If you have an old MacBook lying around, you might want to check out Google's new Chrome OS Flex, a free, cloud-based operating system that turns old Macs and PCs into a Chromebook for free.

The OS, which is in early access for now, promises to bring speed and security gains to old hardware too slow to handle newer, native OS upgrades.

It's a fine goal, and if it works as advertised, it might save some aging machines from the big landfill in the sky.

Anything that gives new life to old electronics is a good thing, even if it means running a Google OS on your old, beloved Apple hardware.

-- Leander Kahney, EIC.

Chrome OS Flex turns 2009 MacBook into a useful computer again — www.cultofmac.com

If you have an elderly Mac that’s not up to the demands of the latest macOS version, you can turn it into a Chromebook. All you need is Chrome OS Flex, an operating system Google created for older Macs and PCs.

Apple’s first M2 machine could be a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar — www.cultofmac.com

Apple is expected to introduce its first MacBook Pro with a next-generation M2 chipset in March, but it may not be the upgrade many fans are hoping for.

'The New York Times' is already upsetting 'Wordle' fans with big changes — www.cultofmac.com

Updates to the popular game’s original word list make players A-N-G-R-Y. The changes include the removal of obscure and potentially offensive words. And they’re having a big impact on the game’s social aspect.

Tidy up with Twelve South’s updated BackPack shelf for 24-inch iMac — www.cultofmac.com

If your computer setup tends to get cluttered — and whose doesn’t? — you have a new tool. That is, if you own a 24-inch iMac or plan to get one.

Last chance: Save 50% on Rilee & Lo’s beautiful Apple Watch bands — www.cultofmac.com

Don’t miss the Cult of Mac Store’s biggest discount yet on lovely Apple Watch bands and bracelets from Rilee & Lo. Prices start at $10, but this sale ends tonight.

Microsoft Teams emoji gets a cute 3D makeover — www.cultofmac.com

How do you make your emoji stand out in a sea of similar designs? You give them an awesome 3D makeover, of course!

Add 3 super-fast ports to your Mac with Plugable’s Thunderbolt hub [Review] — www.cultofmac.com

If you want more Thunderbolt ports for your Mac, the Plugable USB4-HUB3A hub offers a trio of them. And they are fully functional, offering up to 40 Gbps transfer speeds and support for 4K monitors. Plus, there’s a USB-A port for good measure.

Apple Support app adds repair cost estimates for iPhone and iPad — www.cultofmac.com

Got a broken Apple device that needs fixing? The Apple Support app gives customers in some locations an idea of how much they’re going to have to cough up.

Tweet o' the day

One more thing ...

"The reason I went back to Apple is that I feel like the world would be a better place with Apple in it than not. And it's hard to imagine the world without Apple now." -- Steve Jobs