It's better to convert than to throw it in the trash. This is how a Reddit user converted his old typewriter into a computer.
PC Components Found a New Home Inside a Non-Functional Typewriter: Hosts Core i5 and a Discrete GPU That is Enough to Power Some Basic Programs
It's always a delight to see older hardware being converted into something useful. While one would think of refurbishing the device into a better-looking one, this Reddit user did something that would totally change the function of the original device. Reddit user u/maniek-86 apparently had an unusual idea of making use of his old typewriter, which could have either gone into the vintage collection or into the bin.
Unlike most of us, who would think of repairing the typewriter, the user managed to cram all of his PC hardware into the small chassis. Surely, it wasn't easy, but managing everything in a small space not only requires careful planning but also compact parts that the user already had in his arsenal. Since his typewriter had some missing components, he decided to modify it into a full-fledged mini PC after finding out that it could accommodate a micro-ATX motherboard.
So, he used an MSI H110M PRO-D motherboard with LGA 1151 socket and a Core i5 6600 Skylake processor. 4 GB DDR4 RAM and a 240GB SATA SSD were added to complete its configuration, and a 200W SFX PSU was deployed to power it. Since the combined power consumption of the PC isn't likely to exceed 150W, a 200W capacity seems fine. As his motherboard lacked a PCI-E x16 slot, he managed to add the NVIDIA GT 635 GPU through a riser cable, which he likely connected to the PCI-E x1 slot with an adapter. Surely, this will bottleneck the GPU's performance, but it will still get the system running with no problems.
An Arduino Leonardo microcontroller board was used to convert the matrix typewriter into a modern USB keyboard, and that essentially completed the build, which the user demonstrated in pics and a video. It's definitely not powerful for gaming and stuff, but can be used for basic purposes such as internet browsing, MS Office, paint, etc. The best part is that it doesn't take away the iconic typewriter look and is fairly smaller than m-ATX cases, saving space on the desk significantly.
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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