10 Trash-to-Treasure Ways to Reinvent Old Tech

It seems that we're updating our computers, smart phones and media collections as often as our wardrobes these days. If you're like us, you've been holding onto your tech cast-offs until there came a prime opportunity to dispose of them. But old or broken devices don't have to be fated to an unused life on a basement shelf or, worse, taking up space in a landfill. These 10 jaw-dropping transformations can give some obsolete technology a second life—and you the inspiration to start rifling through the junk drawer for your next project.

Circuit Board

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DIY Clock

Your computer's circuit board is a mesmerizing maze of...well, we're not exactly sure what. So after you've had ample time to cool down since the time it fried and lost your files, it's worth a second look for design value. A clock kit (and an antiquated CD asclockface display), it turns into a geek-chic piece of decor.

etsy.com/shop/ReComputing

Apple Monitor

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Recycling Computers

As every cat owner knows, the moment you sit down to work at your PC seems to be your cat is most desperate for attention. That's exactly why an old monitor makes most sense upcycled into acustomized pet bed—who knows, maybe they'llfinallylet you get some work done.

etsy.com/shop/AtomicAttic

Turntable

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DIY Table

There's nothing quite like listening to avinyl recordon an old turntable, but the old technology can be a fickle beast. When you've found a brand new (or new-to-you) replacement record player, put the last one to use as a tabletop rather than kicking it to the curb.

etsy.com/shop/jtbaldwin

VHS Tape Cover

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DIY Notebook

If you played your old VHS cassettes over and over until the tape's been worn through, it's time for them to go—but don't be so quick to throw out their cases, too. You can go on appreciating theiconic moviesof your past by turning the cardboard casing into notebook covers.

etsy.com/shop/SimplyWild

Typewriter

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USB Typewriter

If you've missed the clickety-clack oftypewriter keysever since you've gone digital, you'll be happy to know you can have the best of both worlds with aUSB Typewriter conversion kit。With it installed, you can type away on your old machine and rest assured all work syncs to your tablet.

usbtypewriter.com

未使用的光盘

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DIY Christmas Ornaments

An unofficial requirement forDIY holiday ornamentsis ample amount of sparkle and shine, and a CD's reflective surface does just that. Shred the edges with a heavy-duty paper shredder and—voilà!—you have a crafty snowflake for your tree that complements its twinkling lights.

instructables.com

Cassette Tapes

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Old Cassette Tapes

A discarded collection of cassettes can become a personality-packed desk set for any music lover. Just coat the used tapes with spray paint and join the sides with super glue. The new stubby cubes can be used tocontain everythingfrom pencils to paperclips.

etsy.com/shop/littleitsystore

Television

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TV Projects

Looking for a place to store your DVDs, Blue-Rays or books? A retro television can be gutted and display your collection of titles.Sit it on a television standin deference to its initial incarnation, or stack a couple of sets for a truly unique shelving unit.

etsy.com/shop/KLANKtone

Camera

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Old Camera

While the days of gathering the family to check out vintage photo slides are few and far between, you can put the cherished memories on display 365 days a year as part of aDIY lampshade。当你打开你的灯,光闪亮的through will illuminate individual slides for viewing.

etsy.com/shop/RefunkedJunkies

Old TV

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DIY Aquarium

Still looking for a second use for your old television? Consider turning the big box into a quirky container to house your pet goldfish. After you pull out all the electrical components, you can insert an actualaquariuminside the TV's case and view the swimmers through the front opening.

wikihow.com

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