Steampunk monitor mod is almost too pretty to use

The modding world is severely overran with me-too steampunk hack jobs, a fact that we find particularly disheartening. But every so often, we stumble upon a diamond in the rough such as this: a masterpiece of steampunk theater that truly exhibits dedication to the craft. Australia's own Mad Uncle Cliff set aside a copious amount of time over a number of weeks in order to construct this beauty, which includes a full-fledged PC, speakers and LCD (obviously). Check the read link for the build saga, and don't forget to pay your respects before leaving.

[Via Slashgear]

[Aditya @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:16AM]

Who makes these beauties? Dell, hire him!

[John @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:17AM]

I know the "why" is "just because", but still.... why?

[A.C.E.R. @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:27AM]

If I tell you why will you learn anything?

[Stephan @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:13AM]

The question is not 'why?' but 'why not?'.

[atheken @ Dec 22nd 2008 10:58AM]

no, the question really is, 'Why?'

[Frankfurter @ Dec 22nd 2008 9:26AM]

The same reason some folks insist on running Linux as their main OS. It's hip, anti-establishment, and gives some the opportunity to feel like they have something unusual they can be a part, without having to 'join the masses'.

That being said, it's very cool from an art standpoint. I just don't think that's the point of this (and most other) steampunk posts.

[A.C.E.R. @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:17AM]

that's badass. go read the blog.

[hustler @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:25AM]

This is must for some Sci-Fi movie.

[AVG @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:27AM]

I almost sort of like the fact that he used a crusty, shitty old monitor to create this thing.

Don't want steampunk gear looking TOO clear. Need to keep those blacks looking gray.

[Mark Perkins @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:28AM]

A CRT screen would've looked cooler, kinda like in Brazil.

[A.C.E.R. @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:34AM]

http://www.ahleman.com/Props/ElectriClerk.html

[Ryback @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:59AM]

Making a steampunk CRT is easy. Just take the cover off. The exposed tube is steampunk enough by itself. Just don't touch it...

[Oli D @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:47AM]

Poor little jimmy is dead and gone,
Alas he is no more,
For what he thought was H20,
Was H2SO4

[martin @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:32AM]

We need MORE steampunk in modern electronics I think. It may not be practical for portable gadgets and such because of the added bulk, but when its applied to the right things its absolutely beautiful. In a pipes, cogs, and gears sort of way ;)

[)law( @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:42AM]

Perfect example of steampunk. You see that right there other steampunk modders that's how ya do it. This guy and Ben Heck should team up for some kind of just league for modders

[Tim Brown @ Dec 22nd 2008 6:00AM]

The League of Extraordinary Modders

[albtms @ Dec 22nd 2008 5:59AM]

I can't be the only one who doesn't quite understand the appeal of this steampunk nonsense. It was cool for a while but... ehhhh.

However, I will say that I'm more impressed now that I read his blog and found out the bigger disc behind the monitor holds his PC components. I don't think this setup would quite look right without a big monochrome CRT though. I guess he could always change his OS skin.

[dan @ Dec 22nd 2008 6:38AM]

I'm afraid that you may indeed be the only one...

[Gad Get @ Dec 22nd 2008 7:11AM]

@ dan

Nope.

[GunForHire @ Dec 22nd 2008 8:26AM]

No, you're not alone, I got tired of this steampunk BS months ago as well.

[Electromodo @ Dec 22nd 2008 11:18AM]

@albtms et all

I can understand the brand loyality (read: fanboyism), but I do not understand when people still argue about art, or call it "nonsense".

Cm'on, there are so many trends in art, everyone should get used to that. You guys should learn by now that food, art, music can't be "nonsense". This is just a matter of personal preference.

Tell me what you like and I will call it "nonsense". Makes no sense, isn't it?

[sbrown @ Dec 22nd 2008 7:32AM]

Its almost too small to use as well (that's what she told me anyhow),

[Ignatius @ Dec 22nd 2008 10:37AM]

That's what she--- ... damn you!

[Wolfticket @ Dec 22nd 2008 7:42AM]

Personally I think this is a tad clean for steampunk. Maybe leave it outside for a week or so.

[absinthe party @ Dec 22nd 2008 7:46AM]

Everytime I see a mod like this, I get the urge to go home and steampunk everything I own, including my car, my motorcycle, and my dog.

[mc @ Dec 22nd 2008 8:04AM]

"...world is severely overran..."? Your poor editing makes Engadget look like a wannabe journalistic organization.

[ted @ Dec 22nd 2008 8:46AM]

'Overrun', not 'overran'.

[AMiSH PiRATE @ Dec 22nd 2008 9:22AM]

Steampunk is Amish approved.

[Level 5 @ Dec 22nd 2008 9:42AM]

Very cute. I love seeing build projects like these; alot of blood, sweat, tears etc. Makes me wish I had that sort of skill.

[cmgchristgau @ Dec 22nd 2008 10:03AM]

Nice way to discourage people from learning to make things.

[couchpundit @ Dec 22nd 2008 10:30AM]

It's ironic how passee steampunk has become...

[Corban @ Dec 22nd 2008 12:04PM]

this is seriously cool. I want to try this now


and who gives a flying crap how 'passe' steampunk has become or how 'tired' you are of it, noone's shoving it in your face you know,
some people like bike riding, some people like booze, some people like hip-hop, some people like goths, and some people like steampunk, if everyone only liked the same stuff, it would be a very boring world.

[Elora HRanma @ Dec 22nd 2008 12:27PM]

And there are those who like all of those and then some. Maybe even at the same time.
I just can't figure out if they make things boring or not...

[Will @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:05PM]

I'd tap that.

[Maduncle @ Dec 22nd 2008 5:10PM]

As the builder of this 'steampunk communicator' - I am well chuffed to see my first attempt at steampunking something is getting attention (good or bad).

All I can say is - it's been a lot of fun! I have made it a personal creative challenge because:

1/. I have never built a PC from scratch
2/. I like making things from old metal junk that have some purpose (although my raygun is purley decorative)
3/. I am enjoying the virtual community around steampunk - everyone is so polite and encouraging!

This PC might be in the UK magazine PCPlus in February - I will sell it once it is done so I can fund the next project, I have an idea for an upright console in an old gramaphone case that uses a data projector to put the video inside a glass sphere...

Cheers

Mad Uncle Cliff

[Electromodo @ Dec 22nd 2008 11:08PM]

Way to go, Uncle! Good work!