Lukáš ZapletalApr 30, 2024
rob pike

Looking for ideas. Apple offered me $500 for my old laptop, but when I sent it in they say, "Oh, a scratch. We'll give you $100." There's no way a perfectly functioning and upgraded M1 MacBook Air is worth only $100. So I got it back.

Now I'm looking for a good home for it. I don't want money, I want it to have a good life. Two conditions:

1. It has to help make the world a better place.
2. I'm not shipping it, so the transfer has to be local to Sydney.

Apr 29, 2024 at 9:15pmWeb
Show threadklausfiend has movedApr 29, 2024
@robpike If you're open to generic suggestions in lieu of concrete ones, non-profits are always happy to take computer equipment that's in good shape and has a decent lifespan.
Show threadservusdeiApr 29, 2024
@robpike I took two M1 Macbook Air's in to an Apple store and they gave me $500 gift cards without inspecting the laptops at all, they didn't even verify they booted. All they did was enter in the serial numbers. If you take it into a physical store they probably won't give you any trouble over the scratches.
Show threadrob pikeApr 29, 2024
@servusdei In Australia Apple uses an outside company to do their recycling, although I haven't tested the in-store theory.
Show threadGabriel Viso CarreraApr 29, 2024
@robpike Just an idea for making a better world. When I bought my framework I gave a thinkpad to my wife and I donated her old laptop to NSW Homelessness Services in Sydney through Givit.org.au. It ended up going to a domestic violence survivor that was trying to complete her studies to rebuild her life.
Show threadrob pikeApr 29, 2024
@gabriel Happy story, good idea.
Show threadLyle Solla-YatesApr 29, 2024
@robpike I would give it to Sujan https://www.sbs.com.au/news/small-business-secrets/article/sujan-is-helping-more-students-get-online-and-his-project-has-other-benefits-too/6q7jr6li5
Throwing out your old computer? Sujan has a better idea

Australians buy a lot of new technology, with nearly five million new computers sold annually. Many older computers are among the 200,000 tonnes of electronic or e-waste sent to landfill each year. One entrepreneur aims to change that.

SBS News
Show threadrob pikeApr 29, 2024
@Lyle Thanks, this looks like a great option.
Show threadwirepairApr 29, 2024
@robpike holy crap they did the same thing to my mother.
Show threadPsychoApr 29, 2024
@robpike can i send my adress?
Show threadcafuego 🔭🤦🏼‍♂️Apr 29, 2024
@robpike Is there a Sydney equivalent of the asulum seeker resource center?
Show threadjoëlApr 30, 2024
@cafuego @robpike here: https://asylumseekerscentre.org.au/how-you-can-help/donate-a-device/
Donate a device - ASC

Donate a device and help an asylum seeker stay digitally connected We are always looking for donations of phones, laptops & tablets

ASC
Show threadDelta SierraApr 29, 2024

@robpike Just a thought if you can't find someone to take it: there are a lot of distributed computing projects you could support with an unused laptop. All the "@home" stuff (eg, folding@home, which I supported for a long time with my extra computers before I thinned out my collection).

Most are easy to set up and can really make a difference! There are a broad range of topics too, so you can probably find something that resonates with you.

Show threadAlan Miller  🇺🇦Apr 30, 2024
@notthatdelta @robpike that may not be as worthwhile as you'd hope. The processing efficiency of newer equipment is much higher, and you may be setting yourself up for a noticeably higher power bill.
Show threadDelta SierraApr 30, 2024

@fencepost @robpike Fair point, although there are options to limit utilization and runtime (eg, use 75% of the CPU only between 6pm and 6am).

With two older systems running (7700k, 4790k), my power bill went up by about $12 per month. But of course the actual cost depends on your rates!

Show threadPaul McGraneApr 29, 2024
@robpike @jalefkowit It's like when you move out of a rental place — cover up all the dings in the wall with toothpaste! uhh … space gray or silver toothpaste!
Show threadJenna 🇨🇦Apr 29, 2024

@robpike

This is so good of you! 💕

Show threadGene Cowan 🏳️‍🌈Apr 29, 2024
@robpike This is especially galling considering the recent revelation that they just destroy the items.
Show threadKevin Karhan Apr 29, 2024

@robpike Boosted it since I don't know anyone directly in the area.

Also it's common for Apple to only offer that advertised #TradeIn with basically fully-spec'd-out machine complete in unopened original packaging...

Show threadEfi (nap pet) 🦊💤Apr 29, 2024
@robpike a library?
Show threadAmyApr 29, 2024
@robpike what a morally bankrupt company. i mean, they all are, but just... can you not like promote e-waste for one second...

not to mention give people the money they deserve back. not everyone's as rich as you apple

almost no one is
Show threadJes Moved to @[email protected]Apr 29, 2024
@robpike I'm gonna use my M1 macbook air as long as possible until it physically cannot even anymore
Show threadDaniel ReedersApr 29, 2024
@robpike I've no doubt you'll find someone worthier than me, but I have to pay out of my own pocket to BYOD a Mac device at the non-profit I work for, and cozzie livs has destroyed my savings. Until recently my BYOD was a 2015 MBP 15, but its battery is now a spicy pillow, ready to blow any day now. It would make a big difference to work like this: https://napwhalearning.org.au/napwha-learning-podcast/
NAPWHA Learning Podcast – NAPWHA LEARNING

Show threadBigRBApr 30, 2024
@robpike Given the current zeitgeist, how about a women’s shelter?
Show threadMartin SeegerApr 30, 2024

@robpike I am surprised, Apple always paid me exactly what they announced. And I am not very careful with my equipment.

No suggestions for a destination for the M1 from my side as I am too far from Sydney.

Gave away about 100 tech items for free this year. Even paid shipping. Sole condition was that the recipient tries to do the same for items they don’t need.

Show threadrob pikeApr 30, 2024
@masek It's not Apple, it's an Apple subcontractor.
Show threadFlorianApr 30, 2024
@robpike glad you got it back. The only reason, Apple has the trade in program is, to shrink the second hand market.
Show threadArosano@hachyderm 🇮🇱🇩🇰Apr 30, 2024
@robpike you are a generous person!
Show threadCyril Zakka, MDApr 30, 2024
@robpike @todd why not keep it and use it as a home server for your own personal assistant using MLX?
Show threadrob pikeMay 1, 2024

@czakka @todd

Assuming you meant this sincerely, I will answer. Three reasons.

1) I want to have fewer machines.
2) I don't need or want an assistant, automated or otherwise.
3) I engage with ML as little as possible.

You may feel differently.

Show threadCyril Zakka, MDMay 1, 2024
@robpike @todd was definitely serious and thanks for your reply. If you have time, curious about the reason for #3.