This one was interesting. Who knew people do so many things with their computers? I really want some of the pretty old-fashioned looking ones. Picture research took a while though.
http://static.neatorama.com/images/2007-11/computer-piano-compiano.jpg
[Tony Greenberg; http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/gramaphone-itx-hd/]
Household appliances, antiques, even bathroom fittings can be repurposed and recycled to make functional, aesthetically unique computer cases. We’ve picked out the best of the best to inspire you.
(10) VHS Player PC
http://kiwiland.net.nz/projects/tux/front.jpg
[Paul Rosser http://kiwiland.net.nz/projects/tux/index.html]
I can’t imagine that there are many people who’ve watched something on VHS lately. Paul Rosser fashioned this mod when his UK VHS player wouldn’t work in New Zealand, but there’s no need to move continents to recycle your old electronics.
(9) Victorian All-in-One PC
http://steampunkworkshop.com/images/ain25-desk.jpg
[Jake von Slatt; http://steampunkworkshop.com/victorian-all-one-pc]
This PC simply beautiful to look at and Jake Slatt of the Steampunk Workshop manufactured the frame and the base from knick-knack shelves he found at various thrift stores. Some people may say that steampunk has had its heyday, but we defy them to look at this computer and not have their fingers itch with desire to type an email on it while wearing a monocle.
(8) Toilet Case Mod
http://www.envador.com/cases/ToiletPC/ToiletPC01.JPG
[Envador; http://www.envador.com/cases/ToiletPC/]
Certainly a unique design, a toilet-based computer case is not something that necessarily appeals to many. Although, the attention to detail, especially in the brown staining around the rim, could appeal to anyone who remembers their college days with fondness. Given that the only other toilet-recycling we’ve ever seen is using them as garden planters, hats off to Envador for original thinking.
(7) Chest of Drawers PC
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7110/2721/320/Media%20Center%20%2821%29.jpg
[Kyle Shipp; http://hiddenmedia.blogspot.com/2006/04/building-process.html]
While Kyle bought a teeny-tiny chest of drawers from Target to house his PC, this case-mod could easily be adapted for an old piece of furniture that’s knocking around the house, especially if the drawers are no longer running smoothly or are otherwise no longer fit for purpose.
(6) Underwood Typewriter Mod
http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/underwood/images/underwood0022.jpg
[Joel Zahn; http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/underwood/]
An old Underwood No. 5 typewriter was skillfully transformed into a state-of-the art piece of technology when Joel Zahn finally put a long-though-of project into action. We think that the heavy ‘thunk’ of the keys must make writing bitchy emails or angry facebook messages even more satisfying.
(5) The Nagy Magical-Movable-Type Pixello-Dynamotronic Computational Engine
http://www.datamancer.net/projects/engine/computationalengine4.jpg
[Richard Nagy; http://www.datamancer.net/projects/engine/engine.htm]
Another steampunk mod, but this one is more of an installation than a mod. A chair, typewriter and antique cabinetry all combine with the impressive skill of the maker to give a truly impressive fixture, with all the functionality expected of a modern-day computer. Unless, of course, you want to move it.
(4) Lego Mac
http://www.apple-juice.co.uk/images/lego/lego_mac_1.jpg
[Daniele Procida http://www.apple-juice.co.uk/pages/the-lego-mac.php]
This Mac encased entirely in Lego pieces is beyond adorable. The best thing is, when you get tired of it, or need some specific pieces to complete the epic Lego castle you’ve been making, you can take it to pieces and start again from scratch.
(3) Guitar PC
http://www.envador.com/cases/GuitarPC/full_images/IMG_0592.JPG
It’s difficult to see how anyone could have this in their house and resist absent-mindedly picking it up and trying to strum some chords. Many families will have a cheap guitar knocking around after someone gave up on learning how to get girls with music, and the roomy bodies give plenty of space for computer parts.
(2) Wooden Valve Radio PC
http://kiwiland.net.nz/projects/mythie/radio.jpg
[Paul Rosser; http://kiwiland.net.nz/projects/mythie/]
We love old technology repurposed for new, and this PC housed in an old wooden valve radio is absolutely perfect. Even the classiest of rooms would benefit from this addition, and Paul Rosser keeps his in the living room, where it functions as a digital TV recorder by means of the DVR cunningly concealed in the back.
(1) Aquarium PC
http://images.bit-tech.net/content_images/2005/05/wcg2005_casemod/robert.jpg
[Robert Stoppels; http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2005/05/04/wcg2005_casemod/4]
Water and electronics, together? It seems like madness, but Robert Stoppels managed to make it happen. You do have to worry about the fate of the poor little fish if something went wrong, and also, of course, your own safety. But won’t someone think of the fishes? This unlikely marriage of pets and computers gets our vote for best recycled case for pure foolhardiness.
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