# USB Floppy Disks Reinvented Retro Gadgets By TechnoGadget | Published 2008-10-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floppy-disks-that-can-store-gbs-of-data-thomas-oconnors-floppy-disks-thumb References: [core77](http://www.core77.com/blog/materials/flotspotting_floppy_disk_turned_usb_drive_by_thomas_oconnor__11396.asp) & [coroflot](http://coroflot.com/public/individual_file.asp?sort_by=1&portfolio_id=1608329&individual_id=203999) Do you remember the floppy disks that used to be the haven of important data before? These days, it's hard to see them being used anymore simply because of their relatively low storage capacity compared to newer flash drives. But with designer Thomas O'Connor's recycled creation, floppy disks can rejoin your computer repertoire. He redesigned the floppy disk as a [USB flash drive](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raspberry-pi-flash-drive) which can store GBs of data, not MBs as in its previous iteration. Unlike conventional diskettes, this floppy disk doesn't need to be inserted in the CPU drive; instead, it is plugged into the USB drive and it stands next to the computer or laptop using its [built-in stand](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minitoo-retro-pc-style). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Retrotech Reimagining:** Innovating outdated technology for modern use, such as transforming floppy disks into USB flash drives. - **Eco-friendly Upcycling:** Reusing and repurposing old materials to create new and innovative products, helping to reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy. - **Sustainable Technology:** Incorporating sustainability into tech products, such as using recycled materials or reducing energy consumption during use. ### Where This Applies - **Tech Accessories:** Creating innovative and eco-friendly tech accessories that appeal to nostalgia and sustainability. - **Electronics Recycling:** Exploring new ways to repurpose and recycle electronic waste, such as transforming outdated technology into functional gadgets. - **Circular Economy:** Incorporating circular economy principles into various industries, including technology, in order to reduce waste and promote sustainability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Icon-Shaped USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folderdrive.md) - [Retro Tech Wallets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floppy-disk-wallet.md) - [Folder-Shaped Hard Drive Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folder-external-hard-disk.md) - [Object-Resembling USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-1.md) - [Laptop-Fitted USB Stick Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saint-antoine.md) - [Desk-Mounted Hard Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hard-drive-concept.md) - [Playful Crayon USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-crayola-usbc.md) - [Retro-Inspired PC Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silverstone-flp01.md) - [Bird-Shaped USB Flash Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinge.md)