Deserving of both vintage Lego and vintage Mac.
Deserving of both vintage Lego and vintage Mac.
Back in 1979 — almost 50 years ago — Lego enhanced its inaugural spacecraft with a distinctive sloped computer brick made of just painted plastic. In 2022, we introduced you to the inventor who integrated an actual small computer inside.
Now, designer Paul Staal has reimagined the concept with a functioning desktop PC that pays tribute to the classic computer brick (via Reddit and Hackster.io).
This version is ten times the size of the original:
The “M2x2” primarily serves as a 3D-printed casing for a Mac Mini — one you can easily print at home yourself — but it’s more than just a shell. It features a 7-inch IPS touchscreen display and a plethora of extra ports and an SD card reader through an integrated USB-C hub.
The large studs on the top are also functional! The left one houses a concealed Ikea Symfonisk remote for controlling his Sonos speaker, while the right one has a hidden wireless charger for his AirPods. Both features standard Lego-style studs on top, allowing you to connect classic bricks or a minifigure.
At the back, the setup includes a built-in carrying handle and convenient cord hangers.
On his impressive interactive site, Staal mentions that he currently uses the M2x2 as his main computer, typically utilizing its display as a Home Assistant dashboard he can touch to manage his home. He has an external monitor connected to it, an LG DualUp, to accomplish his tasks.
If you already own a Mac Mini, he estimates the additional costs should be under €100 (approximately $116), with comprehensive step-by-step assembly instructions featuring excellent images available on his website. Be advised that the Ikea/Sonos Symfonisk items are no longer available, and the knob in question particularly hails from an earlier generation of Ikea products. There are still some on eBay, but you may prefer a different knob solution.
