I've had an old Nexus 7 (2012) tablet laying around not doing much for so long now, and the other night I wanted to look at a website on something a little bigger than my phone but not have to walk across the room to get my laptop.
Despite not wanting to get up, I then proceeded to go to an entirely different room and rummage through a drawer to find the old device out. Not only did this defeat the object of not wanting to move but also completely side-tracked me from what I was doing.
I plugged it in to let it charge overnight and held down the button with anticipation the next morning. On it came with Beanstalk 7 logo and booted up about as fast as I ever remember it being, poor little thing.
I've left it idle for 4 days so far to see how long the battery could hold out. So far it has dropped to around 37% and estimates around 2 days left. As long as it can make it through an evening on the sofa, I don't mind having to charge it from my work machine each day.
So, what is it running?
![](https://blog.grayw.co.uk/content/images/2020/06/Screenshot_20200619-182642-1.jpg)
We're talking top of the line, balls to the wall cutting edge... OK, maybe not. The only question that really matters is, can it do what I need it to do and browse websites?
![](https://blog.grayw.co.uk/content/images/2020/06/Screenshot_20200619-183723.jpg)
Well, that is a resounding yes. I have to admit, I did not expect Firefox to update that far. So not only can I use Firefox, but also a version that allows the installation of Addons. This thing just keeps on trucking.
Next on the hit list... I wonder if I can get Tusky and a decent Reddit app on there. If I can, I'm one seriously happy chappy.
As I've mentioned previously, I form strange bonds with tech that serves me well over many years and truly hate the thought of replacing it if I don't need to. Sure, I'd love a shiny new tablet with a better resolution but I'd feel damn guilty about it and regret spending a couple of hundred £'s when I certainly don't need to.
Take a look through your drawers, cupboards, boxes and see what old tech you can bring back to life!