Crafting a Compact, Mobility-Focused Mac Mini
Take a Peek at This Portable Macintosh Mini Build by Scott Yu-Jan
Ever since Apple debuted the Macintosh, it sparked a wave of cool, portable computers. Fast forward to today, meet Scott Yu-Jan's portable Macintosh Mini, a fantastic DIY project.
[Scott] is no stranger to unique builds. He previously combined an iPad dock with a Macintosh Studio, giving off a retro vibe. But that setup wasn't portable. Unlike the lightweight Mac Mini, perfect for a luggablecomputer.
This build uses a 3D-printed enclosure that snugly fits the Mac Mini. Inside, it houses a chunky 20,800 mAh power bank, powering the device for over three hours of operation. Just like the original Mac, it sports a handle on top for easy transportation. The main screen is an iPad Mini, connected to the Mac Mini via a cable. If you fancy using it separately, simply push it out via a cutout at the enclosure's bottom.
[Scott] admits it's sleek, yet not practical-it weighs around seven pounds, mostly due to the power bank's weight. We've showcased his stylish builds before, like this fabulous iPhone dock.
Meet the Mind Behind the Build
Who is Scott Yu-Jan?
Scott, a creative spirit based in Seattle and sometimes Vancouver, is known for his versatility in design and technology. He describes himself as a "non-award-winning artist & designer" on Instagram. His art school background aimed to make him a painter, but he shifted focus towards design and tech projects.
Scott's Macintosh-related projects have earned him notability. He created a portable M4 Mac Mini build, featured on Hackaday[5]. He has also worked on other portable Mac Mini projects, including an all-in-one and a luggable version[5]. These projects showcase his creativity and technical skills in reimagining mobile Macintosh systems.
Scott's creative endeavors extend beyond the portable Macintosh Mini, as he has previously designed an iPad dock for iPhones, showcasing his versatility in gadgets and technology. His latest project, the portable Mac Mini, combines smart technology, like an iPad Mini, with a traditional Mac device, demonstrating his unique approach to smartphones and computers.