Converting old typewriters into computers

[Corey]

I've been looking for stuff to decorate my soon to be completed study and thought it might be cool to get a computer that looks more like an old typewriter. If anyone remembers the 80s show "Max Headroom," all the computers used retro 30/40's style keyboards. Anyway, while it doesn't look like anyone actually sells such a product, I did stumble across two websites where individuals made their own. I don't have the technical skills to replicate their efforts, but I thought I'd pass them along in case someone else does.

(1) http://www.multipledigression.com/type/ (includes step-by-step instructions for converting an old Smith-Corona portable into a functioning keyboard)

(2) http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/underwood/ (actually turned an old Underwood No. 5 into a fully functional PC)

 

[Zemke Fan]

Very cool conversion

As a writer who has used a PC since 1982, I would NEVER want to go back to the typewriter days... That said, this is a VERY interesting project and I commend it to all you vintage/techno geeks like me!

 

[Mycroft]

Well they make wooden computers. I am sure you can do it your self in a way.

 

[shamus]

First, why would anybody want to do that?

Second, It seems like a cruel thing to do to a perfectly working and beautiful machine.

Third, wouldn't it be incredibly difficult to type on that? Your monitor would have to be a foot off the dest to see over the typewriter.

I view this like those terrible "car make-over shows" They take a great looking car and cut it up to make it "better".

I suggest you leave it sitting on the desk as a nice pice of art and leave the keyboard to the computer...

It's like cutting a vintage fedora into a golf visor "because nobody does that..."

 

[KittyT]

This guy sells typewriter conversion kits on Etsy for $49 - http://www.etsy.com/shop/usbtypewriter?ref=seller_info. He also sells already converted machines.

 

[dhermann1]

I believe there are also regular keyboards that are built with old typewriter keys.

 

[Pompidou]

It's big in the steampunk community.

 

[Gilboa]

It's big in the steampunk community.

This is rather fascinating ...



@ Shamus: this way old spare parts are used to create new out of old. Perfect! :eusa_clap




The steampunk community has fascinated me for some time.



Have a look at 'Mr Datamancer's' Website, in particular this laptop. Although some of his other stuff is questionable ... his computer keyboards are quite neat.