Possible uses for a 286? Are there any?

[Scrapster]

I might pick up a used 286 from someone. I'm trying to figure out if I could use it for something beneficial to my network. I've already got 2 computers sharing a broadband connection. Can I get any use out of a 286? If not for my network, can I turn it into some type of novelty PC system (no idea how).

Anyways, just curious if you guys have any creative ideas besides using it for target practice. If there are uses for it, I'd like to know what they are.

Scraps

 

[Budman]

Install Windows 3.1 & play Solitaire.

That's about all it's good for.

 

[NoreagaCNN]

Make a High Skip MP3 Player

-Nore

 

[Noriaki]

Doorstop? Paperweight? Boat Anchor? Most 286s were heavy enough....

 

[Budman]

Noriaki, only 51 more posts for you.

 

[NoreagaCNN]

Hehe, Nori I rated you a 10

Laterz,
Nore

 

[erub]

Windows 3.1 would probably run sluggish - windows 3.1 didn't run good until a 486, and only have decent on 386s

 

[Muerto]

To add to what Noriaki said; fish tank, a house for a cat, target practice, put it in the back of your car for extra traction durin winter, anything your imagination can come up with.

 

[Oyeve]

The 286 makes a lovely keychain.

 

[jsbush]

Possible uses for a 286? Are there any?

THROW IT OUT! It will give your garbage men a little work out so it can't hurt anyone

 

[KouklatheCat]

Ill go for the target practice, my issue Sig 229 or my Remington 870 Police Magnum would do nicely on a 286 case. A couple 3 inch magnum slugs

 

[Noriaki]

Thanks Nore

 

[PG]

I used to have a job as a work/study student in a computer lab with 286's and all were running AutoCAD. I just can't remember what AutoCAD version it was.

For the final project, the teacher made everyone create a wireframe lamp in 3D. Part of the assignment was to get rid of hidden lines. It took those poor 286's several hours to get rid of the hidden lines! And this was just a wireframe, not anything shaded.

Anyway, it could be useful, but you would have to find some old software for it.

 

[shawnmos]

Put Windows 2.0 on it. I downloaded a copy a long time ago but have never tried it. I'll send it to you if you want. It's only 708kb. If you want it send my a screen shot of it cause I want to see what it looked like.

 

[Shagga]

New key ring perhaps....

 

[Scrapster]

So what you guys are saying is I can use it for anything NON-COMPUTER RELATED?? Ok. I've made up my mind.



Scraps

 

[shawnmos]

I also have MS Works 3.0 or something on some floppys and the manual says it will work with Windows 2.0 or above. It has spell check and stuff. There a lot of things you can do on it. You could get an ISA Network card for really cheap of e-bay. I put a 2x cd-rom in my old one and played music cds. Also you could play Wolfenstein 3D. My Wolfenstein 3D website has A LOT of add ons so it'll keep you busy for hours! I put the full version on there too. Of course it's not Quake 3 but it's still fun. I got a lots of stuff you can put on that 286 if you want. Man now you are making me miss my old 286. May it rest in pieces.

 

[shawnmos]

Hey I would take it. Even if you are going to throw it away it's still fun to play with for a while.

 

[Sir Fredrick]

What's that operating system that fits on a floppy? I bet that wouldn't run *too* horribly on a 286. could be fun to experiment with

 

[NoreagaCNN]

That's DOS 6.32 I think, it's like 3 Floppies

-Nore

 

[shawnmos]

Windows 2.0 will fit on a double density 3.5 floppy!! But I guess that is not really an OS since it runs on dos. Oh well.

 

[shawnmos]

Oh yeah you can also go on the internet with it. Yes no crap! Arachne Dos Web Brower. It's pretty cool. I used this for a 386 that I gave to my sister. Though I would recommend getting a video card that supports more then 16 colors.

Edit: Screenshot

 

[duragezic]

FreeBSD runs off a floppy.

I don't think there is much to do with it though. Keychain. Then you can brag "i got a cpu on my keychain alL!"

 

[jd in IL]

Last 286 I had was a AMD 286-16mhz, ran Leisure Suit Larry, the original, just fine. Make a good "brain" for a Battle Bot. Could use if for home security with the right sensors and cameras. Or just do Like I did years ago, strip anything useful, fans,screws and such, hang MB on the wall as PC art, and scrap the rest.

 

[Whitedog]

Take the lid off, plug it in and turn power on.

Throw a glass of water in it and WATCH THE FIREWORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It would be worth about 30 seconds of good entertainment??

That's about all I can think of it would be good for..