What do or would you do with really old Macs?

[BluesForDan]

I tried searching 'recycling' 'computers' and didn't get any results. I've got an old 2001 G4 plastic handle tower with matching monitor; and a metal tower 2005 G5 that has a dead power supply. I tried for a long time to get a fix for that G5 but it was just so outrageously expensive that I put my money towards a 2010 mac mini which I am using now with the monitor from the G5.

In the hopefully not too distant future, I am going to equip my music room with a new computer. Whether it is this mini I'm using or the one I'm leaning towards buying remains to be seen and is irrelevant to this query.

What do I do with a 13 year old G4 and monitor? It still works, it just can't connect to the internet anymore because the ethernet board was fried during a lightning storm which was why I ended up buying the G5. The G4 is in the music room but of little use for live recording with mics due to the howling of the fans. I live near an airport, the fan noise sounds like a vintage WWII plane at take off.

I've scavenged the hard drive out of the G5. The tower is back in the original packing carton. I still have the cartons for the G4 and monitor as well.

 

[pigoo3]

What do I do with a 13 year old G4 and monitor?

Unless you're a collector of old Mac's…sell it or junk it. Even if the ethernet was working…surfing the internet would be no fun anyways (slow slow slow).

- Nick

 

[RadDave]

I tried searching 'recycling' 'computers' and didn't get any results. I've got an old 2001 G4 plastic handle tower with matching monitor; and a metal tower 2005 G5 that has a dead power supply......

Well, from your description, the computer appears to be junk or a door stop -

Not sure 'where' you live, but if there is a Best Buy near, then you can recycle the computer (and many other items) there - check their policy HERE - Dave

 

[chscag]

I wouldn't give Best Buy the "time of day" - sorry, but there are much better places to recycle. If the machine is still working somewhat, give it to Goodwill. If not, let your local waste management company pick it up from your recycling container.

 

[johnodd4]

honestly you could sell the g5 for parts there are a lot of people that want the processors ram and tower itself for hackintosh projects as for the g4 its time to give it up

 

[RadDave]

I wouldn't give Best Buy the "time of day" - sorry, but there are much better places to recycle. If the machine is still working somewhat, give it to Goodwill. If not, let your local waste management company pick it up from your recycling container.

Well, not sure what the issue may be w/ the statement above, but if you simply want to dispose of your junk (vs. trying to make some $), then Best Buy has been no problem w/ me; I've taken a number of items there, walked in, dropped them off quickly, and left - I've also use our local city disposal center - both have worked fine w/ me. Over the years, I've given a LOT to Goodwill, but only if I knew the 'devices' were still operable - they don't really want broken junk. Dave

 

[pigoo3]

Well, not sure what the issue may be w/ the statement above...

I think that some of us simply have various reasons for disliking Best Buy. I could give a story or two of my own frightening Best Buy experiences. I think that many of these negative experiences have to do with the "Geek Squad", Best Buy customer service, etc.

- Nick

 

[Beatles4Life]

I can't speak for Best Buy because I've never used their recycling services, but when Ian the Power Mac G4 bit the dust, I took him to an e-waste donation centre (after shedding lots of tears). As for the monitor, I'm not sure where it went. Perhaps it's out in the garage.