Redeeming an old laptop

Redeeming an old laptop I have a 2001-vintage laptop that is getting so slow my kids won't even use it much anymore. Is there anything I can do that's free or inexpensive to make it more usable for light-duty use (web browsing, checking email, etc.)? Things I've considered are:
Asked by: Guest \| Views: 191

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Guest [Entry]

"Some ideas:

Install a light Linux distro and install Chromium for browsing?
An ebook reader?
Dedicated MAME machine. Most of those old games will play just fine on those specs
Dedicated router with caching DNS and caching web proxy to speed up household web surfing and/or ad blocking (with privoxy)
Dedicated skype or IP phone appliance
Install Linux, attach an external drive, and have a dedicated video/music streaming machine"

Guest [Entry]

"free or inexpensive

Power isn't free, so unless you're wanting a new always-on (email server, web site) or fixed-location (email client, web browser) use for a computer, then it's cheaper to just do that with your newer more powerful per Watt computers."