Key Takeaways
1. Windows 10 support is ending soon, prompting users with older laptops to consider their options.
2. The Toshiba Tecra A50-E-110, with an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, can run Windows 11, while older processors cannot.
3. Revitalizing old laptops with lightweight operating systems like ChromeOS Flex or Linux can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution.
4. For those seeking a new laptop, the Acer Aspire Go 15 offers improved performance and modern features at an affordable price.
5. Donating old laptops to organizations like Labdoo.org can extend their life and benefit others, but data should be backed up or erased first.
The end of support for Windows 10 is getting close. There are still many laptops that are over seven years old and function just fine. We looked through our records to find a laptop from 2018 and compared it with a budget-friendly model from 2025: the Acer Aspire Go 15.
Comparison Device
Our device for comparison is the Toshiba Tecra A50-E-110, which is just about able to run Windows 11. It features an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor. This performance is still good enough for tasks like office work, checking emails, and browsing the web. The laptop is sturdy and includes USB 3.0 ports, plus it can even fit a DVD drive.
Processor Compatibility
The processor in the Toshiba is one of the earliest Intel models that can work with Windows 11. Laptops with older Kaby Lake processors and earlier will not officially get Windows 11, so owners will need to find other options if updating to a new operating system isn’t possible.
That being said, the most affordable, safest, and eco-friendly choice is to revitalize old hardware with a new OS. Lightweight systems like ChromeOS Flex or user-friendly Linux distributions can be easily installed on many older machines, turning them into secure and efficient devices for daily tasks. This method requires a bit of trial and error, but it’s kinder to both your finances and the planet. We have detailed this process in another article. Linux Mint makes it especially simple since it incorporates many design features from Windows 11. ChromeOS Flex, in contrast, might take some time to get used to.
New Purchases
For those who prefer a simple solution without the need for adjustments, buying a new laptop is often necessary. This is where our recently reviewed Acer Aspire Go 15 becomes relevant. Priced at under $600, it’s a very appealing choice for an upgrade. But does it improve on all fronts?
The older Tecra laptop has features like an optional DVD drive (which might be seen as outdated for some) and a built-in card reader, but these can be easily added to new laptops. A small docking station featuring a card reader, VGA ports, and extra USB ports is available for under $40 on Amazon.
In terms of performance, the Aspire Go is definitely the more powerful laptop. Websites and applications load significantly quicker, the latest Wi-Fi technology ensures reliable connections, and the reasonably modern Intel processor should support several years of Windows usage. A direct comparison of benchmark results between the two machines highlights a clear disparity in performance.
Conclusion
Regardless of the option you go for, an old but still working laptop is too precious to be discarded as e-waste. Organizations like the nonprofit Labdoo.org welcome such devices as donations. Volunteers refurbish these laptops and provide them a valuable second life in schools around the globe. This way, your long-time companion can still contribute positively, even without Windows support. Before you do this, however, make sure to back up and/or erase all data from your old device.
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