The Mac mini is the closest to an Apple-based SBC you can get, so it lends itself to unusual portable computers. [Scott Yu-Jan] is back to tackle a portable build using the latest and greatest M4 mini.
[Yu-Jan] walks us through his thought process of how to maximize the portability of the system without all that tedious mucking about with setting up a separate keyboard, monitor, and the mini while on the go. With the more complicated electronics, the monitor risked tipping the keyboard over when attached, particularly since [Yu-Jan] isn’t a fan of batteries for his portables.
By affixing the Mac mini to the side of the keyboard, it makes the whole thing easier to slip into a bag without being overly thick. We get a peek into his iterative process as well when he evaluates the build and decides that the closing of the lid wasn’t what he was hoping for. By adding some TPU rests for the monitor to rest on in the closed position, he says it’s really brought the whole project up a notch. We certainly have had our own projects where one little detail really moves it from sketchy to polished, and we appreciate when makers clue us in on where that happened for them.
You may recognize [Yu-Jan] from our previous coverage of his older portable all-in-one Mac mini and this luggable version where he explains why he doesn’t like laptops. If you like your computers more stationary, how about some G4 iMacs with the newer internals from an M-series mini?
Would have put the Mac mini on the left so that there is room for the mouse on the right.
But, let’s not let practicality get in the way of advertising today’s sponsor.
Functional right…!!!!
I’m with ya!
He explained in the YTube comments that it had to go on the right to make the connectors come out correctly.
Oh, well, that’s ok.
Except, it’s not. The whole project exists solely to make content to promote today’s sponsor. Literally nobody is going to build one.
He said it complicated cable routing. Basically, he didn’t want to solve that problem, but it doesn’t mean you can’t.
Did Jony Ive ever say “it’s too complicated, I don’t want to solve that problem”? No.
Kids today. No stamina.
And by the time you factor a mouse in, you’re still carrying a bunch of fussy junk around… and still don’t have a power source. You might as well just get a MacBook Pro or even an Air and call it a day.
Yes, but, Bambu Labs!
These printers must be useful for something.
You know what?
Indeed the “today’s sponsor” take a huge space in this video.
But the cinematic filming and very nice design makes it more than bearable.
The sell speech is at the end, so, yeah, I don’t care really.
But everyone’s different I guess = )
Now THAT’s a cyberdeck. Completely impractical (yeah, outlets are everywhere, just where you need them), but super-cool. I’m thinking I’d rather have the computer on the left though, so I can mouse without having to reach across it.
Is there an echo in here?
It’s a time travel echo that probably started typing before the “original” comment appeared…
To be fair, a USB-C powerbank is much easier to manage if you only need battery power occasionally.
I don’t understand why the Mac still has the case though.
why not just get a MacBook?
…are you seriously asking this? On hackaday, of all places?
Seriously what kind of question is this on this platform.
Please compare the price of a good MacBook Air to a Mac mini. Also, note, that with the M4 mini you can UPGRADE THE STORAGE. You can’t do this in the MacBook.
Buying all the peripherals for a Mac Mini is basically the equivalent of a MacBook, this is such a stupid solution cuz it saves you nothing :/
Also you forget that the MacBook airs screen looks better than whatever crappy 1080p monitor most people get for these dumb projects. And you can’t upgrade the storage in the Mac Mini, only thing you can do is external storage
Cuz these people ate stupid that’s why. They don’t recognize that the Mac mini comes with NOTHING but a power cable, and you have to buy all the other peripherals separate
Even if you already have something, it’s still something you bought in the past. They don’t realize a MacBook air would be better in general, especially because the MacBooks have better energy efficiency profiles to preserve battery life when the chip isn’t doing anything intensive, or when not in use
Sounds like you have more brand loyalty than knowledge about how computers work.
If people were trying to maximize value they wouldn’t be buying Apple stuff anyway.
That’s cute and the particular screen in use reminds me a lot of the old Sony Picturebook C1VN and other ultrawide subnotebooks of the era.
Man 3D Prints Keyboard/Monitor case; Brings Mac Mini places
I like this, and wanna try it. Loved my mac book till i broke the touch bar which later leaked lcd stuff into the rest of the device to breakit.
nice, I need this with linux and power mobility
This is really cool. I’d either do what another comment suggests and put the Mac on the left side. Or affix a track pad on top of the Mac mini. Not super ergonomic with how high you’d have to reach, but not bad.
But…. Just buy a MacBook?
OMG.. i wanna go back to 1984, it’s beautiful
This makes no sense, becuase the costs of all of this basically is the equivalent to a MacBook Air, except less portable and you’ll need a 2000 3D printer
Like if I did this, even just using the mouse and keyboard I already have, that’s still 160 CAD for this Cherry MX keyboard and high quality mouse. And most of these just buy some crappy 1080p monitor, and don’t even buy a battery to power this thing, just sit down tethered to a wall outlet. Compared to a M4 MacBook which lasts a long ass time on battery because it has better efficiency profiling :/
Use an iPad w/keyboard case as a wireless or wired screen and input.
What a great video you crushed it ! ! ! Keep the video coming your a genius !