Technabob » Retro

Godfather Casemod Makes You an Offer You Can’t Refuse

Technabob — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:31:11 +0000

It’s been a while since I’ve spotted a cool casemod I thought was worth of a mention. Here’s one that I think you’ll like – assuming you enjoy movies about the mob. What you’re looking at here, my friends, is the Godfather of computers, literally.

While you might have thought it would be riddled with bullets, or maybe involve a horse head, it’s really just a massive, powerful PC in an ornate case. Inside, a 1940 Cadillac Fleetwood spins on a turntable as Don Corleone keeps his watchful eye on the mobo, power supply and cooling system, powered by MSI and Cooler Master components.

Under the hood (of the PC, not the car), there’s an MSI Z68A-ZD80 mobo, with a Intel Core i7-2600K Quad-Core CPU, 16GB of DDR3 RAM, a pair of MSI GeForce GTX 550 Ti Cyclone II OC graphic cards, two SATA3 120GB SSDs, 1TB and 2TB hard drives, powered by a Cooler Master Silent Pro M850 power supply, and cooled with V8 and Excalibur fans.

The guys over at Case Mod Blog spotted the Godfather PC casemod at the recent Campus Party event in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The case was made by Omar Majzoub – the same guy who brought us last year’s evil-filled Chucky casemod.

Maybe it’s just me, but I expected more blood.

[via Case Mod Blog and Bahia.com]

Mega Star Wars Duels: A Long Time Ago and 8-Bits Away

Range — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:00:56 +0000

After his Super Bros collection, featuring all sorts of my favorite characters rendered with some pixel love, Ty Lettau is back with some Star Wars love. This time around, he focuses on the battles between good and evil, Light Side and Dark Side, Jedi and Sith.

His minimal Star Wars characters remind me of Mega Man, which is appropriate since they’re supposed to be in Mega Star Wars. The funniest thing is that when I take my glasses off, the images become smooth, and less pixelated, which is cool, but reminds me that my eyesight is gradually going.

I wonder if we’ll ever end up playing as these characters in some retro platformer on Xbox Live. I sure hope so.

[via How to Carve Roast Unicorn via Thaeger]

Mike’s Mega Man and Mario Mosaics Make Me Mappy

Technabob — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:00:17 +0000

No matter how many new video game franchises come along, it’s still some of the earliest console games which have the most popular gaming characters of all time. Take, for instance, Mario and Mega Man. Both released nearly 30 years ago (yikes, I feel really old), these iconic gaming characters have grown up alongside those of us who grew up playing video games. If you’d like a constant reminder of these classic characters, then you might want to add one of these handmade gaming mosaics to your home.

Michael Crow of Mike’s Mosaics created these Mario and Mega Man mosaics using glazed terracotta and ceramic tiles, and they look awesome. I love that Mario is wearing his Tanooki look, though I think he’d have trouble getting off the ground with all the added weight of the tile and concrete backing board.

Mega Man looks mighty fine too, sporting his classic blue costume.

Mario is really substantial, measuring in at 27.5″ x 23.25″, while Mega Man is a bit smaller at 12.5″ x 15.5″. Since both have been sealed, they’re okay for indoor or outdoor use. I’d be so thrilled with these guys in my garden instead of gnomes (hint-hint). Mario is priced at $250 (USD), and Mega Man is going for $200. Both can be found over at Mike’s Mosaics Etsy Shop. Mike will also make custom mosaics of your favorite character on request.

Starfleet Uniform Pillows: for Outer Space Pillow Fights

Technabob — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:00:56 +0000

We all know that if you wore a red shirt on Star Trek (the original series) that your days (or minutes) were likely numbered. Maybe it’s just that working for the Security or Engineering departments on a Federation starship is more dangerous than most other jobs. But even if you’re worried about the redshirt being evaporated shortly after you put it on your couch, you’ll probably want these Star Trek uniform pillows.

They might not be Federation approved, but if I were Captain, I’d have these in my chambers regardless of any Pillow Directives. These handmade pillows come in three styles: gold (for command), blue (for science), and red (for engineering). The guys over at Yellow Bug Boutique, who make these, claim that there is also a missing red security pillow which “was vaporized in scene 2.”

Each one measures 14″ x 14″ and is made from fleece and felt. Trekkies can head over to Etsy and beam down a set of three pillows for $100 (USD). Individual pillows will set you back $35 each, plus shipping. I wonder what shipping rates will be like once they perfect transporter technology.

Steampunk Telephone: 1890 Called, They Want Their Phone Back

Conner Flynn — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:00:24 +0000

If you have an aversion to modern technology and it’s lack of style and sophistication, then check out this Victorian era replica phone. It should go perfectly with your other Steampunk decor.

It’s a replica of an 1892 L.M. Ericsson model, but the rotary dial has been changed to push-buttons, with the center being a dedicated redial button. And even though it isn’t necessary, the magneto generator crank really turns. The cord even resembles that fabric-covered material they used to use for power cords on old devices.

At $110(USD) it might also be a good gift for your grandparents, who likely have trouble with the way modern phones look anyway. It’s pricey, but you are really paying for that old time style. Find it at Museum Replicas.

[via Redferret]

Retro Apple iPhone Cases Send Your Phone Back in Time

Range — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:59 +0000

If you have gotten tired of your slick, modern iPhone, and you yearn for something a bit more clunky, at least style-wise, then you should consider using one of Schreer Delights’ cases to make your own iPhone look like an early Macintosh, a first generation iMac, or the first generation iPod.

The cases from Schreer Delights certainly look authentic. They’ve got a couple of other models, including the G4 Graphite, and some non-Apple themed cases as well. The retro iMac iPhone case in Bondi Blue looks really good in my opinion. The graphics are printed deep in the plastic of the case, so even if the case is slightly damaged, the images won’t fade.

The cases are available for the iPhone 4 and 4S for $45(USD) each, but they might not be available for long, because Apple is sure to flex their legal muscles to protect their intellectual property rights. So if you want one, you’d better move quick.

[via core77]

Crocheted Spock Holders, Burns Are Illogical

Conner Flynn — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:00:35 +0000

Pot holders are used to protect your counters and tables from burn marks when setting a hot pot of food down, plus they help you grab hot stuff in the oven. But they are always plain and boring. Why not geek things up with a crocheted Spock holder?

Burn marks on your stuff are highly illogical and besides, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, live long and prosper, etc. By the time this pot holder has been in service for say, five years, it will start to look like Spock from the end of Wrath of Khan. All battered and food stained, but not dying in engineering.

It was made by Flickr user Kailand and would be a great addition to any kitchen. If only she had created enough for all of us.

[via Geek Crafts via Craftzine]

Pablo Cialoni’s Pixel Superheroes: Heroic Bits

Range — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:00:54 +0000

This isn’t the first time that we’ve seen pixelated superheroes around here, but these ones created by Pablo Cialoni, better known by his handle Pahito, look slightly more minimal than the others that I’ve come across, while still conveying the essence of each character.

Pahito designed pixelated versions of famous superheroes from DC Comics, Marvel, Dark Horse and other publishers. You’ll find superheroes and supervillains alike, including Superman, Batman, Joker, Wonder Woman, Iron Man, and others.

The best part is that his Pixelithos are available via his Society6 site as art prints, iPad, iPhone, MacBook and PC laptop skins. The skins cost from $15 to $30(USD) and are available as the large ensemble image that features all of the characters he’s redesigned.

[via Thaeger]

iPhonograph Classes Up Your Tablet

Conner Flynn — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:00:35 +0000

Sometimes it seems like with all of our modern technology, we have lost a bit of style and class. Sure we have clearer sound and everything is sleek and compact. But visually, it is all pretty much the same. And there are no large horns to pump out the sound on our devices. Back in my day…

The iPhonograph takes things back to a simpler, more civilized age, giving you the old mixed with the new. Michael Greensmith’s creation includes a handmade wooden base, along with brass components to give it just the right look.

If you like your gadgets to look all old-timey and retro, you can build an iPhonograph yourself. Instructables will show you the steps to make your own. You’ll need to go hunting for supplies like an old Cutlery box, a brass horn and a Mini Stereo Amp to name a few, but the end result should be worth all of your hard work.

[via Instructables]

Floppy Disk iPad Case Has Massive Capacity

Technabob — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0000

If you’re looking for a fun way to dress up your iPad while protecting it, look no further than this slipper case designed to look like a giant 3.5-inch floppy disk.

If it wasn’t painfully obvious from the giant, obnoxious watermarks, this floppy-disk iPad case was made by none other than RabbitRampage – who has in the past brought us such goodies as the game console iPhone cases and some tiny felt game controllers.

While this felt case is modeled after the old 3.5 inch floppy disk, it actually measures in at 8.5 inches by 10.25 inches in order to accommodate your tablet. That makes it even bigger than one of those gigantic, antiquated 8 inch floppies, but rectangular instead of square. That gets me thinking – how would the disc turn inside of a rectangular enclosure anyhow?

If you’re ready to turn your iPad into a giant floppy disk, head on over to Etsy and pony up your $35(USD) now.

Pac-Man Gobbles Up Some Light Bulbs

Technabob — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:00:16 +0000

It’s not like this is the first set of Pac-Man inspired lights I’ve seen over the years, but there’s something about the clever use of those old Italian light strings as Pac-pellets that make these ones special in my book.

Pac-Man and his ghostly frenemies were created by artists Benedetto Bufalino and Benedict Deseille at Geneva, Switzerlands’ Festival Arbres et Lumières (“Festival of Trees and Lights”) all the way back in December 2010, but it’s the first time I’ve seen them, and that’s good enough for me. The only thing better would have been to have an occasional larger bulb to represent a power pellet – but I’m being nitpicky.

I can’t imagine that light bulbs are particularly tasty, but it’s not like the pixelated dots and power pellets tasted all that good to begin with. And ghosts. Blech! Need a bottle of Scope (and some cherries) after Blinky for sure.

[via Lost at E Minor and DeviantArt]

Tworse Telegraph Key Lets You Tweet in Morse Code

Conner Flynn — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:00:11 +0000

Want to get all turn-of-last-century on your Twitter friends? The Tworse Key is Arduino-powered and while it may not be the most effective way to tweet, it does allow you to do it in old time style.

All you need to do to tweet with it is plug it into an Ethernet port and you are good to go. You also have to know morse code, of course. Either that or just type nonsense.

Martin Kaltenbrunner is responsible for this backwards technology. He enjoys “hooking up cool old things to cool new things because it’s cool.” I agree. If you want to try your hand at making one, you can find some instructions here. Maybe you can open up your own Twitter telegraph office.

[via Hack a Day via Geekosystem]

Koss Porta Pro Headphones: Retro-Fantastic?

Range — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:00:10 +0000

I can’t decide whether these Koss headphones are just simply retro or retro-futuristically cool. It’s probably up to your personal taste, but the Koss Porta Pro Headphones definitely aren’t your dad’s headphones. Nope, they’ve got all of the latest tech to make your music from your mobile devices and your laptop sound groovy.

The Porta Pro’s have an in-line three-button remote, microphone so that you can use your iPhone, iPod or iPod, and comfortable pads so that your ears aren’t crushed. They are collapsible and come with a carrying case for maximum portability. Specs include a generous frequency range of 15-25,000Hz, and a sensitivity of 101 dB SPL at 1mW.

They sell for $49.99(USD) over at Koss, which isn’t too bad for someone looking for distinctive headphones with retro appeal.

[via Uncrate]

Rubik’s Cube Soap Looks Perfect, Harder to Solve than Actual Cube

Technabob — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:40 +0000

While it’s certainly no longer the case, there was a time when solving the Rubik’s Cube was one of the greatest accomplishments of the geek world. Now, there are people (and robots) who can solve it in a matter of seconds. But the original 1980s Cube is still an icon which conjures memories of frustration (and occasional joy).

While you probably don’t have a need for a Rubik’s Cube in your house these days, you definitely need to take a bath from time to time to keep from stinking. So why not make it fun, and grab this Rubik’s Cube soap block, from DigitalSoaps?

This thing is a dead-ringer for the original puzzle, with all the perfect grooves and 54 colorful stickers hand-applied to the underlying form. Only the bottom is a little different (it’s completely flat), presumably because that’s how the soap molding process works. Still, it’s got yellow stickers on it, but you probably don’t want to show off that side.

Just like the original Rubik’s Cube, you’ll need to peel off the stickers to solve this puzzle – unless you want a bunch of stickers stuck to your bottom when you get out of the tub. Unlike the original Cube, this one smells like grape soda. This was only the case with the original if your little brother got out those Mr. Sketch scented grape markers and drew all over yours.

If you’d like a Rubik’s Cube soap for yourself, head on over to Etsy, where you can grab one for $22 (USD).

Unreleased Game Boy Color Port of Resident Evil Can Be Ours for $2,000

Lambert Varias — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:00:14 +0000

Thanks to Kickstarter, we’ve become accustomed to constantly seeing fundraisers for new technology and promising gadgets. But a fundraiser at gaming forum Assembler is for an old, unfinished and possibly horrible piece of software: two copies of the Game Boy Color version of Resident Evil. The original hasn’t aged well and that was released on the PlayStation, so… brace yourself.

That’s a good question Barry. The Resident Evil Wiki says that Capcom decided not to release this port because of poor quality. Then late last year an Assembler forum member named kiff claimed to be in contact with someone who has two cartridges containing unfinished builds of the canned game. That someone will be kind enough to upload the contents of said carts online for public consumption, but not kind enough to do it for free. The person is asking for $2,000 (USD), hence the fundraiser. Here’s some gameplay footage of the port, uploaded back in 2007 by YouTuber Dot50Cal.

Jill looks like a monster herself. If that wasn’t horrifying enough, remember that these are unfinished copies we’re talking about. They have significant glitches and missing content, such as non-functioning enemies and weapons. Kiff also said of one of the builds, “I am not 100% if any of the endings work.” And yet as of this writing kiff has raised nearly $1,500 with almost a month to go, so there’s a good chance that these builds will be released.

Then again the donors to the fundraiser are probably less excited about playing the game than the thought of virtually digging up a relic from a bygone generation. Head to Assembler if you’d like to donate as well. I wonder what the original developers think about this.

[via Siliconera & RetroCollect]

QR Code Super Mario: Unscannable Plumber

Range — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:40 +0000

From time to time, you come across interesting images on the web, and sometimes, it’s not easy to figure out nthe story behind them. I spotted this QR Code Super Mario on this Spanish website, and which led me to find out it was created by one Mr. Kuwahara. Unfortunately, that’s about where the story ends.

In his original post, Kuwahara simply says “No you can’t scan this .” Perhaps the juxtaposition between QR codes and 8-bit gaming imply that QR codes are already a relic of the past. Or maybe he created it for fun. Let’s go with that.

It does make you wonder if it would be possible to create a QR code with an image like this that could still be scanned.

[via DesignYouTrust]

Old Cabinet Cards Turned into Geek Icons

Conner Flynn — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:00:16 +0000

Old cabinet cards are pretty cool. These early photographs are mementos from another time that tell the stories of forgotten lives, leaving but an image for history to remember them by and fill in the blanks. And that’s fine. But some might look at these images and feel the need to geek them up. That’s just what Alex Gross does.

You are looking at some of Alex’s creations for an upcoming show at Jonathan LeVine Gallery in NYC. I love this work and have even dabbled in the medium myself, though my stuff never approached the awesomeness of Alex’s work.

I love how new worlds or stories can be created from an existing image. The Data image has to be my favorite, since the guy just looks so nerdy to begin with. The only thing it’s missing from the picture is Spot.

You can check out some of Alex’s older creations here.

[via Arrested Motion via Superpunch]

Evouni Leather Arc iPhone Cover: Simplicity at its Best?

Range — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:00:04 +0000

There are a lot of funky iPhone cases out there, but I rather like the simplicity of this one. It’s basically just a pouch that doubles as a cover and a stand for your iPhone when rolled back.

Evouni’s Leather Arc Cover is quite simple and elegant in its design, made from Italian calfskin leather that will get even more supple with use. While it’s made for iPhones, it looks like it might accommodate phones from other manufacturers, since it’s not really designed to be a snug fitting case.

You can get it on Amazon for $69.99(USD) in either black or claret (though I’m unsure what color that is in the picture below.) They also make a version for the iPad 2 for $120. Evouni have a variety of other cases listed over at their online store as well.

[via Bless This Stuff]

MST3K Locket Mocks Your Precious Pictures

Technabob — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:48:27 +0000

I sure miss Mystery Science Theater 3000. My fondest memories of the show are way back in the Joel Hodgson era, but these days, just seeing a picture of Crow, Tom Servo or Gypsy makes me giddy. Now I only wish that I could pull off this MST3K pendant to show my love for the classic sci-fi comedy show.

Just like the setup of the show – where Joel (or Mike) sat with the robots and made fun of bad “B” movies, this handmade pendant makes your favorite photo the subject of their humorous jabs.

The MST3K locket is made by Laura of PicaPicaPress, and it’s the perfect place to house a picture of a loved one with a good sense of humor. After all, they’re going to be perpetually belittled within an inch of their lived by this outer-space peanut gallery. I suppose you could wimp out and put some sci-fi movie still in there. Pretty much any scene from the re-released Star Wars Blu-ray collection should do the trick – especially from Episode I. Robot Monster always works wonders.

Girls, if you consider yourself among the remaining MSTies out there, head on over to Etsy, where you can grab up this locket for $60 (USD). Be sure to wear it the next time you find yourself trapped on the Satellite of Love.

[via SUATMM]

R2-D2 and C-3PO: 19th Century Droids

Conner Flynn — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:30:24 +0000

A while back, we shared some of Greg Peltz’s Victorian Star Wars portraits, which made our favorite characters into Victorian gentlemen. Though at the time, we didn’t find the droids we were looking for.

R2 in fancy dress with a pipe? Someone please make a new Sherlock Holmes with the little droid as Holmes and C-3PO as Watson. I would pay good money to see that and it would beat the whole Data/Geordi Holmes thing from Star Trek.

Jabba certainly still looks evil, but now he’s an evil gentleman from the past. He could easily be Holmes’ arch-enemy Moriarty. Chewbacca is also available, but he just looks strange to me.

You can buy all of these portraits over on KULT, with prices starting at $125(USD). For that price, you get an unframed 9″ x 13″ Limited Edition hand numbered giclée print signed by the artist with a Certificate of Authenticity.

[via Modcloth]