Do we really need 20+ comments calling for OP to give it to charity? It's noble, but it's pretty clear OP wants to start a project with it.
Honestly, if you're a hacker, you're probably not going to want to part with working hardware you might use later. I own a ton of parts and old computers for this purpose.
So, if you're looking to use your old laptop for something novel, I suggest:
1. Turn it into a TERM server.
2. Turn it into a media center with KODI(XMBC).
3. Turn it into a game server.
4. Put Windows Server onto it and build a home domain.
5. Install a different OS than your main laptop and use it interchangeably.
6. Use it for projects that may put your main laptop into danger (water, high voltage, etc.).
7. Plug a Kinect into it and turn it into a machine vision robot.
8. Add it to a BlenderGrid with all of your other computers and teach yourself 3D animation.
9. Install it into your car as a carputer / wardriving rig.
10. If it has a GPU, use it as a Steambox for low-end gaming. (See also: Media Center)
Honestly, if you're a hacker, you're probably not going to want to part with working hardware you might use later. I own a ton of parts and old computers for this purpose.
So, if you're looking to use your old laptop for something novel, I suggest:
1. Turn it into a TERM server.
2. Turn it into a media center with KODI(XMBC).
3. Turn it into a game server.
4. Put Windows Server onto it and build a home domain.
5. Install a different OS than your main laptop and use it interchangeably.
6. Use it for projects that may put your main laptop into danger (water, high voltage, etc.).
7. Plug a Kinect into it and turn it into a machine vision robot.
8. Add it to a BlenderGrid with all of your other computers and teach yourself 3D animation.
9. Install it into your car as a carputer / wardriving rig.
10. If it has a GPU, use it as a Steambox for low-end gaming. (See also: Media Center)