Since modern graphics cards support between 3 and 4 monitors without issue, this is a very good option. Moreover, you absolutely do not need any additional investment for this. You already have the monitor and, of course, the cables to make it work. All you have to do is configure the new configuration and connect the monitor.
If you have limited desk space or want everything to be much more organized, you can invest in a double arm. All monitors usually have a standard VESA system on the back. One of the best-selling solutions on Amazon is this two-arm system for 70 dollars that supports VESA 75/100 standards.
A monitor can also be a television for the kitchen
Maybe you’re like Roro and love cooking, so you spend many hours in this room of the house. To avoid getting bored, you can turn your old monitor into a small TV for this room. We really don’t need much, just a connected device that allows us to consume content. You have several options, such as:
- Google Chromecast (34 dollars): This Google system allows us to take advantage of the main content platforms. We can access Netflix, HBO or Disney+, among others, and enjoy the content of these streaming platforms. If we don’t want to pay, we can also access YouTube or Twitch. We can even download an application to watch TNT or the typical applications of the main television groups in Europe.
- Fire TV Sick (30 dollars): Also a very interesting option similar to the previous one, but with different things. You can access the same content as in the previous case, but also Amazon Prime and Music, if you pay for Prime, of course. This is a slightly cheaper option, but also very good quality.
- MI TV Stick TV box (45 dollars): solution developed by Xiaomi which is very similar to Google’s proposal. Additionally, this controller has Google’s own Assistant and is based on Android. More than interesting option.
Alternatively, if it’s for your parents and you have an antenna socket in the kitchen, you can buy a decoder. This is a fairly simple option that will allow them to watch TV without a lot of hassle and elements they may not want. This TNT decoder costs 31 dollars and is really discreet.
Use the old monitor as an information center
Something really amazing that we can do is an information center. You are probably wondering what it is exactly, a system that informs us about the weather, the news or our agenda. The possibilities are endless and it’s a great way to use an old monitor.
For this project, you won’t need much and you can install it anywhere. The first thing is to buy a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W for 30 dollars to be able to use it as if it were a computer. This model is very economical, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, two elements that we are going to need. We can install any lightweight Linux distribution, such as Puppy Linux, Lubuntu or PureOS.
Since the Raspberry has Bluetooth, we will use a keyboard that already includes a mouse in touchpad format, like on laptops. An excellent option is the Logitech K400 Plus which costs 50 dollars and is a more than interesting option. We can consult weather information, news or consult our calendar, among other things.
First computer for children
If you have children or nephews, you can set them up with a simple computer so they can start exploring and learning. We can set them up with a computer for very little money so they can do their work or watch a certain type of content. We do not need a big investment for this project.
You can opt for a 4 GB Rapsberry Pi 4 which costs 77 dollars and the Digitalkey Case Alloy chassis which costs 21 dollars. We chose this chassis because it allows the Raspberry to be installed behind the monitor, so it does not interfere with the desk. We can install Ubuntu to get a pleasant user experience and it can also help you experience other environments.
Maybe you want it to be simpler because you have the Raspberry Pi 400 which costs 120 dollars. It integrates a 4GB Raspberry Pi 4 modified by Raspberry itself into the keyboard, which is awesome. The keyboard has a Spanish layout, so we don’t need much more in that sense, it is already adapted to our language.
You can configure an interactive mirror
One thing we can do, although it takes a little more work, would be to develop an interactive mirror. There are many explanatory videos that show us how to do it and it’s not really complicated. To do this you need glass, an old monitor that we can take apart, mirrored window vinyl, and a Raspberry Pi.
As you can see, the Raspberry Pi is the basis for many projects, including this one. We can use a Pi Zero 2 W, which includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and which we talked about above.
To create this project we don’t need much, other than some wood to create the frame for the decor. Then, you will need to install Ubuntu or, failing that, Fedora or Debian, in order to install the MagicMirror plugin. This is an open source repository that generates a series of information panels visible on the mirror.
A monitor only you can see
Do you want to have a monitor where only you can see what you’re doing? It’s possible, but it requires a little work and a small investment of money. After completing this process, only you will have the opportunity to see what you are doing, no one else. This way, no one will be able to tell if you are working or slacking off during your workday.
We only need the old monitor that you were going to throw away, the polarizing film which costs around 20 dollars and passive 3D glasses for 17 dollars. The combination of all these elements only allows you to have the ability to see what is happening on the screen. The process doesn’t require large tools, although it does require a bit of skill and a little patience to complete.
Screen dedicated to Nintendo Switch
If you own the Nintendo Switch console, know that you can use them without needing the dock. You can use your old 1080p resolution monitor as the main display for this Japanese console. Connecting it is really simple, we will only have to spend a little money to connect the Nintendo to the monitor.
Since this is a 1080p monitor, it’s not wrong to think that it will at least have an HDMI port. The Nintendo Switch doesn’t have an HDMI connector, but it does have a USB-C port. You should know that this connector is very versatile and allows video transfer without problem. To connect the Nintendo Switch to the monitor we only need this BENFEI USB-C to HDMI cable for 9 dollars.
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