I know a lot of people are excited about ordering the Apple Watch next week when it’s released. There is another group of people who are using the Apple Watch concept as inspiration for their own creations. I’ve already written about the DIY Felt Apple Watch. Today I’d like to share another DIY project with you. This is a watch inspired by the Apple Watch and based on the Apple II, which Steve Wozniak designed in 1977.
According to Computer History Museum:
When it debuted in 1977, the Apple II was promoted as an extraordinary computer for ordinary people. The user-friendly design and graphical display made Apple a leader in the first decade of personal computing. Unlike the earlier Apple I, for which users had to supply essential parts such as a case and power supply, the Apple II was a fully realized consumer product.
If you click over on the Computer History Museum link above, you’ll see the promotional ad used to advertise the Apple II. It’s retro tech as its best. Unfortunately, I’ve never seen an Apple II in real life.
If you are a fan of mixing retro tech with cutting edge tech, you might enjoy using your 3D printer to assist you with creating your own Apple II watch. Thanks to Aleator777, you can find the exact directions (including design schematics and code) for how to make this beast over on Instructables at Apple II Watch.
When you’re finished making it, you’ll have a tiny version of the Apple II desktop to wear on your wrist. This is a piece of wearable tech that any Apple fanboy or fangirl would be proud to wear.
Most of the UI on this watch is just for fun, but it does keep the correct time and date. If you have some spare time on your hands, you could add a BASIC interpreter to make it even more realistic.
I’m a huge fan of retro tech, and this version of the Apple Watch has been a joy to write about. If you end up making one of these for yourself, I hope you’ll come back and drop us a link so we can see it.
And if you’re planning to order an Apple Watch next week, just think, in 38 years from now, that could be the retro tech we are all admiring. Have fun!
YouTube: Apple II Watch (by Instructables)
Source: Neatorama
Photo credit: Aleator777
