My top uses for an older PC:
1. Read PDFs
2. Listen to audio
3. Wordprocessing and simple spreadsheets
4. Limited simple web and email if possible
5. Retro gaming, mostly puzzles
6. IRC

By using older PC more, the load on more current PC is reduced, helps extend the PSU and HD lifespan of current PC more.
I feel such older PCs can be turned into dedicated machines at senior centers etc., for specific tasks.

www.rebootcanada.ca
freegeek.org

Two organizations above that collect used computers etc., and provide for needy.
Very nice projects

Discussion of old computer parts from dumpster diving:
http://dumpsterdiversparadise.com/fo...opic,86.0.html

https://s3-media1.fl.yelpcdn.com/bph...8ICNBQ_Q/o.jpg

https://s3-media4.fl.yelpcdn.com/bph...BRgoy_wA/o.jpg

http://earth911.com/wp-content/uploa...-Wide-Shot.jpg

Been there . Done that. At the Goodwill computer store and computer museum in Austin Tx.

http://earth911.com/inspire/programs...d-new-purpose/

I saw used dual core and atom and chromebook fixable laptops for between 10 to 20 bucks depending on condition.

I learn lots from your posts each time, only this time did I see your signature links, thanks for those. Your response made me feel like I am sucking my thumb like a baby when it comes to older PCs. There is so much related going on out there, lots to learn constantly.

On a different note, the FREE PCs that the charities give to needy are a minimum P4 with Win 7. This means PCs older than P4 will be ignored even by charities and will be the special retro PC enthusiast only.

Enjoy the retro software below:
https://winworldpc.com/

An older PC is like a bicycle, it is still good for doing small routine tasks as a bicycle helps to go local shopping, easily navigate busy streets etc., Using this analogy helps use them better.

The modern i7 etc., are like aeroplanes and good for a lot more intense programs that need more resources. The common person would need such high processing power rarely.

https://winworldpc.com/winboards/vie...hp?f=10&t=8424

The retro thread above is quite encouraging. They are even talking about 5 1/4 floppy disks, I had almost forgotten about them.

5-1/4" floppy drives? You mean those new-fangled replacements for the 8" floppy drives? :)

http://www.pdp8.net/rx02/rx02.shtml

Nice eye opener. Thanks for sharing. :)

None of my Z80 or 8080 based machines will read a PDF at this time. I do have CBASIC so I may be able to write something....

It makes it hard to utilize or convince users to use old pcs when one can buy one of these at rasberry prices and still end up with a working laptop.

Just pointing out something you may have thought of.

There are severe performance issues with cheap tablets. Moreover, such a product is not available everywhere in stores. Lastly, tablets have limited battery life, can't be used when being recharged, are very poor for reading PDFs etc.,

tablets can't be used when being recharged?, someone better tell mine.
Mine was a $200 on though so not the cheapest there is.

My 9 inch touchscreen intel atom toughbook notebooks read pdf's and run any linux distro just fine and dandy. I paid 49 dollars apiece used for each one. I will make money on them when I decide to sell them. No performance issues using AntiX or Salix/Slackel on either one.

I think You are missing a point here through perceived unproven theory, not actual hands on experience.

When I sell them. I have found installing android i386 with the playstore makes them go/sell like hotcakes,

I live in a on line world in the boon docks where anything I buy can be shipped to my address.

I have used an older android tablet before, so what I said was based on that experience. Most purchase items in stores still, so if it is not in stores, there is a small chance it will get popular.