# Turn an old Chromebook into a monitor, media server or games machine

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/dont-throw-away-your-old-chromebook-even-if-youre-getting-a-googlebook/
- Published: 2026-10-25T13:15:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T13:38:20+00:00
- Original publisher: Engadget
- Original article: https://www.engadget.com/2292939/dont-throw-away-old-chromebook-even-if-getting-googlebook/
- Topics: Gadgets

## Key points

- Reuse an old Chromebook as a monitor, photo frame or smart home display.
- Linux can turn it into a media server or retro gaming laptop.
- Crostini offers Linux apps, though older devices may struggle.

## Summary

An old Chromebook can remain useful after it is replaced, potentially saving money and keeping a working device out of storage. Its screen can serve as a second monitor or digital photo frame, and it can provide a dedicated display for controlling smart home devices.

With Linux installed, a Chromebook can also run Home Assistant, act as a small media server using Plex or Jellyfin, or become a portable retro gaming machine with Batocera. Installing Linux takes more effort and may be unsuitable for beginners; ChromeOS’s built-in Linux environment, Crostini, is easier to access but can perform poorly on older hardware. Emulators are legal, but running pirated games is not.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.