Mini-Mac-Micro Adapts Full Macintosh for Barbie's Workstation
A miniature, fully functional scale replica of the 1984 Apple Macintosh computer has been developed by Nick Gallard, dubbed the Pico-mac-nano project. Standing at approximately 63mm tall, this diminutive device recreates the look and some functionality of the original Macintosh in a very small form factor, making it a charming tiny desktop ornament as well as a technical homage to the classic Mac.
The project was inspired by Matt Evans' RP2040-based Pico Mac, which Gallard admired and adapted for a smaller, fully-usable replica Mac. The size of the device was primarily determined by the screen, a 2-inch TFT panel with a native resolution of 480 x 640 pixels. To accommodate this screen, Gallard drove it at a slightly different resolution of 480 x 342 pixels, keeping the screen in portrait mode. This approach allowed for an accurate replica of the original Macintosh case, which fits the LCD snugly.
The choice of components reflects an attention to detail. An SD card reader and a USB-C port are located at the back of the unit, mimicking the positions of the original Mac's mouse and keyboard ports. Power for the device comes from a CR2 lithium battery, a form factor that will be familiar to those who have opened older Macs.
Gallard has made the 3D designs and modified firmware for the Pico-mac-nano available on a GitHub repository, allowing enthusiasts to build their own replicas or explore the software side of the project. For those lacking the time or skills to build their own, Gallard will also be selling kits and fully assembled units through 1bitrainbow, a retro-inspired web store.
While the device natively runs Classic MacOS, it can also run Linux, albeit with less enjoyment, according to Gallard.
In essence, the Pico-mac-nano offers a compact, technically interesting homage to an iconic computer, making it an appealing project for the maker community.
- Gallard has made the 3D designs and modified firmware for the Pico-mac-nano open source on GitHub, allowing enthusiasts to build their own replicas or explore the software side of the project using technology.
- The Pico-mac-nano, standing as a charming tiny desktop ornament, is a technical homage to the classic Mac and can run not only Classic MacOS but also Linux, showcasing the integration of open source software like Linux with advanced hardware.
- This diminutive device, equipped with an SD card reader, USB-C port, and powered by a CR2 lithium battery, presents a fascinating glimpse into the miniaturization of gadgets and the intersection of artificial-intelligence and technology as it runs the operating system in a scaled-down fashion.
