Computer Mouse
USB Flash Drives
Pendrive in steampunk style made by tarator from modding.ru.
More info and photos here (in russian).
Vacuum Tube Flash Drives
More info and photos here (in russian).
Vacuum Tube Flash Drives
See the above full original story here: http://steampunkartsupplies.com/category/steampunk-gadgets/
Headphones
See the above full original story here: http://1800recycling.com/2011/04/incredible-steampunk-recycle-cell-phones/
Headphones
Mobile Phones
Amazing mobile phones, all steampunked using repurposed or recycled materials. You’ll want ‘em all!
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
OK, we know: During the age of steam power, portable phones had yet
to appear, so unless some time-travel tomfoolery occurred that we’re not
privy to, the subjects of this article are speculatively fantastic
rather than historically grounded.
Image: Arthur Schmitt
The cell phone is an amazing invention, though, and not only do these
steampunk gadgets allow you to imagine what the Victorians might have
made of modern-day technology, but they are also perfect for putting
one’s repurposing pants on!
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
If you have an old watch or some spare typewriter parts at home,
together with a well-equipped toolbox, there’s no excuse not to make
your own steampunk cell phone. These 10 amazing designs will provide you
with some inspiration.
Romantic mobile
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
With its leaves, vine design and mother of pearl keys, this cell
phone seems perfect for the romantic steampunk fan. The red leather
background and copper case provide an interesting color combination and
what’s especially cool is the little silver ornament for a menu button
that looks like a wind-up key. This was Ivan Mavrovic’s very first
steampunk cell phone creation, created sometime in 2008 — the first of
many.
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
For your own DIY version, sewing pins with round heads would work
really well as buttons, as would nice ornamental features from an old
mirror or picture frame. Your creativity is the only limit, so what are
you waiting for?
“Vamp” mobile
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
“Vamp” is another cell phone model by Mavrovic, who is a bit of a
legend in steampunk circles. We’ll be seeing a few of his creations
here, so more about him a bit later. “Vamp” is an amazing cell that
looks half-fancy-shoe, half-claw — definitely reminiscent of that
mixture of the monstrous and the urbane we associate with all things
vampish.
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
The phone’s color combination and details are just amazing: we’ve got
a black, banged-up display cover shaped like a claw at one end, an
ornate silver feature studded with a turquoise stone and keys that look
like pieces of corn, or maybe teeth.
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
Yet, incredibly, all these different parts come together to make for one very cool steampunk phone, even on close inspection!
Steampunk iPhone
Image: TheCopperSmith
Not to be left out, the iPhone has also been steampunked! This cool
copper creation may look simpler at first glance than it actually is:
the cog parts on top are not mere prints, but the actual workings of an
old clock.
Image: TheCopperSmith
The artist carefully selected the flat parts from a reclaimed
timepiece so that they wouldn’t stick out; this ensures that the iPhone
still fits in its holder or sleeve. How cool is that?
Image: TheCopperSmith
For those who are a bit rough with their phones, don’t worry — this
cover has been glazed with a thick, clear coat for protection and a
uniform, smooth finish. The artist then polished it again with an
automotive polymer coat to add even more of a protective covering. Just
perfect for today’s gritty urban dweller.
STP mobile
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
What’s impressive about this steampunk cell phone creation by
Mavrovic is the amount of repurposing that went into it: An old watch
cover makes up the display cover, while what look like shiny thumbtacks
were used as keys.
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
The recycled copper casing, turquoise gem from an old bracelet and
brass flower accessory at the top right give this phone its unique look.
When you whip it out to take a call, you’re sure to attract envious
glances from those around you.
Steampunk iPhone clutch
Image: Meggrs
Even in the age of steam power, women had the same problems that they
have today: where to keep your change when you’re all dressed up and
don’t really want to take a purse. The solution? Extra storage that will
not only steampunk the iPhone inside it, but also make some room for
other bits and pieces you may want to carry around.
Image: Meggrs
If some parts of this repurposed wooden iPhone case looks familiar,
that’s no coincidence: the brass edges and the hook were taken from an
old picture frame.
Image: Meggrs
Carry your newly dressed steampunk iPhone as a purse, around your
neck, or simply communicate with it. The dark wooden exterior, with
brass accents, is sure to go with any steampunk outfit and will attract
more than a bit of attention. You can even use the hook on top to strap
it to your wrist. Clever!
M47 Automatic
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
Another amazing design is the M47 Automatic, a Nokia cell phone
inside a case made of leather and accessorized with tiny, repurposed
metal gears. Cogs, coils and wire — anything in one’s toolbox seems to
have been used for this cell phone model. Don’t miss the screws for
keys! The phone really looks like it needs to be wound up to work, with
each gear set carefully in place. The hook on top is no doubt for
attaching the phone to your steampunk outfit or to hang it up when not
in use.
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
A metal designer by profession, Mavrovic wanted to experiment with
different techniques and materials, so tried his hand at the steampunk
esthetic. Constantly challenging himself and trying to break new limits
with every design — by combining different techniques, styles and
materials — is what keeps his work so fresh. And of course, he loves the
fact that he can repurpose old things on the verge of being thrown out
and so give them a new lease of life.
Retro de Luxe
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
Mavrovic lives in Zagreb, Croatia, and steampunks any item that he
comes across in his household, including everything from pens and
cutlery, to his toothbrush. Every piece is exquisite in its detail —
maybe taking inspiration from his steampunk idols, Datamancer, whose steampunk keyboards we’ve featured before, and Haruo Suekichi, the Japanese master of steampunk timepieces.
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
Whatever the source of his inspiration, it is Mavrovic’s cell phones
that are the most spectacular of his designs — and which have appeared
quite a bit online lately. This model is called the “Retro de Luxe,” and
rather reminds one of a spider sitting on a Nokia 2330.
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
The case is made of old typewriter parts, obtained from a collector
friend of Mavrovic’s. All the letters are handwritten, which adds an
additional charm to the piece, as does the black onyx stone used as a
menu key. Is that an old watch dial cover being repurposed there as well
and an old picture frame hook? We’re not sure, but we are sure that we
will start building our own!
Ozone battery
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
The “Ozone Battery” is another one of Mavrovic’s creations, and looks
like a cross between a miniature spaceship and a tank. It is made from a
typewriter, old clock parts, a fish-eye lens, many screws and other
aluminum and steel parts. It looks so cool, we’re actually speechless!
Image: Ivan Mavrovic
Where does Ivan get his inspiration from? He explained that in every
thrown-away object lies endless possibility that just needs to be
discovered. He usually has a design in mind based on the materials, and
then sets to work, with each phone taking him one or two weeks. What he
likes about steampunk is that it is possible to “combine technology and
tradition into one.”
SteamPunch phone
Image: Arthur Schmitt
Paris-based industrial designer Arthur Schmitt created this
steampunk-inspired, user-centered mobile phone, which won a competition
for “Most Mutated Design.” Made of wood and metal parts, the design is
sleek yet simple; the cell phone has no keyboard or screen. But it gets
even better: Before using the phone, the user has to activate it by
inserting a paper punchcard with binary-encoded information.
Image: Arthur Schmitt
Schmitt says: “The concept reflects the users’ frustration with
bloated interfaces, and the desire to be more in touch with the
hardware.” No kidding. We love the no-frills yet extremely elegant
design and the innovation on show.
Image: Arthur Schmitt
The gilded back looks simply brilliant, and if the speaker looks
familiar to you that might be because it used to be an old tea strainer
that ended its boring life in Schmitt’s office and has now been
immortalized as part of this cell phone.
Steam communicator
Image: Urbandon
This slimline phone/communicator works with the latest nano-steam
technology! At 6 x 2 inches, it’s a sleek device that lies comfortably
in one’s palm. We love the fact that this cell phone is completely made
out of recycled parts, from the spiral ear piece and bulbous mouth piece
to the knob on the bottom.
Image: Urbandon
All the metal parts have been hand-painted to give the phone its
antique and weathered look. Though unfortunately not made to work with
current cell phone technology, we’re sure the cool 6-inch foldable
antenna would pick up some signals.
Image: Urbandon
Telephones
Watches
