M4 mac Mini Goes portable: A DIY Revolution
HONG KONG — April 28, 2025 — In a groundbreaking DIY project, a creative individual has successfully reimagined the M4 Mac Mini. They combined a keyboard,touchscreen,and a 3D-printed structure. The change not only enhances the portability of the M4 Mac Mini but also maintains its original functionality. As mobile offices grow, this project shows how future technology can be applied. For more tech innovations, stay tuned.
M4 Mac Mini Goes portable: A DIY Revolution
As mobile offices become increasingly prevalent, one YouTuber has reimagined the desktop computer. They successfully transformed apple’s latest M4 Mac Mini into a portable device. This innovative project combines a keyboard, touch screen, and a 3D-printed structure, enhancing mobility while preserving the original performance and expansion capabilities.
Redefining the Mac Mini Experience
Inspired by audience feedback and the Mac Mini’s compact size, the creator aimed to let the desktop carry it with him.
Unlike previous designs, this iteration integrates Apple’s Magic Keyboard directly into the structure. A VESA-standard touch screen,nearly the same size as the keyboard,complements the setup. This screen requires only one connection cable, making it both portable and functional.
Balancing Act: Design and Storage Solutions
To counteract the screen’s weight, the creator ingeniously used the Mac Mini itself to add weight to the keyboard side, resolving the structural balance issue. The Mac Mini is placed horizontally under the screen to avoid obstructing slots and power buttons, maintaining both aesthetics and ergonomics. The design retains all core components, including screen connection cables, cooling holes, fan air inlets, and various slots, ensuring uninterrupted daily use. Magic tape secures the Mac Mini for easy disassembly and maintenance.
Did you know?
VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) standards ensure compatibility between monitors and mounting interfaces, allowing for easy integration of touch screens.
3D Printing: The unsung Hero
The project leverages Bambu lab’s H2D 3D printer to create large, complex structural parts. The H2D’s dual nozzle system allows for printing the main body and support structure with different materials, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. This versatile machine also functions as a drawing and laser cutting device, providing creators with greater production flexibility. Embedded TPU pads, designed with the H2D, prevent scratching when the screen opens and closes, improving the overall feel and durability.
Pro Tip
When designing portable devices, consider weight distribution early in the design process to avoid stability issues. Use lightweight materials and strategic placement of heavier components.
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