HANDS ON GUIDE

Jake Hildebrandt: Scientist, PC maker, student

Creator of the Telecalculograph, the Bug Mouse and the VictorioNixie Tube, Mr Hildebrandt is a student in the USA, and therefore has to keep the cost of his mods at a reasonable level. Yet despite this, and the restrictions of his student accommodation, he achieves excellent results that display ingenuity and creativity. Visit his blog at Jake of All Trades (http://jakeofalltrades.wordpress.com).

Q: Mr Jake (of all trades) Hildebrandt, can you explain what draws you to Steampunk?

A: Heavens - ask me why sugar is sweet, why don't you? I suppose it's all down to the way in which the arts and sciences were so intertwined and accessible in the Victorian era. Not only were even the most mundane machines made to look attractive, but the inherent aesthetics of the mechanical parts were appreciated, and seamlessly combined with the decorations. Much of today's gadgetry strives to be nothing more than a rather abstract magic tablet that neglects to give so much as a hint as to what's going on behind the scenes. All the brilliant little circuits and doo-dads are hidden, as if to tell the public that they have no business knowing how or why this device works. Although most modern Steampunk creations (my own included) hide their methods of operation, I think we all strive to make them appear as though one could puzzle out how they work just by looking at them, and then fix any glitch with a strong arm and some wire. Eventually, perhaps, this will become a reality again - but for now, it's up to nutters like us to pretend.

Q: What is it about PC modding and the Steampunk visual theme that you feel goes so well together?

A: Although the modding scene has become a commercial, off-the-shelf venture for some people, the true spirit of the hobby is the same as the Victorian tinkerer's mindset, and it's this approach that Steampunk values so deeply. In the 19th century, our begoggled counterparts spent hours messing about with 'galvanism', steam and all manner of new technologies that were shrouded in mystery, and often incited fear among the common populace. They had profound respect for the forces with which they were dealing, but this didn't cause them a moment's hesitation when it came to diving in and trying make the science their own. The same can be said for PC modders, I believe. While some folks look at their computer as if it were a poorly trained ape that might nip off a finger if they made a wrong move, modders look at it as a blank canvas (if you'll excuse the cliché). We all have varying levels of understanding when it comes to a PC's inner workings, but this doesn't prevent us from hacking and grinding and soldering away until that beige box of yore is something even your snobby aunt would be proud to have in her living room.

Q: What other aspects of Steampunk, such as films and books, do you enjoy?

1 | 2

Latest Hands on guides

These are the most popular features articles over the past three months.

Mobile Broadband

Compare prices

Fastest, cheapest 3G mobile broadband dongles from 3, Vodafone, T-Mobile and Orange
from just £10/month