# TV Tube Thumb Drives The Vacuum Tube Flash Drive Gives New Life to Old Pentode Tubes By Michael Hines | Published 2013-02-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vacuum-tube-flash-drive References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2013/02/18/vacuum-tube-flash-drives/) & [etsy](http://www.etsy.com/shop/SlavaTech) Latvian artist and [Etsy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcade-clock) merchant Slava Tech is the man behind the vacuum tube flash drive. These faux low-tech flash drives are made out of old Pentode tubes in the steampunk style. While the outer shell of the vacuum tube flash drive is old time-y, the innards are all new (an 8 GB or 16 GB [SanDisk](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-1) flash drive is used). Each USB also features a colorful LED light. The vacuum tube flash drive is a great example of upcycling. While it may be too much to re-purpose an entire TV, it isn't impossible to turn a few of its parts into functional pieces of tech/art. The vacuum tube flash drive sells for between $79 and $120. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/computers) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Upcycling Electronics:** The trend of re-purposing old technology parts into new gadgets and art is gaining popularity. - **Steampunk Style:** The aesthetic of steam-powered machinery from the 19th century is inspiring new designs in technology. - **Faux Low-tech:** The trend of incorporating vintage-looking materials into new technology is creating a unique aesthetic. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Electronics Recycling:** Companies and entrepreneurs can take advantage of discarded technology parts to create new products and reduce waste. - **Artisanal Electronics:** A new industry of handcrafted technology products can emerge by blending traditional crafting techniques and modern circuitry. - **Steampunk Fashion:** The fashion industry can incorporate steampunk elements into clothing and accessories, including technology-powered jewelry and gadgets. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sci-Fi-Inspired Storage Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-trek-discovery-flash-drives.md) - [Object-Resembling USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-1.md) - [USB-Inspired Travel Trailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/usbinspired-travel-trailer.md) - [Bird-Shaped USB Flash Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinge.md) - [Charming Retro Storage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floppy-disk-inspired-sd-card.md) - [Retro Tech Wallets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floppy-disk-wallet.md) - [Textural Vacuum Tube Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vacuum-tube-audio-headphones.md) - [Ultra-Small TV Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinycircuits-tinytv.md) - [Monolithic Desktop Hard Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unidentifed-hard-disk-drive.md)