How do you re-purpose your OS10 or BBOS devices?

I am asking to get ideas for what I can do with unsupported devices. Here are some ideas what I want to do:

1. OS10 use to store encrypted files, like a password keeper and sensitive data.
2. BB10 / BBOS - be able to install arm based Debian to do all Bash type stuff and install software from common repositories.

I know that #1 probably most practical and attainable. However #2 there are issues with BB hardware not allowing non BB related ROMs to be installed. So I am wondering if at very list I can run from the Bworld store either an emulator that can boot an image off SD/main storage on the Passport or Bold.

Or perhaps if BB will ever release firmware update for freeing up BB10 and BBOS hardware to actually run custom ROMs to free up these devices to cater to other purposes. For example these devices have wonderful keyboards that are easy and quick to type....be a shame to see all that wonderful hardware go to dust or paperweight status.

And I am looking for a decent Linux portable, preferable Debian based distro, CLi setup only.

Passport on it's stand makes a fantastic bedside alarm clock and occasionally a (soft) music player whilst I read in bed before going to sleep (even on the stand, it's still got much better sound quality than my Key2)

Up until fairly recently, was also using it as a portable conference phone (switched the sim card from my Key2) as it's got much better speakers and mic than the Key2

Alternative to clay target expense...

E-waste recycling, ideally.

Originally Posted by Jason Page

However #2 there are issues with BB hardware not allowing non BB related ROMs to be installed. So I am wondering if at very list I can run from the Bworld store either an emulator that can boot an image off SD/main storage on the Passport or Bold.

BBWorld is shutting down too on Jan 2020, so that's not even an avenue to use.

Originally Posted by BigAl_BB9900

Passport on it's stand makes a fantastic bedside alarm clock...

Z10 also works really well for this when in a horizontal cradle, as would also the Z30. Bedside mode is just awesome.

Posted via CB10 on Z10

I realize it's not BBOS or BB10, but the Playbook in a charger cradle works wonderful as a constantly cycling photo frame.

Posted via CB10 on Z10

I'm still using my BB10-er as my main contact phone. If I weren't, I'd use it on wifi for alerts, storage/prvt cloud, flashlight, probably lots of other things. Keyboard makes a great fidget-spinner too haha.

Posted with my Classic, SQC100-3/10.3.3.3204

Originally Posted by spARTacus

I realize it's not BBOS or BB10, but the Playbook in a charger cradle works wonderful as a constantly cycling photo frame.

Posted via CB10 on Z10

Yep, and a good Internet Radio too

playbook - e-reader, youtube, stream movie, news reader (RSS)
9900 - phone, sms text
z10,z30 - FM radio, music player, camera, website shoping via wifi only (no sim).
Op, if you really want to make use of them, you might want to get SDK to build your own app for BB10 to let like mind of chaps like you to pay you few cents after 2020. IMHO.

I use:

9900 and 9720 - wake up alarm clocks, though in recent months they both started having problems keeping the time. Could the timing chips be getting unreliable over time?

Passport - stand-by telephone in case my current BB fails.

Trade them in for a $100 credit from Carrier.....