Sure, those old computational machines are making some collectors serious new money. But love of Apple doesn’t always translate into hard cash.
Over the years, we’ve covered a lot of cool things to do with your obsolete – but still near and dear! — Apple gear.
Here are some of our favorites.
Art
The museum-worthy design of Apple devices has inspired a number of artists over the years. The smashed iPhones above and below by Ryan McIntosh were part of an art exhibit about Apple called “Programmed” that debuted in Brooklyn. The curators hoped to invite “discussion on recycling, the history of these items..” and to get people thinking about “the fetishizing of these electronics that are then discarded.”
If paint is more your medium, check out the work of Satta van Dahl, whose colorful portraits of Steve Jobs and Woz on early Macs are truly iconic.
iPad Stand
Repurposing your old computer to hold a new device is one of the best ways to keep the people you live with off your back for collecting too much stuff. If you’re ready to tackle one of these projects some long, dreary weekend, more details on how-to here.
Pet Bed
Take the innards out of your old iMac, add some cushioning and voila’: a stylish yet cozy home for your cat or doggy.
iMac Base as Desk Lamp
Creator Nicolas didn’t tell hardmac exactly how he did it, but did say it was easy:
“I decided to recycle my old iMac G4. With some spare parts, one can easily transform it into a nice lamp fully articulated thanks to the famous arm.”
Another illuminating idea courtesy Apple.
Macquarium
This is nearly as classic a DIY project as the computers it uses to house the fishes. If you’re ready to swim with the big boys, try the how-to in low-end Mac.
iMac G4 as Clock
Though the 2002 iLamps were declared “obsolete” by Apple in 2009, the re-purposed stainless steel base plate of this iMac G4 makes a nice wall clock. It’s the handiwork of a Japanese Apple fan, who published a step-by-step DIY project.
