Stuff Geeks Want

Apple did a funny thing last year when it updated its iPods: it replaced the 80GB and 160GB iPod Classic models with a single 120GB version. For media whores, this was simply unacceptable.

But you can right Apple’s wrong by putting together your very own 240GB iPod.

Start with a 60GB or 80GB 5th generation iPod (the model right before the Classic debuted, which was available in black or white). The 30/40GB versions are too thin, so don’t waste your time with those.

Crack the iPod open and swap out the hard drive inside for Toshiba’s newest 240GB 1.8-inch hard drive, which you can buy from Now Direct for about $200.

Think getting inside an iPod is tricky? It’s really not, provided you have the right tools and instructions. For both, turn to iFixit. First, buy yourself a new battery for $15, if only so you can get the 2 necessary spludger tools. Then follow their detailed hard drive replacement instructions.

It won’t be a walk in the park, but it’s not terribly difficult, either.

As a bonus, try to score a 5th generation iPod on eBay or Craigslist that has a broken hard drive—you might walk away with a 240GB iPod with a new hard drive and battery for about the same price as Apple charges for the new 120GB iPod.

Now that’s classic!.

Now in its third year, Lego Mindstorms NXT continues to be the coolest robotic toy on the market. Toy is used loosely here, as its $250 price tag and features are anything but juvenile.

A 32-bit processor that you can program and multiple sensors, including touch, sound, light, and ultrasonic, allow your imagination to run wild. It also sports USB, Bluetooth, a large LCD, and more.

Unlike Lego kits of years passed, the Mindstorms NXT isn’t about just building one thing with its 577 pieces and calling it a day. A huge user community means ideas and challenges for your next project are just a cick away.

Pick one up from Amazon for $249.99 and let the learning fun begin!

From the do-it-yourself department comes this clever little trick only a geek could appreciate. Take a slim USB flash memory drive, dismantle a USB cable (functionality optional), and amaze your friends and coworkers as you show off your destroyed USB cable-come-flash drive.

Check out the full scoop with photos of each step at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories.

KingMax’s Super Stick flash drives seem ideal for the job, as demonstrated in the instructions. You can grab one in 1GB ($16.99) or 2GB ($24.09) from Overstock.

If you don’t have an extra USB cable lying around, you’re not really a geek you can pick one up for cheap from the low-price cable wizards at MonoPrice: black for $0.66, beige for $0.99, clear/silver for $1.02.

This is too totally cool. And totally geek.

It seems this guy, Mark Hoekstra, a self-described “professional hobbyist, maker or hardware hacker”, had a ‘black tie’ event he was invited to. For those of you who aren’t socially adept enough to know yet: “Black Tie” means tuxedo, especially in The Netherlands, where Mr. Hoekstra lives.

But, Hoekstra couldn’t find his precious cufflinks.

So, he did what any self-respecting geek would do, he made his own.

Constructed out of “some UTP-plugs, some twisted pair-wire” with a pair of crimping pliers, and a few moments of work, and viola: There you have it.

Your own set of Do-it-yourself Geek Cufflinks: