Take one rare IBM Model M-15 split ergonomic keyboard, add a flourish of Steampunk mods, and you end up with this, the Datamancer Ergo. A custom commission, the Ergo combines the M-15’s inverted slant, a velvet wrist-rest and an integrated buttonless trackpad, together with violet LEDs and an etched acanthus-leaf pattern.
Okay, so this isn’t really a Bluetooth headset. It’s just a prop and doesn’t really function at all. But how cool would it be if this piece of Steampunk gadgetry actually worked?
By winding the bung, you would power up this earpiece, connecting you to the world around you at once. Nicrosin on Flickr created this work of gear art, noting it was made from pocket watch parts, rubber and sculpey.
Just because you love the latest gadgets doesn’t mean you have to forfeit more traditional designs. And if you love antiques, you can still get that priceless look from modern tech. Case in point, the Casio G-Shock G8100A-5. This wrist watch is made from bronze-colored aluminum and has a perforated resin band, giving it a rustic appeal. Some may define it as “steampunk” but I wouldn’t quite agree with that. For me, steampunk requires gears, mechanisms, steam and other Victorian tech. Just because something looks old, doesn’t mean it’s steampunk. But I digress.
If you’re pushed to the limit on gas prices, it’s time to start considering an alternative. One option is to go pick up a snazzy new bicycle and pedal yourself to work everyday. Well if you’re going to do that, you might as well do it in true geeky style.
JP
