[NoGravitas]

On the other hand, I saw some research that says that the power consumption of those older devices in use is dwarfed by the power used to make them, or to make a newer computer, so, as with cars, the right thing to do is keep them running as long as you can. I spent a little bit of time looking for the reference, but it was on gopher a couple of years ago, and I wasn't able to find it.

[detaro]

On an individual level there's another angle: Wait to long and you run into the point where other people are scrapping newer, more efficient machines. At that point, picking one of those up is increasing your efficiency.

[c22]

But as with old cars, if you want to keep one running you might need to learn some more about how engines work. Or be willing to pay a mechanic.