"....don't just throw away a laptop because it's banged up a little. Even if it seems outdated and underpowered, most any laptop is still small, quiet, and relatively low on power consumption, making it a seriously valuable spare to keep handy—even without a working screen."

  • Make it fly again with lightweight Linux
  • Create a no-monitor, low-power spare system
  • Convert it to a home server
  • Make a better digital photo frame
  • Convert its LCD into a Stand-Alone Monitor
  • Salvage an external backup drive from it
  • Extend your wireless coverage

Source: LifeHacker