Rebootory
Good machines deserve another life. We're giving retired 27-inch Retina 5K iMacs (2014–2020) a second life in an independent software research lab in Pune. Free pickup anywhere in Pune. No keyboard or mouse needed.
About Rebootory
Good machines deserve another life.
Obsolete software doesn't mean obsolete hardware. Rebootory is a small, independent software research and hardware reuse initiative in Pune. We seek capable retired 27-inch Retina 5K iMacs to support development, testing, learning and experimentation.
We are not a registered charity or nonprofit. Passing on a computer is voluntary and is not a tax-deductible charitable contribution. Explore the topics below to understand the idea, the machines and the people behind the initiative.
Who we are and what we aren't
Rebootory is an independent initiative based in Pune, India. It is not a registered charity or nonprofit, and passing on equipment is not a tax-deductible charitable donation. This is not a commercial trade-in offer, repair shop or guaranteed recycling service. If you want to understand how a particular machine might be used, please ask before handing it over.
What the lab explores
Rebootory is a small independent software research initiative in Pune. Suitable retired computers can provide an environment for development, testing, experimentation and learning about long-lived hardware. Specific research projects and results will be shared when there is something concrete to report; we won't invent achievements or claim an established program that doesn't exist.
Why 27-inch Retina 5K iMacs?
These iMacs combine a large, high-resolution display with capable Intel-era hardware. Working with a consistent family of machines can make it easier to compare software configurations, investigate compatibility and explore ways to extend useful computing life. The objective is reuse for independent software research and experimentation, not collecting computers for resale.
How it works
One quick message. Free pickup anywhere in Pune.
Offer your iMac by WhatsApp or email. Share its approximate year, condition and Pune locality. We assess suitability, arrange free pickup for eligible machines, and prepare suitable hardware for software research. See the steps below for details.
04 · Beyond reuse
Not every component lasts forever. If a machine is unsuitable for continued use, responsible handling matters. Rebootory does not currently advertise a certified recycling or secure-destruction service; ask about the plan for your specific machine if that is important to you.
03 · Prepare for research
Suitable machines may be configured for software development, compatibility experiments, testing and learning. The particular configuration depends on the machine and the research needs. Rebootory's goal is to keep capable hardware useful rather than leave it unused.
02 · Inspect and assess
The model and condition determine whether a computer is suitable for the research environment. Working machines may be prepared for reuse; damaged or incomplete machines require discussion first. Acceptance is not automatic, and we won't claim that every collected machine can be restored.
01 · Get in touch
Send the approximate model or year, a photograph if convenient, any known faults and your area in Pune. We can help determine whether your iMac fits the collection criteria before scheduling pickup. Message on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers before you pass on your iMac.
Answers to common questions about eligible iMacs, software compatibility, working condition, privacy, free collection in Pune, and Rebootory's status. Browse the questions below or contact us at donate@rebootory.org.
Which iMacs qualify?
Rebootory collects 27-inch Retina 5K iMacs from Late 2014 through 2020. Check Eligible hardware for the six generations and their model identifiers. If you're unsure, send us a photo.
Does it need the latest macOS?
No. Older operating-system support is one reason we're interested in extending the useful life of these machines.
Does it have to work perfectly?
Not necessarily. Tell us about any faults before pickup so we can assess whether the machine is suitable.
Do I need to include a keyboard or mouse?
No. The iMac and its power cable are helpful, but a keyboard, mouse and original packaging are not required.
What should I do about my data?
Back up anything you want to keep, sign out of Apple services, disable Find My where applicable, and erase personal information using instructions appropriate to your macOS version. If the machine won't start, tell us before collection. Rebootory does not provide certified data destruction.
How much does pickup cost?
Pickup of eligible machines across Pune is free, by arrangement.
Is Rebootory a charity or nonprofit?
No. Rebootory is an independent software research and hardware reuse initiative, not a registered charity or nonprofit. Passing on equipment is voluntary and does not qualify for a charitable tax receipt.
Can I help without an iMac?
Yes. Share rebootory.org with someone who has an eligible machine, or contact donate@rebootory.org.
How do I find my iMac model?
On a working iMac, open Apple menu → About This Mac to check the model and year. For its identifier, open System Information → Hardware. Compare it with the six records under Eligible models. If the machine won't start or you're unsure, send a photograph to http://whatsapp.rebootory.org/.
Which iMacs are outside the collection scope?
Rebootory is not currently collecting 21.5-inch iMacs, older non-Retina 27-inch iMacs, or iMac Pro. The eligible models are the six 27-inch Retina 5K generations listed under Eligible models. If you are uncertain, send a photo through http://whatsapp.rebootory.org/.
Eligible models
Six Retina 5K generations. One easy way to check.
Rebootory collects the six 27-inch Retina 5K iMac generations listed below, from Late 2014 through 2020. Each record identifies a specific Apple model. All are within our collection scope, subject to assessment of condition and suitability. The family shares a 27-inch Retina 5K display with 5120 × 2880 resolution.
27-inch Retina 5K iMac — 2020
Apple model identifier: iMac20,1 / iMac20,2
27-inch Retina 5K iMac — 2019
Apple model identifier: iMac19,1
27-inch Retina 5K iMac — 2017
Apple model identifier: iMac18,3
27-inch Retina 5K iMac — Late 2015
Apple model identifier: iMac17,1
27-inch Retina 5K iMac — Mid 2015
Apple model identifier: iMac15,1
27-inch Retina 5K iMac — Late 2014
Apple model identifier: iMac15,1
Prepare and arrange pickup
Before passing on a retired iMac, back up, sign out, erase data and check the accessories.
Back up your files, sign out of Apple services and erase personal information using the procedure appropriate to your macOS version. The power cable is helpful; keyboard, mouse and packaging are optional. Pickup of eligible machines is free across Pune by arrangement. Contact us.
Contact Rebootory
The quickest way to offer a machine is WhatsApp. Include its approximate year, a photograph of the front or About This Mac screen, any known faults and your Pune locality. We can then confirm whether it is suitable and discuss collection.
Before pickup
Please back up and erase personal data where possible, sign out of Apple services, disconnect external drives and unplug the iMac. Keep the power cable with it if available. A keyboard and mouse are not needed. If the machine is unusually heavy, damaged or not working, tell us in advance.
Where we collect
We offer free pickup across Pune, subject to arranging a mutually convenient time and confirming the machine is within our collection scope. Send your locality and approximate availability when you contact us. There is no need to ship the computer.
Back up your files
Before you erase or hand over your iMac, make a complete backup of any documents, photographs, passwords and other files you want to keep. Time Machine is one option; an external drive or another backup method may also work. Check that the backup is readable before deleting anything. Rebootory cannot guarantee recovery of files left on a machine.
Sign out and disable Find My
Sign out of iCloud or your Apple Account and turn off Find My Mac and Activation Lock where applicable. Sign out of iMessage and other personal accounts. The precise steps depend on your macOS version. Consult Apple's current instructions or ask before collection if you're unsure.
Erase personal information
After backing up, erase your personal data using the procedure appropriate for your Mac and macOS version. Many older Intel iMacs do not support Apple's newer Erase All Content and Settings feature. If the iMac cannot start, tell us before collection; don't assume data on a nonworking machine is inaccessible. We do not promise certified data destruction.
What to include
The iMac itself and its power cable are helpful for testing and setup. You do not need to include a keyboard, mouse, original packaging or accessories. Disconnect any external drives and remove anything you want to keep. If the power cable is missing, mention it when you contact us.
Inside Rebootory
What Rebootory does, why Retina iMacs are useful, and how equipment is handled.
A small, independent software research and hardware reuse initiative in Pune. The goal is to extend the useful life of capable computers through experimentation and development—not to present a commercial trade-in or a charitable donation program.
A second life
What happens after you offer your retired iMac to Rebootory.
The path from an unused iMac to a useful research machine begins with a conversation and an assessment. Not every machine or component will be suitable; we'll discuss its condition before collection.
Free pickup in Pune
How to arrange free collection of an eligible Retina iMac across Pune.
Have an eligible iMac to pass on? Message us with the model, approximate year, condition and your area in Pune. We'll coordinate a convenient collection at no cost. Please disconnect the computer and prepare your personal data before handover.