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  3. /Ask HN: Looking for a donated PC or laptop for freelance work
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  3. /Ask HN: Looking for a donated PC or laptop for freelance work
Nov 23, 2025 at 6:15 AM EST

Ask HN: Looking for a donated PC or laptop for freelance work

PikoBeam
15 points
5 comments

Mood

supportive

Sentiment

positive

Category

ask_hn

Key topics

Freelance Work

Donation

Computer Hardware

Hi HN,

I hope you're doing well. I'm reaching out to ask if anyone has a PC or laptop they're no longer using and would be willing to donate. I'm trying to get started with freelance work, but unfortunately, I can't afford to buy a computer at the moment, which is making it really hard to take on projects.

If you have an old device you no longer need and are willing to donate it, I d be incredibly grateful. I'm happy to cover shipping costs if needed. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this. Any help would mean a lot.

Discussion Activity

Light discussion

First comment

3h

Peak period

2

Hour 6

Avg / period

1.3

Comment distribution9 data points
Loading chart...

Based on 9 loaded comments

Key moments

  1. 01Story posted

    Nov 23, 2025 at 6:15 AM EST

    20h ago

    Step 01
  2. 02First comment

    Nov 23, 2025 at 9:36 AM EST

    3h after posting

    Step 02
  3. 03Peak activity

    2 comments in Hour 6

    Hottest window of the conversation

    Step 03
  4. 04Latest activity

    Nov 23, 2025 at 10:55 PM EST

    3h ago

    Step 04

Generating AI Summary...

Analyzing up to 500 comments to identify key contributors and discussion patterns

Discussion (5 comments)
Showing 9 comments
leros
13h ago
Can you start on a library computer or something like that? I think some libraries also lend out laptops.
pabs3
9h ago
What device did you use to post this from?
bitbasher
15h ago
If you can afford shipping fees, you can probably buy a raspberry pi 3 or 4 and have enough machine power to get stuff done.

Also, you can find used thinkpads on facebook marketplace and a dozen other places for anything from $50 to $150.

Drive an Uber, make a few bucks and buy one yourself?

collingreen
16h ago
I suggest adding a bit more to this to strengthen idea that someone giving you an expensive piece of hardware is doing real good and isn't just getting scammed in some way.

Things that might help: - what kind of consulting? - have you done that kind of consulting before? - what youre doing now to make things work - do you have work lined up? - some commitment to follow up with info about your progress after getting a laptop - some commitment to paying it forward by passing a laptop on later once you're on your feet

None of this proves this isn't a scam but it might make people more interested in rolling the dice.

brudgers
12h ago
[delayed]
terrycody
3h ago
Sounds like scam, I highly suggest you flip some burgers to get your first money.
softwaredoug
15h ago
Your local computer store likely has some decent used laptops. IE we have a local store “FruitFixed” that repairs devices and has a rack of used MacBooks.
pabs3
9h ago
I got my current PC from a dumpster, that might work for you. Or check out your local FreeGeek or similar place that gives away old computers.
chironjit
17h ago
Where are you based? Maybe someone closer to your region can help
View full discussion on Hacker News
ID: 46022589Type: storyLast synced: 11/23/2025, 6:40:12 PM

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