Mac Mini M4 Gets a Retro makeover: 3D Printed eMac Enclosure
A talented hobbyist has breathed new life into the compact Mac Mini M4, housing it in a custom-designed 3D printed enclosure reminiscent of Apple’s iconic eMac all-in-one from the early 2000s.Jerrod Hofferth,an American maker,has created a miniature replica of the eMac,shrinking it down to a mere 55% of the original size. This impressive feat of engineering allows the Mac Mini M4 to reside within a space roughly the size of a CD case.
The enclosure isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past; it’s a fully functional workstation. Hofferth cleverly integrated a 9.7-inch iPad display as the monitor, utilizing the “BetterDisplay Pro” software to ensure optimal screen resolution for the unconventional setup.
Space within the enclosure is maximized, accommodating not only the Mac Mini M4 but also speakers, an amplifier, and even a 12V power supply. A single power cord,thanks to a clever splitter cable,powers all components.The enclosure features thoughtful design elements, including recesses for USB ports and other connections, and also a dedicated space for display settings, reminiscent of the original eMac’s DVD drive bay.
Hofferth’s project is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the maker community. The 3D printing files for the enclosure are available for download in both 3MF and STL formats, allowing others to recreate this unique and stylish Mac Mini M4 setup.Amazon Expands Its Offerings: Now Selling Eyeglasses Online
Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, has launched a dedicated platform for selling eyeglasses, marking a notable expansion into the eyewear market. Customers can browse a wide selection of frames from popular brands like Rodenstock, Fila, and Adidas.
While Amazon offers a vast catalog, customers needing prescription glasses will need to manually input their existing prescription details. Currently, the platform doesn’t cater to progressive lenses or children’s eyewear.
This move positions Amazon as a major player in the eyewear industry, offering convenience and competitive pricing to its vast customer base.
Mac mini Gets a Retro Makeover: 3D printed eMac Enclosure - An Interview with a Maker Expert
Time.news Editor: We’re excited about this innovative project where a hobbyist has transformed a Mac Mini M4 with a custom 3D printed eMac enclosure! Could you tell us more about this unique project and its significance in the maker community?
Maker expert: Absolutely! This project, spearheaded by Jerrod Hofferth, is a fantastic example of what’s possible with 3D printing and a love for retro tech. He’s taken the compact Mac Mini M4 and housed it in a miniature replica of Apple’s iconic eMac from the early 2000s, shrinking it down to a remarkable 55% of the original size.it now fits snugly in a space roughly the size of a CD case!
Time.news Editor: That’s incredibly remarkable! What makes this project stand out beyond its aesthetic appeal?
Maker Expert: This isn’t just a nostalgic remake; its fully functional! Hofferth ingeniously integrated a 9.7-inch iPad as the monitor, ensuring optimal screen resolution with the “BetterDisplay Pro” software. The enclosure cleverly accommodates the Mac Mini M4, speakers, an amplifier, and even a 12V power supply, all powered by a single cable. The attention to detail is remarkable, with spaces for USB ports, connections, and even a dedicated display settings area, reminiscent of the original eMac’s DVD drive bay.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like Hofferth truly maximized every inch of space within the enclosure. How does this project reflect the current state of the maker community?
maker Expert: This project embodies the maker community’s creativity and ingenuity. The availability of 3D printing files in both 3MF and STL formats allows anyone to recreate this unique and stylish mac Mini M4 setup, democratizing access to advanced customization. It emphasizes the power of open-source design and the ability to combine nostalgic elements with modern technology.
Time.news Editor: Where can readers learn more about this project and perhaps even try creating their own?
Maker Expert: The 3D printing files for the eMac enclosure are available online,and there are likely tutorials and communities dedicated to supporting makers who want to build their own. A simple web search using keywords like “3D printed eMac enclosure” or “mac Mini eMac build” would be a great starting point.