Budget-Friendly Accessories That Give New Life to Old Hardware
Plugable Marketing | January 27, 2025
The pace at which technology gets faster, slimmer, and more efficient can be staggering, staying ahead often means continually upgrading to the latest hardware. However, for IT professionals managing extensive fleets of computers, this approach isn’t always feasible or cost-effective. As budgets tighten and sustainability becomes a growing concern, finding ways to extend the life of existing equipment is more critical than ever.
Fortunately, a range of budget-friendly accessories can breathe new life into older hardware by enhancing their functionality and performance. In this article, let’s look at some of our favorite (and surprisingly budget-friendly) accessories that breathe new life into older tech and allow you to connect older tech to newer machines. Learn more about extending the life of older computers here.
Just because that device has an older monitor port, doesn’t mean it isn’t still useful. See how adapting VGA ports on outdated monitors and projectors ensures they remain valuable assets in your IT infrastructure. Interfacing a new laptop with older tech can maximize your hardware investments, keep your operations running smoothly, and reduce e-waste.
VGA Video Adapters and Cables
The Plugable USB 3.0 Type-C to VGA Adapter (USBC-VGA) is a USB-C Alt Mode graphics adapter designed to connect your newer laptop to your older display.
Why we love it: This VGA adapter is a direct pipeline to the graphics processor in your system. That means your connected monitor will function and perform as a natively attached display. And because of the adapter’s broad compatibility, you can use it with Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, and Linux hosts that support DisplayPort Alternate Mode (Alt Mode).
Where to use it: The USBC-VGA is most commonly deployed in conference rooms and classrooms that have older projectors and displays.
Buy the Plugable USB-C to VGA Adapter
List Price: $14.95
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The Plugable USB 3.1 Type-C to VGA Cable (USBC-VGA-CABLE) boasts all the benefits of the Type-C to VGA Adapter (USBC-VGA) but with a lot more reach. At 6ft (1.8m), the cable offers a lot more flexibility in how you connect to screens and projectors.
Why we love it: The plug-and-play cable goes the distance when connecting newer laptops with older displays at 1920x1200 @ 60Hz.
Where to use it: The USBC-VGA-CABLE is most commonly deployed in conference rooms and classrooms where multiple people need to connect to older displays and projectors, for instance around conference tables and lecterns.
Buy the Plugable USB 3.1 Type-C to VGA Cable
List Price: $15.95
Free 3-Day Shipping on Orders Over $35!
The Plugable HDMI to VGA Adapter Cable (HDMI-VGA) is a one-way adapter from an HDMI source to a VGA display.
Why we love it: The HDMI-VGA is all about connecting your video to a bigger screen. And while it’s still fairly common to find a VGA port on the older displays and projects in many conference rooms, VGA is all but extinct on the laptops they connect to. HDMI on the other hand is one of the most common video connections available. Plus, the 6ft (1.8m) cable gives you plenty of options for setup.
Where to use it: The HDMI-VGA is most commonly deployed in conference rooms and classrooms that have older projectors, and media rooms.
Buy the Plugable HDMI to VGA Active Adapter Cable
List Price: $31.95
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Wi-Fi Adapters
The Plugable USB 3.0 Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 Wireless Adapter (USB-WIFIAX) has two popular use cases. It adds Wi-Fi to desktops without it, and it can be used with laptops and desktops that might have Wi-Fi but need to upgrade to WiFi 6.
Why we love it: The USB-WIFIAX is an easy, cost-effective way to add or upgrade any computer running Windows 10 or newer to Wi-Fi 6. It also features a hybrid cable with USB and USB-C connections so it's compatible with older systems and new. An included 45-inch extension cable can be used to put the antenna in a better location.
Where to use it: The USB-WIFIAX is most often used in new desktop builds, and when upgrading existing Wi-Fi capabilities. The included extension cable is often deployed in shops, warehouses, and environments where placing the antenna higher up might cut down on signal interference.
Buy the Plugable USB 3.0 Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 Wireless Adapter
List Price: $34.95
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The Plugable USB 2.0 802.11N Wireless Adapter (USB-WIFINT) offers connectivity at up to 150Mbps for Windows computers.
Why we love it: The USB-WIFINT offers a quick and convenient way to upgrade an older computer or bypass a broken wireless card.
Where to use it: In new PC builds that don’t require Wi-Fi 6 and laptops and desktops with broken wireless cards.
Buy the Plugable USB 2.0 802.11n Wireless Adapter
List Price: $13.95
Free 3-Day Shipping on Orders Over $35!
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The Plugable USB 3.0 Passive Type-A to Type-C Cable (USBC-AF3) converts USB-C to USB-A and vice versa.
Why we love it: This 6” plug-and-play device connects any USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4 enabled laptop, phone, or tablet to a legacy USB 3.0 device or peripheral — like flash drives, keyboards, and mice.
Where to use it: Absolutely anywhere you need to connect a USB device to a Thunderbolt, USB4, or USB-C device.
Buy the Plugable USB 3.0 Passive Type-A to Type-C Cable (6in/15cm)
List Price: $7.95
Free 3-Day Shipping on Orders Over $35!
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