Re-using old tech you have at home
I've started getting a lot of videos on my Tik tok "for you" page about reusing old technology from the early to late 2000s. I feel like it's so easy these days to get influenced by what you see online. You see other people on there talking about these different tech items, and it sometimes makes you want to join along, too. Maybe we as humans like the feeling of nostalgia or fitting in? I'm not sure which to call it. Well, I, too, have been influenced.
I've always been really hesitant about reading books online. I dont know, I just like holding and feeling the book physically in my hands. I'm pretty old-fashioned, I know. However, I've always loved seeing the girlys on Tik tok decorate their kindles and other ereaders. This Labor Day weekend, I decided I'd try reading online, and if I liked it, I'd continue to do it. Between me and my siblings, we have 5 different old Samsung tablets in our home, most being from 2019. So, finding one to use was no problem. Next was just taking off old junk off of one of the tablets. Old files from my days at community college, artwork my siblings had drawn on it, etc.
After watching a couple of videos, I found out that while yes, I can buy books. I can also borrow books from my local library online. The process is actually really easy. You just need to have a library card from your local library. Although I did see that some of the Tik tok girlys have been able to get library cards from other states by just signing up online, however I haven't tried it yet. There are two apps that I saw and have actually downloaded that work really well. One of those apps is the Libby app. I like the app because of its interface. It's easy to use, allows you to read a sample of a book before checking it out, and if your library doesn't have the book. It also gives you the option of tagging books to keep them organized. Another great app to use is the Hoopla app, although not every library uses it. Hoopla is a bit different but also easy to use. It has audiobooks, ebooks, movies, shows, comics, and music. The concept is about the same as Libby from what I've seen so far but with more categories of stuff.
I decided to get a clear case off of amazon, use some pretty cardstock and stickers to decorate my tablet and some ribbon because, as of lately, I am obsessed with ribbon. My tablet is a samsung tab a 8.0 from 2019, so finding accessories for it wasn't too hard or expensive. I really like how my decorating turned out, and the only thing left that I want to get for it is a cute pop socket. We'll see how long my excitement lasts but even if I don't stick with using my tablet as an ereader for long, at least I didnt spend a lot of money and I was able to reuse something I already had at home too. 😉
Reusing old tech, especially devices like Samsung tablets from 2019, has become a popular and sustainable trend that combines nostalgia and practicality. If you have an unused tablet at home, transforming it into an e-reader is a cost-effective way to get more value out of your device while enjoying a vast library of books. The Libby app is a favorite among many for its user-friendly interface and convenient features, such as allowing readers to sample books before borrowing and organizing favorites with tags. It requires only a library card from your local library, and some users have even found ways to access libraries outside their state through online registration. In addition to Libby, the Hoopla app offers a rich collection that goes beyond ebooks and audiobooks to include movies, comics, music, and TV shows, broadening your digital entertainment options. Though Hoopla is not supported by every library, it's definitely worth checking if yours participates, as it can turn an old tablet into a multi-media hub. Cleaning your device by removing old files and artwork not only frees up space but also refreshes the tablet for new functionalities. Adding personalized accessories like clear cases, cardstock decorations, stickers, and even a pop socket can make your e-reader enjoyable and uniquely yours. This DIY approach fosters a sense of ownership and creativity. This method taps into the Y2K tech trend popular on platforms like TikTok, where people find joy in revisiting early 2000s technology with a modern twist, preserving environmental resources by reducing electronic waste. Moreover, opting for digital borrowing instead of buying new books saves money and supports local libraries. Overall, turning an old Samsung tablet into an e-reader equipped with Libby and Hoopla apps is not only eco-friendly but also an enriching way to keep up with digital reading trends and community resources without hefty costs or learning curves.
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