Home Automation | Tech Now

Latest Blog Posts

A New Assignment for Your Old Laptop

Posted by JD on June 22, 2009

Radio Shack Plug’n Power Home Automation Value Pack

$9.99

X10 Home Automation Universal Module X-10 (UM506)

$9.99

RC IC2 HOME THEATHER AUTOMATION/CNTL SYSTEM, TABLE TOP

$594.47

If the performance capabilities of your laptop or notebook computer have been bypassed by new versions of essential software, you may be considering getting a replacement. For laptops, that often makes sense because upgrading and updating is much more difficult compared to desktop computers. However, once you’ve purchased your new laptop and transferred your files, don’t get rid of your old laptop. Too many people are trashing their otherwise working mobile computer, or effectively trashing it by putting it on the high shelf in the hall closet. There’s more life left in your laptop than you realize. Let’s look at two ways to utilize it.

Transform it into a home automation server. Nothing is cooler than an automatic computer controlled home. When you walk into a room, the lights come on (and go out when you leave). Curtains open and close automatically based on the schedule you choose.

The most common do-it-yourself home automation system uses the X-10 system. There are many different modules available that use your home’s existing wiring. The program allows you to configure scheduled events, control any devices and, if your notebook is connected to the net, you can even control those automated devices when you’re in another continent. Home-automation software is usually very light with low system requirements. That makes it especially appropriate for old notebooks. Another plus is that because laptops draw so little power, you won’t spend any time worrying about expensive electricity bills.

Another option for getting some more use out of your old laptop is to modify it into a home server. When you mention network servers, most people visualize massive, noisy boxes inside climate-controlled high-security rooms. However, home servers can be surprisingly low-powered devices. It means that even a fairly wimpy notebook can easily become a basic network server (after a little tweaking).

Notebooks also have the advantage when it comes to space. A notebook-turned-server can be tucked away from sight with no trouble. Many older notebooks usually have built in power-saving features and if it does not have built-in wireless capability, you can always add a USB wireless stick or some other external solution.

So go dust off that old laptop you buried in the corner of your office and put it back to work. There’s no reason to let it go into retirement just because it can’t keep up with the young folks.