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Why College Students Should Use Old Computers, Tablets, and Phones

twrix Follow May 01, 2025 · 11 mins read
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Why College Students Should Use Old Computers, Tablets, and Phones

Hey, college students! Sick of shelling out $1,000 for a laptop that dies in a year? Here’s the deal: old tech—ThinkPads, Chromebooks, iPads, even ancient phones—can handle your schoolwork, Netflix binges, and coding projects for pennies. They’re tough, fixable, and dodge the spyware and planned obsolescence of modern gear. Plus, you’ll pick up tech skills that make you a campus legend. Here’s why you should embrace old computers, tablets, and phones, where to find them, and how to make them shine for college life.

Table of Contents

Why Modern Tech Is a Rip-Off

YouTube tech channels hype the latest MacBooks and gaming rigs, but it’s all a marketing trap. Big Tech wants you to think you need a 2025 laptop. Truth is, unless you’re editing 4K films, compiling massive codebases, or playing AAA games on ultra settings, a 2008-2012 machine works for 95% of tasks—essays, Zoom, coding, streaming.

Modern tech screws students because:

  • It’s fragile: Built to break so you buy again. Apple’s the worst—glued parts and special screws make repairs a hassle.
  • It’s spyware: Intel (post-Core 2 Duo) and AMD chips have backdoors (Intel Management Engine, AMD Platform Security Processor) that can snoop on you.
  • It’s overpriced: New laptops cost $500-$2,000. A used ThinkPad? $90-$200.
  • It’s proprietary: NVIDIA drivers tank Linux, and Windows bogs down “old” machines (like a 2015 laptop).

Old tech, like a 2011 ThinkPad X220, is durable, modular, and Linux-friendly. Pair it with a flashed Chromebook, an old iPad, or a LineageOS phone, and you’re set for years—cheaply.

Benefits of Old Tech for Students

Using old computers, tablets, and phones is a game-changer:

  • Save big: A $90 ThinkPad or free Chromebook from your high school covers your needs, leaving cash for coffee or rent.
  • Learn tech skills: Flashing Linux or LineageOS teaches you real computing, not just app-swiping. Employers love this.
  • Stay private: Pre-2013 machines can disable spyware with tools like Libreboot; flashed devices ditch Google’s tracking.
  • Go green: Reusing old gear cuts e-waste and flips off companies banking on your upgrades.
  • Live free: Cheap, fixable tech means no pricey repair shops or forced updates. It’s like our minimizing liabilities guide—spend less, stress less.

Obtaining Old Laptops and Tablets

Scoring old tech is easy and cheap if you know where to look:

  • eBay: The go-to for ThinkPads (X200, X220, T420, 2008-2012) at $90-$200. Search “ThinkPad X220 i5” for deals. Also great for old Chromebooks (Acer, Dell, 2013-2017) or laptops like HP EliteBooks.
  • PublicSurplus: Government auctions sell used ThinkPads, Chromebooks, and accessories (cables, keyboards) in bulk for dirt-cheap. Heads-up: Some listings are pick-up only at government buildings, so check locations. Bonus: staff sometimes toss in free cables or docks if you show up in person.
  • ShopGoodwill: Goodwill’s online auction site has ThinkPads, old MacBooks, and Chromebooks starting at $20-$100. Filter by “tested and working” to avoid duds.
  • Thrift Stores: Check local Goodwills or Salvation Army stores for $10-$50 laptops or tablets. Look for ThinkPads, Lenovo Yogas, or early iPads (2013-2017). Bring a charger to test on-site.
  • Freebies: Ask your high school or community college if they’re offloading old Chromebooks or iPads. Many schools gift or sell them cheap post-graduation.

Pro tip: Aim for 4-8GB RAM and a 120GB+ SSD (upgradeable). Test batteries or budget $20-$40 for a replacement.

Unlocking and Flashing Chromebooks to Install Linux

Got a crusty old Chromebook from high school? Don’t toss it—turn it into a full Linux laptop. Chromebooks (like Acer C720 or Dell 11, 2013-2017) are cheap ($20-$100) and perfect for Linux, but they’re locked to ChromeOS. Here’s a mini-guide to unlock and flash them using MrChromebox:

Why Flash a Chromebook?

ChromeOS is lightweight but limited (no desktop apps, Google tracking). Linux (e.g., Ubuntu, Mint) makes it a real computer for coding, LibreOffice, or Zoom, rivaling a ThinkPad.

Mini-Guide to Flash Linux

  1. Check Specs: Ensure 4GB+ RAM and 16GB+ storage (32GB ideal). Use MrChromebox’s compatibility list.
  2. Enter Developer Mode:
    • Power off, then press Esc + Refresh + Power to boot into recovery.
    • Press Ctrl + D, then Enter to enable Developer Mode (wipes device).
  3. Disable Write Protection (some models):
    • Open the Chromebook (screwdriver needed; search iFixit for your model).
    • Remove the write-protect screw or battery briefly (check MrChromebox instructions).
  4. Flash Firmware:
    • Boot into ChromeOS, connect to Wi-Fi.
    • Open Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T), type shell, then run: 
      cd; curl -LO mrchromebox.tech/firmware-util.sh && sudo bash firmware-util.sh
    • Select “Install UEFI Firmware” to replace ChromeOS bootloader.
  5. Install Linux:
    • Download Linux Mint or Ubuntu ISO.
    • Create a bootable USB with Rufus.
    • Boot from USB (press Esc at startup), then install Linux.
  6. Optimize: Update drivers via Terminal (sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade).

Heads-up: Flashing voids warranties and risks bricking if you mess up. Follow MrChromebox’s guide exactly. If your Chromebook has 2GB RAM or 16GB storage, stick to lightweight distros like LXQt.

Result: Your $30 Chromebook now runs Zoom, Python, or GIMP like a $500 laptop.

How to Utilize Older iPads with Outdated OS

Got an old iPad (e.g., iPad 2, 3, or Air, 2011-2017) stuck on iOS 9 or 12? It can’t run new apps, but it’s still a beast for college work with some tweaks:

  • Use as a second screen: Apps like Duet Display (wired) or Luna Display let your iPad act as an extra monitor for your ThinkPad or Chromebook. Great for multitasking (notes on one screen, Zoom on another).
  • Web-based apps: Use browser versions of Google Docs, Canvas, or Microsoft 365 on Safari. They work on old iOS and don’t need App Store updates.
  • E-reader: Download PDFs of textbooks or articles (try Zotero for organizing). Use GoodReader for annotating.
  • Media hub: Stream YouTube, Spotify, or VLC for offline videos (copy MP4s via iTunes). Perfect for study breaks.
  • Jailbreak (advanced): Jailbreaking (via checkra1n) unlocks older apps or custom tweaks, but it’s risky and voids warranties. Research on r/jailbreak.

Tip: If the battery’s weak, use it plugged in or replace it for $30-$50 via iFixit. A 2013 iPad Air with 1GB RAM and 16GB storage handles web apps and PDFs fine.

Flashing Old Phones with LineageOS for University Work

Old Android phones (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S5, OnePlus 3, 2014-2018) can be reborn with LineageOS, a lightweight, open-source OS that replaces bloated stock Android. It’s perfect for classwork, apps, and Zoom meetings.

Why LineageOS?

Stock Android slows down old phones and stops getting updates. LineageOS is fast, secure, and runs modern apps (e.g., Canvas, Google Meet) on phones with 2GB+ RAM and 16GB+ storage.

Mini-Guide to Flash LineageOS

  1. Check Compatibility: Visit LineageOS downloads for supported devices (e.g., Pixel 2, Moto G5). Ensure 2GB+ RAM, 32GB+ storage.
  2. Unlock Bootloader:
    • Enable Developer Options (Settings > About Phone > tap Build Number 7x).
    • Turn on OEM Unlocking, then boot into Fastboot (Power + Volume Down).
    • Run fastboot oem unlock via a computer with ADB installed (XDA guide).
  3. Install Custom Recovery:
    • Download TWRP for your device (twrp.me).
    • Flash via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
  4. Flash LineageOS:
    • Download LineageOS and GApps (nano package).
    • Boot into TWRP, wipe Data/Cache, and flash LineageOS + GApps ZIPs.
  5. Set Up: Install apps like Google Meet, Notion, or Slack from Play Store.

Heads-up: Flashing can brick your phone if you skip steps. Follow XDA Forums device-specific guides. Use a phone with a replaceable battery (e.g., Galaxy S5) for longevity.

Uses for College

  • Class meetings: Run Zoom or Google Meet (2GB RAM minimum). Use Wi-Fi to save data.
  • Apps: Canvas, Google Docs, or Quizlet work fine. Sync notes with Nextcloud.
  • Backup device: Keep it as a Wi-Fi-only tablet for reading or messaging if your main phone dies.

Example: A $20 Galaxy S7 with LineageOS runs Canvas and Zoom smoother than a budget 2025 phone.

How to Set Up Old Computers

If you’re starting with a laptop or Chromebook, here’s the core setup:

Step 1: Pick a Machine

  • ThinkPads: X200, X220, T420 (2008-2012) are durable and modular. $90-$200 on eBay.
  • Chromebooks: Acer C720, Dell 11 (2013-2017) are Linux-friendly. $20-$100.
  • Other Laptops: HP EliteBook, Dell Latitude (2010-2015) are solid. Look for 4-8GB RAM, Core 2 Duo/i5.

Step 2: Install Linux (Laptops)

  • Why Linux? Windows slows old hardware; Linux (Mint, Ubuntu) is fast and free.
  • Best distros:
  • Install:
    1. Download ISO, make a USB with Rufus.
    2. Boot USB (Google “boot menu” for your model).
    3. Follow installer (20 minutes).
  • Help: Watch Chris Titus Tech on YouTube.

Step 3: Upgrade and Fix

  • SSD: $20 for 240GB on eBay—makes it zippy.
  • RAM: $10-$20 for 8GB used.
  • Parts: $30 keyboards, $10 Wi-Fi cards on eBay. ThinkPads swap in minutes.
  • Total: Keep it running for $50-$100 vs. $500+ new.

Step 4: Software

  • School: LibreOffice (Word/Excel), Firefox, VS Code.
  • Fun: VLC, RetroArch (NES, PS1 games).
  • Avoid: Electron apps (Slack desktop) hog resources; use web versions.

Step 5: Learn More

Tips to Rock Old Tech

  • Start small: Grab a $100 ThinkPad or free Chromebook, install Mint.
  • Track savings: Save $900 vs. a new laptop? That’s 9 months of groceries.
  • Reward yourself: Flash LineageOS? Grab boba.
  • Backup: Use Nextcloud or an external drive for assignments.

Common Worries (And Why They’re No Big Deal)

  • “Will old tech be slow?”
    Linux + SSD makes a 2011 ThinkPad or flashed Chromebook faster than a 2015 Windows rig.

  • “What if it breaks?”
    ThinkPad parts are $10-$30 and swap easily. iPad/Chromebook fixes are cheap or unnecessary.

  • “Can it handle school?”
    Essays, Zoom, coding? A ThinkPad, flashed Chromebook, or LineageOS phone crushes it.

  • “Is flashing hard?”
    Follow guides (MrChromebox, XDA); it’s like installing an app with extra steps.

The Bottom Line

Old tech—ThinkPads, Chromebooks, iPads, Android phones—is a student’s superpower. For $20-$200, you get devices that ace schoolwork, dodge spyware, and teach you skills to impress bosses. Hunt for deals on eBay or thrift stores, flash Linux or LineageOS, and keep old iPads as e-readers. It’s like our minimizing liabilities guide—spend less, live freer, and outsmart Big Tech.

Ready to start? Score a ThinkPad X220 or Chromebook on eBay or PublicSurplus. Flash Linux with MrChromebox or LineageOS via XDA. Check r/thinkpad for tips, and revive that old iPad for notes. Be the student who hacks tech, not wallets.

Disclaimer: This isn’t tech advice—just a strategy to save money and gain skills. If you want to manage chat memory, click the book icon below this post’s reference and select it, or disable memory in Data Controls.

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Written by twrix Follow
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