Introduction: Apple 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!
Step 1: Tools and Sources
You will need a pendrive, a keyboard,a sharp knife, sandpaper, soldering iron ,a pencil, some glue, scissors
Step 2: Find 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 give a chance to the "return" button!
Step 3: Fix 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, remove those plastic peaks from the key, just to make space for a pendrive inside! I just melt them out with a soldering iron.
Step 4: Check
Quick check, refine, check again...perfect!
Step 5: Make 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 front, because it made of metal, so very easy to scratching down the paint! Take apart the keyboard, and you will find a tiny hole inside, just under the logo. Punched it out through that pinhole with a needle!
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 always try to make my project as genuine as possible, so why not to use a genuine apple part again?
I removed the apple pro keyboard sticker from the back of it, cut it to the right size, and place it. Hence it is 19 years old still self- adhesive anyway, so saved some glue too! Hmm, 80's Cupertino plastic...
Color match!
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33 Comments
10 years ago on Introduction
Hey, i have an apple II and it comes with a HUGE keyboard with a stand for the monitor...like the one in the picture attached. Would i still be able to get the apple out, or is it just too risky?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
No, it came from an Apple KEYBOARD II, not from an Apple II.
If you want to take off the apple-logo, take apart the computer and there must be a tiny hole under the logo, through that you can pust that out.
11 years ago on Introduction
what generation keyboard did you use?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Apple keyboard II
12 years ago on Introduction
Hahah nice..
been tryin to find a cool usb cover make..
12 years ago on Step 6
Hahahaha this is really nice!
12 years ago on Step 6
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. ;)
Reply 12 years ago on Step 6
everyone welcome! Just send my a copyright fee! :)
12 years ago on Introduction
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
12 years ago on Introduction
how about if you want it Windows-themed? OF course...
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
You can use a "windows" key,I guess...and paint it to "blue death" :)
12 years ago on Introduction
my cat dosent like it O
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Well, I made it guinea pig friendly only.sorry
12 years ago on Introduction
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.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
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
12 years ago on Introduction
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
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! And I will put that stuff on it!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
:) i think it should have enough room, i forget the specs for the minimac
12 years ago on Step 6
That is really COOL!!
12 years ago on Introduction
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!