Summary: Hands-On Tech 239 – Breathing New Life Into an Old Computer

Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
Host: Leo Laporte
Episode: Hands-On Tech 239: Breathing New Life Into an Old Computer
Date: October 26, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Leo Laporte answers a listener question about revitalizing aging computer hardware—specifically, a 2010 17-inch MacBook Pro that's still operational but no longer receives updates from Apple. Leo breaks down a variety of practical and creative ideas to keep older computers useful, ranging from installing modern lightweight operating systems to turning legacy hardware into capable home devices.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Listener Question: Repurposing an Old MacBook Pro

• Listener Ozzy asks for advice on what to do with a 2010 MacBook Pro that's no longer updatable but still functional.
• Ozzy also thanks Leo for introducing them to iMazing, a utility that helped save their music library from an old iPhone SE to a Windows 10 PC and an iPad Air.
  • Leo: "It's an incredibly powerful app and one that I think everybody should try… You never thought about doing this, but now that you have this app and you've done this, you can do this." (04:10)

Option 1: Installing Linux

• Why Linux?
  • Offers a modern, secure, supported operating environment for older hardware.
  • Provides access to security updates and modern web browsing, which older macOS versions lack.
  • Leo's lightweight Linux distribution recommendations:
    • Ubuntu
    • Linux Mint
    • Pop!_OS (his personal favorite)
• Important Caveat:
  • Retain a Base macOS Partition: Wiping the drive entirely can remove firmware update capabilities unique to Apple hardware.
  • Resource: Leo refers to a comprehensive Reddit guide on properly installing Linux on Macs to avoid these pitfalls.
  • Quote: "When some of that hardware needs an update, you need to have macOS there to properly work with that hardware." (08:43)

Option 2: OpenCore Legacy Patcher

• What Is It?
  • A free tool that allows installation of recent (unsupported) macOS versions on older Macs.
• Leo’s Caution:
  • He hasn't personally used it, feeling uneasy about relying on "an unblessed version of macOS" not officially supported by Apple.
  • Others (like frequent TWiT community member Scooter X) have had great success with it.
  • Scooter X: “I used this on a 2017 iMac for years, worked great to keep it running current macOS's until I ended up with an M4 Pro...” (13:10)
  • Quote: "It’s a type of a hack… many people are fine with that. For me, it’s not." (12:40)
  • Performance Caveat: Newer macOS versions may run slowly on old hardware.

Option 3: Media Server or Home Automation Hub

• Media Server:
  • Use Plex or Jellyfin to stream media from the MacBook to other devices. The large screen makes setup and management easy.
  • Connect a large external drive for expanded storage.
  • Works well with other devices (iPad, Apple TV, etc.)
• Home Automation Hub:
  • Run Home Assistant – well-documented, community-backed platform for smart home control.
  • Great for tech-intermediate users and beyond.
  • Quote: “Home Assistant is a very powerful way to control your smart home, if that’s something you’re interested in.” (15:47)

Option 4: Retro Gaming Machine

• Install emulators like RetroArch or OpenEMU.
• Play classic NES, SNES, PlayStation, and other games.
• The machine’s graphics capabilities can handle classic gaming.

Option 5: Chrome OS Flex

• Transform the MacBook into a Chromebook-like device using Chrome OS Flex.
• Ideal for web-based productivity: email, browsing, docs, cloud apps.
• Quote: “A lightweight online tool… probably more than you would ever need in terms of processing power locally on that device.” (18:35)

Essential Steps Before Repurposing

• Run Apple Diagnostics:

  • Hold down D on startup to check hardware health before making changes.
  • Ensures you don’t wipe a working system if there’s a lurking hardware issue.

• Consider an SSD Upgrade:

  • Swapping out the old hard drive for an SSD can significantly speed up the computer.
  • Refer to iFixit for step-by-step guides on replacing the MacBook Pro’s hard drive.
  • Quote: “You would be shocked, I think, by the performance improvements you would see as a user who is installing a new hard drive.” (21:10)
  • Note: SSD less important for Plex server use; more critical for regular desktop use.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On iMazing: "It's an incredibly powerful app and one that I think everybody should try because... now that I have this app and I've done this, I can do this." (04:10)
• On Linux: "You'll get, most importantly, security updates and access to modern web browsing, which... you would not be able to use on older machines due to the fact that they can't get the security updates that they need." (06:30)
• On OpenCore: "It feels like I would always have that in the back of my mind that I am using sort of an unblessed, a completely unblessed version of Mac os." (12:40)
• On Media Servers & Home Hubs: "With that 17 inch screen... you can go through and manage that media library and then stream all of that content on your other devices.” (15:03)
• On SSD Upgrades: "I think you'd be shocked by the performance improvements you would get by way of an SSD upgrade." (21:10)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:00] – Introduction to Ozzy's question and mention of iMazing tool
• [05:00] – Overview and recommendations for installing Linux
• [08:40] – Caveats about macOS partition and firmware updates with Linux on Macs
• [12:00] – Introduction and discussion on OpenCore Legacy Patcher
• [15:00] – Alternative uses: Media server (Plex, Jellyfin), home automation (Home Assistant)
• [17:30] – Setting up the Mac as a retro gaming machine
• [18:35] – Using Chrome OS Flex to create a lightweight Internet device
• [19:50] – What to check before wiping your Mac: Diagnostics and SSD upgrades
• [21:10] – The practical process of replacing an old MacBook's hard drive

Conclusion

Leo delivers a rich set of options for making aging hardware useful again, encouraging listeners not to dispose of still-working machines and offering both mainstream and creative technical solutions. He emphasizes careful preparation (diagnostics, considering SSDs) and the importance of consulting guides and community resources before making big changes.

Listener Call-to-Action: Leo invites Ozzy to share what path they choose, and encourages others to write in with their own tech questions.