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If it has an HDMI port, you can install Kodi[1] on it and plug it to your TV to create a really cool media center. [1] https://kodi.tv/ https://kodi.tv/

hbosch 10y ago
I did this, but with Plex (I am a Plex user across multiple devices). I use the computer in clamshell mode with HDMI to my living room TV. Also, I use Rowmote[0] to control the computer -- an old Macbook -- from my phone and run OpenEmu[1] next to Plex for a home arcade solution. I use a Bluetooth PS3 controller for the arcade. SNES works great with Sixaxis controllers, N64 is possible. Havent tried Dolphin[2] yet... But looking forward to it. Late 2011 MBP for the curious, runs great for the above uses. 0. http://regularrateandrhythm.com/apps/rowmote-pro/ http://regularrateandrhythm.com/apps/rowmote-pro/ 1. http://openemu.org/ http://openemu.org/ 2. https://dolphin-emu.org/ https://dolphin-emu.org/
- ja27 10y ago
  Plex is my top use for a somewhat old laptop. I have an i3 Lenovo with a broken screen running as a headless Plex server (plus Calibre, a little light web hosting, etc.) It's the first media solution that the whole family actually uses.
- mikewhy 10y ago
  If you use the SC drivers to turn the PS3 controller into an Xbox controller you can use that to control Plex Home Theatre as well. The Plex mobile apps also work as remotes. Using a PS3 controller will work in Dolphin, but you'll need multiple controller profiles (think Wiimote + nun chuck, Wiimote sideways, Classic Controller, etc). Retroarch takes a bit of the pain of setting up different controllers for emulators.
pmontra 10y ago
Good idea but remember that old computers were not much power efficient. In this and other scenarios you should evaluate how much you'll pay for power and compare it with the cost of a new appliance plus its probably smaller power bill. I confess I didn't research media center solutions but in this case a HDMI compute stick would probably consume far less power than a Core 2 Duo laptop (you might have something more power efficient). You must add the cost and power bill of the storage, unless it's already available and on for all the time you'll use the media center.

hbosch 10y ago

I did this, but with Plex (I am a Plex user across multiple devices). I use the computer in clamshell mode with HDMI to my living room TV. Also, I use Rowmote[0] to control the computer -- an old Macbook -- from my phone and run OpenEmu[1] next to Plex for a home arcade solution. I use a Bluetooth PS3 controller for the arcade. SNES works great with Sixaxis controllers, N64 is possible. Havent tried Dolphin[2] yet... But looking forward to it. Late 2011 MBP for the curious, runs great for the above uses. 0. http://regularrateandrhythm.com/apps/rowmote-pro/ http://regularrateandrhythm.com/apps/rowmote-pro/ 1. http://openemu.org/ http://openemu.org/ 2. https://dolphin-emu.org/ https://dolphin-emu.org/

ja27 10y ago
Plex is my top use for a somewhat old laptop. I have an i3 Lenovo with a broken screen running as a headless Plex server (plus Calibre, a little light web hosting, etc.) It's the first media solution that the whole family actually uses.
mikewhy 10y ago
If you use the SC drivers to turn the PS3 controller into an Xbox controller you can use that to control Plex Home Theatre as well. The Plex mobile apps also work as remotes. Using a PS3 controller will work in Dolphin, but you'll need multiple controller profiles (think Wiimote + nun chuck, Wiimote sideways, Classic Controller, etc). Retroarch takes a bit of the pain of setting up different controllers for emulators.

pmontra 10y ago

Good idea but remember that old computers were not much power efficient. In this and other scenarios you should evaluate how much you'll pay for power and compare it with the cost of a new appliance plus its probably smaller power bill. I confess I didn't research media center solutions but in this case a HDMI compute stick would probably consume far less power than a Core 2 Duo laptop (you might have something more power efficient). You must add the cost and power bill of the storage, unless it's already available and on for all the time you'll use the media center.