Hardware

Steampunk: A way of life for some designers

By · September 23, 2010, 11:41 PM PST · HuTerra

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  • Victorian all-in-one

    Lots of people think of steampunk as hobby, but for some designers it is an art form that translates into a way of life. For steampunk artist Jake von Slatt, steampunking modern computers is a way to make functional art.

    Photo courtesy of Jake von Slatt.

    Check out another TechRepublic gallery that features Mr. von Slatt's work: Mod your computer keyboard, steampunk style.

  • All-in-one

    The all-in-one with all steampunk components. Notice the pointing device.

    Photo courtesy of Jake von Slatt.

  • Fully functional

    Steampunk isn't just about the aesthetic. This computer is fully functional.

    Photo courtesy of Jake von Slatt.

  • Steampunk antiquated PC

    Every part of the system has been recreated in steampunk style.

    Photo courtesy of Jake von Slatt.

  • Steampunk keyboard

    This keyboard is fully functional for daily use.

    Photo courtesy of Jake von Slatt.

  • Monitor controls

    Every detail is remade. This is a close-up of monitor controls.

    Photo courtesy of Jake von Slatt.

  • Real antiques

    The legs on this flat screen LCD monitor were the inspiration for the entire project. The legs are antique brass gaslight arms.

    Photo courtesy of Jake von Slatt.

  • Flat panel LCD

    This flat panel LCD monitor is a real work of art.

    Photo courtesy of Jake von Slatt.

  • Nightlight

    Steampunk isn't just about computers.

    Photo courtesy of Jake von Slatt.

  • Jake von Slatt

    Mr. von Slatt of The Steampunk Workshop posing with his steampunk guitar.

    Photo courtesy of Jake von Slatt.

  • Computational engine

    This steampunk computer is rather large and custom built.

    Photo courtesy of Richard Nagy of Datamancer.net.

  • Disc drive

    A close-up of the computational engine's disc drive.

    Photo courtesy of Richard Nagy of Datamancer.net.

  • Gears box

    What is inside this box with intricate gears?

    Photo courtesy of Richard Nagy of Datamancer.net.

  • Gears up close

    Intricate gear work.

    Photo courtesy of Richard Nagy of Datamancer.net.

  • Keyboard

    There's a keyboard inside the box...

    Photo courtesy of Richard Nagy of Datamancer.net.

  • Laptop

    It's a steampunk laptop!

    Photo courtesy of Richard Nagy of Datamancer.net.

  • Old book

    What is this old book doing on Richard Nagy's desk?

    Photo courtesy of Richard Nagy of Datamancer.net.

  • Flatbed scanner

    That's no book! It's a custom steampunk flatbed scanner.

    Photo courtesy of Richard Nagy of Datamancer.net.

  • Reliquary keyboards

    These boxes hide steampunk keyboards.

    Photo courtesy of Richard Nagy of Datamancer.net.

  • Inside the reliquary keyboard box

    The lid opens to reveal a fully functional keyboard, complete with padded wrist rest.

    Photo courtesy of Richard Nagy of Datamancer.net.

  • Keys up-close

    One of the neatest things about steampunk is the attention to detail. Each keyboard has its own aesthetic.

    Photo courtesy of Richard Nagy of Datamancer.net.

  • Richard Nagy

    Mr. Nagy of Datamancer.net in his steampunk workshop. The clothes are proof that steampunk is more than a hobby.

    Photo courtesy of Richard Nagy of Datamancer.net.

Victorian all-in-one

Lots of people think of steampunk as hobby, but for some designers it is an art form that translates into a way of life. For steampunk artist Jake von Slatt, steampunking modern computers is a way to make functional art.

Photo courtesy of Jake von Slatt.

Check out another TechRepublic gallery that features Mr. von Slatt's work: Mod your computer keyboard, steampunk style.

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By Nicole Nash

Nicole Bremer Nash is Director of Content and Social Media for HuTerra, where she uses SEO and social media to promote charitable organizations in their community-building and fundraising efforts. She enjoys volunteering, arts and crafts, and conduct...