can you do with an old laptop? I'm talking like, using it as a whole new device. Maybe using it as a 'TV Box' of sorts - getting some radio apps, and hacked streaming apps... Or loading up a bunch of PS2 games on it... or having it as the jankiest personal assistant, with timers, and calendars, and all that.
You know what I mean.
I love pointless gadgetry.
whoa. this looks tight. also, any recs for a good brand of keyboard for this?
You can get one of these things for like $15 or less on any number of websites; I feel like this is one of those edge cases where you want something pretty cheap, I don't want to spend so much on accessories that I could have just bought better gear instead of trying to make what I had lying around work.
I've tried 2 different ones so far. Pepper Jobs remote control and the Logi keyboard with built in track pad.
The remote is really cool and amazing features for cheap, but the gyro mouse is tedious at best, and the media controls are hit or miss.
The Logi is perfect for full service couch surfing, but it's big and cumbersome.
Given a choice, I'd take the Logi for an htpc.
Thanks!! I think that's what I am looking for.
Hope it works well for you! I want to try one of those game pad keyboards, they look interesting.
Not really any specific keyboard recommendations. That basic design of keyboard is sold by dozens of companies. I'd bet on them all coming from the same factory.