New Life for Old Computers

[Hieb]

With the purchase of a new computer, I find that my basement is once again becoming an old computer graveyard. I just don't have the heart to throw out old electronics equipment, especially computers (OK, I mean recycle--I know about the environmental impact and all of that).

So my question to the forum is this: What are your thoughts on a cool use for an old computer (or 3)? I know I could play around learning Linux or something like that, but I'd really like more of a short term project. I remember reading an article about turning an old laptop into a digital picture frame, and another on retrofitting an old radio/jukebox into an MP3 player, so I was looking for similar ideas for things to do with my rather large paperweights.

Thanks.