functional miniature Apple Mac that users can bring anywhere
There’s a functional miniature Mac in town, and it’s the replica of the original 1984 Apple computer. The mastermind behind it is Nick Gillard. He’s inspired by the project of Matt Evans named pico-mac. He describes his version, then, as pico-mac-nano. It is 62 mm high, around the size of a matchbox, and has USB keyboard and mouse support. Since it is open-source, users can buy the parts and build their own functional miniature Apple Mac.
While the creator bases his design off of Matt Evan’s project, he downsizes it further and still makes it work without needing to plug it into an external monitor. He challenges himself to build the smallest possible Maci replica, using affordable and modern parts, including an LCD screen, all powered by a tiny Raspberry Pi Pico chip. The result, so far, gives him a functional miniature Apple Mac that users can carry in their pockets and use anywhere.
all images courtesy of Nick Gillard (1-Bit Rainbow)
Components fit inside the tiny 3D printed case
Nick Gillard wants the original 1984 Apple Mac display for his functional miniature replica. To do it, he needs a screen with at least 512 pixels across, because that’s how wide the classic Macintosh screen was (512×342 pixels). He has found a 2-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 640×480 pixels and changed the Mac firmware to output a 480×342 image instead of 512×342. In this way, the screen keeps its native resolution with no pixel suffering. Now that the LCD issue has been solved, the creator readies the case of his functional miniature Apple Mac.
The case should be exact because he needs to fit all the other components in a tiny box, not just the screen and the chip. Luckily, he has found a smaller version of the Raspberry Pi Pico Board, made by WaveShare. This helps insert all the parts into his 3D printed, custom Mac case based still on the original 1984 Apple computer. He also positions the USB-C port in the same spot as the ports in the original computer to fully follow its design. Then, he manages to squeeze in a micro-SD card and slot for storage. He even engraves a 1-bit rainbow Apple-style logo inside the back panel of the 3D printed case where the real Mac had the signatures of the original team.
it is 62 mm high, around the size of a matchbox, and has USB keyboard and mouse support
Nick Gillard recreates the Picasso box of the original computer
The front panel of the functional miniature Apple Mac has a cut-out for the LCD screen and a bracket to hold the internal parts, just like the original Macintosh. For the reset and boot-select buttons on the Pico, the creator makes a click-in piece to press them without needing to open the case. He also carefully shapes the inside of the case to reduce the amount of support material needed when printing, saving time and use of plastic. The functional miniature Apple Mac looks finished, but Nick Gillard isn’t yet. The creator wants to go the extra mile.
He does so by recreating even the miniature version of the 1984 Apple computer’s ‘Picasso’ box. He has found a box manufacturer in India who can produce a white, full-color printed box made from corrugated cardboard, just like the real one but only scaled down. There’s even 3D printed polystyrene casing the functional miniature Apple Mac to protect it from scratches. This is the pico-mac-nano’s collector’s edition, the one that’s complete with a custom box, inserts, and accessories. Handy users can make them on their own, and Apple fans who want to bring back the original Mac and carry it anywhere now have the chance to own a scaled-down version of it.
since it is open-source, users can buy the parts and build their own functional miniature Apple Mac
the 1984 Apple Macintosh next to the replica
tiny Raspberry Pi Pico chip powering the unit
the creator also recreates the miniature version of the ‘Picasso’ box
the full-color printed box comes from corrugated cardboard
as seen, view of the replica and its 3D printed case
project info:
name: pico-mac-nano
design: Nick Gillard
project: pico-mac by Matt Evans
files: here
parts: here
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