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Apple retro pendrive

intro
step 1
step 2
step 3
step 4
step 5
step 6
 

introApple retro pendrive

Apple itself never released a self-branded USB pendrive, so let fill the gap!
I found a noname USB pendrive in my drawer. It is an old, 128 Mb model, so was easy to sacrifice for this project. Also here is an old apple II keyboard too.

This project right now is in the pocket size contest . If you like it, please VOTE for it!
Thans in advance!
Apple retro pendrive
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step 1Tools and sources

You will need a pendrive, a keyboard,a sharp knife, sandpaper, soldering iron ,a pencil, some glue, scissors


step 2find the key

Let's see... You have to find a matching key from the keyboard for your naked pendrive! At first I wanted to fit in the "apple" button, but that turned out too short, so gi…


step 3fix the key

The bottom of the buttons aren't even, so you have to flat it with a sandpaper. Cut out the gap for the USB connector! Use a pencil to mark the size of the connector!Also, …


step 4check

Quick check, refine, check again...perfect!


step 5make more apple-ish!

Make it more apple-ish! I removed the tiny apple logo from the keyboard, and glued on the top of the "return" key.NOTE:To remove a logo, do not try to remove it from the fr…


step 6...one more thing...

I had to close the bottom of the key somehow.Firstly I planned to cover it with some kind of rubberized surface to make it anti-grip when remove it from the USB slot.I alwa…


27 comments
Aug 27, 2009. 8:49 AMfidgetingfinch says:
I am going to make one of these myself now. I have probably 5 old Apple computers in my basement with about 10 keyboards for them, so I'm sure my Dad won't mind me tearing one apart. :D He probably won't even notice. ;)
Sep 1, 2009. 6:26 AMMax Headroom (author) says:
everyone welcome! Just send my a copyright fee! :)
Jul 16, 2009. 3:00 PMtravers114 says:
Sweet. I made one just like this last year with an Enter key only to have mac users ask me what it was from. :P
Jul 11, 2009. 3:45 AMchrisPS says:
how about if you want it Windows-themed? OF course...
Jul 13, 2009. 2:25 PMMax Headroom (author) says:
You can use a "windows" key,I guess...and paint it to "blue death" :)
Jul 2, 2009. 11:09 PMsawyer95 says:
my cat dosent like it O
Jul 8, 2009. 10:15 AMMax Headroom (author) says:
Well, I made it guinea pig friendly only.sorry
Jul 5, 2009. 1:02 PMreluttr says:
The first generation ipod shuffle was kinda like a apple branded flash drive XD, even though I think you have to hack it in order to put files on it.
Jul 6, 2009. 3:55 AMMax Headroom (author) says:
You got a point, but that called an ipod, not a pendrive. To use as a pendrive all you have to do to tick the " use as a mass storage device" option in the iTunes control panel
Jun 30, 2009. 1:27 PMfwjs28 says:
you truely are a retro guy, max headroom was awesome..i would suggest a better main picture...its a bit dull...and as to what to put on the flashdrive i think this should answer any questions
Jul 1, 2009. 5:11 AMMax Headroom (author) says:
Thanks! And I will put that stuff on it!
Jul 3, 2009. 8:03 AMfwjs28 says:
:) i think it should have enough room, i forget the specs for the minimac
Jul 2, 2009. 5:13 PMharrycarry250 says:
That is really COOL!!
Jul 1, 2009. 11:40 AMMillenniumMan says:
I swear, this is exactly what a flashdrive would have looked like in 1990 if the technology existed back then. Right down to the copyright notice, patented by apple. Now, a retro 1988 iPod!
Jul 2, 2009. 4:26 AMMax Headroom (author) says:
Thanks, I hope that Apple's lawyers let me alone.
Jun 30, 2009. 10:28 AMChicken2209 says:
if you want to wow people, id consider retaking the main image with more light that way the picture is not so gray but overall, wow
Jul 1, 2009. 5:08 AMMax Headroom (author) says:
It is gray
Jul 1, 2009. 8:41 AMChicken2209 says:
i guess the right word would have been low contrast or somethin
Jul 1, 2009. 6:16 AMbustedit says:
: )
Jun 30, 2009. 11:38 AMconadia says:
put mini-mac software on it
Jul 1, 2009. 5:10 AMMax Headroom (author) says:
I put my Gameboy, NES and SNES ROMs on it. still retro and enough space for those
Jul 1, 2009. 1:06 AMrobotguy4 says:
Now to make a windows version... Wheres the "crash" key on these Vista machines? I know my XP didn't have one... Another idea: Put your Caps Lock to a good use.
Jun 30, 2009. 11:24 PMblugyblug says:
Hahah nice, Kinda reminds me of "Enter the USB".
where they do the exact same thing with a usb flash drive (pendrive) but without all the fancy apple logos.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Custom-USB-Drive---Project%3a-Enter-the-USB/
Jun 30, 2009. 3:29 PMaarone says:
This is way cool. Very well done.
Jun 30, 2009. 1:05 PMgijoebob says:
That is a really, really cool idea. I have a drive for this and a few keyboards as well.
Jun 30, 2009. 9:22 AMgmjhowe says:
I love how you used all the parts! Great work! I have an old keyboard that I have taken the apple logo to make into a pendant.
Jun 30, 2009. 9:20 AMNachoMahma says:
. Nice job.

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