MacMini Portable: the next generation

So instead of folding up his computer and going home like some of our more negative commenters had suggested, inventor, composer, and all around resilient guy Peter Green has been hard at work on the second version of his MacMini Portable. As you'll recall, MMP rev. 1 was basically Apple's diminutive PC stuffed inside a custom enclosure, attached to an LCD, battery pack, trackpad, and thumb board, and occupying a footprint smaller than even the most compact laptop. Well now Green is back to silence the critics who questioned the utility of his first project with the MacMini Portable MkII, which makes numerous improvements upon its predecessor such as mounting the thumb board flush with the case, significantly reducing the overall size of the device, and generally making it look more like something you'd want to take out in public. So once again Mr. Green, we salute you, and encourage you to continue ignoring the haters (and refine your creation to the point that they're forced to come around). Make sure to check out the "Read" link to peep video of the MMPMKII in action, complete with a soothing Green-composed soundtrack.

Update: Full website now available; click here for the video, and hit the "Read" link to collect more ammo for your flame war.

[Matt @ Apr 15th 2006 12:29PM]

it's cool and all... but i'd be willing to bet that its mass is bigger than that of a macbook pro and the price/performance ratio much worse.

[William @ Apr 15th 2006 12:31PM]

Wow, that's a major improvement. I'm shocked! 3+ hours? That's as good as the MacBook Pro!

[Udayan Tripathi @ Apr 15th 2006 12:35PM]

Absolutely incredible! Fantastic work, I am very impressed. Someone should give this guy a job working like this. That music was great, too. Ingenuity like this should be rewarded not scorned.

[Derek @ Apr 15th 2006 12:37PM]

This is amazing. I doubt his is done for practical reasons but it is amazingly well done. With the trackpad and just this is the best thing ive seen in weeks.

[polobunny @ Apr 15th 2006 12:38PM]

Nice work.
I'm a Mac hater myself, but I can recognize great work when I see some. :)

[Dan Fishkin @ Apr 15th 2006 12:40PM]

still kind of retarted...why would someone want something with around twice the thickness of a laptop and half the screen size? and how the hell do you expect to type on that 3 inch keyboard comfortably? definatly keep working on it though your getting closer. try getting a laptop shell and puting the mac mini parts in there.

[Dave @ Apr 15th 2006 12:44PM]

Ummm, what... the hell... was that....

No one should give this guy a job becuase whatever position it would be he would stink at it. Look at the keyboard on the thing. What is that like the size of 6 keys on my powerbook. the trackpad is like 2 times the size of the keyboard. WOW it's got a screen slapped on the top of it. Any idiot with a lot of leftover acrylic and a mac mini and a mini display can rig this thing up. Whats that? it only cost you 3000 dollars in total. heres a thought. Leave the engineering to the pros and buy yourself a macbook pro. Save yourself like 200 dollars and about 80 people laughing at you.

Sorry man, good effort, but a no show.

[Jason @ Apr 15th 2006 12:44PM]

Why is he doing this... its a laptop, they exist, Apple makes them.

[Michikal @ Apr 15th 2006 12:45PM]

MacBook Pro - Over $2k.
This - Less than $1.5k.


STFU HATERS

[Paul @ Apr 15th 2006 12:47PM]

I've seen kits for playstation and gamecube that make them "portable" with an attached display. If there's a market for those, then there must be a market for a more complete package like this. I really think you should consider mass-production of this. A slightly bigger keyboard, two mouse buttons, and a more integrated screen (no exposed wires) and this would be a sure sell.

[michael @ Apr 15th 2006 1:06PM]

umm #6 if you're going to call someone or something retarDed you should learn to spell the word first, or it just looks like you're projecting.

I think its a cool idea, but don't they make somewhat bigger keyboards better than just a thumb board. I would think one of those flexible, roll-up keyboards would work. Also, it's not too hard to paint metal so I would paint the case to at least match the monitor.

[macstibs @ Apr 15th 2006 1:11PM]

Nope... still toolish

[ede @ Apr 15th 2006 1:13PM]

This is when you need to stop and reflect: Peter, what are you doing with your life?

But as long as you're "inventing" things, I have an idea for you: combine a MacMini and a projector in a flashlight case. Check your email while illuminating dark stairways!

I started out kidding, but now I'm starting to think that would actually be pretty cool. I take my idea back, Peter.

[yonatron @ Apr 15th 2006 1:25PM]

Good grief, some of you people are such assholes. Did none of y'all ever try something just to see if you could do it? I still don't see how it'd be much more useful than a laptop, but I bet he had fun doing it.

Probably more fun than I have reading Engadget and posting the occasional comment.

[LD @ Apr 15th 2006 1:44PM]

Still stupid, now with music.

It's big, ugly, has a small screen, a crap keyboard. But he can wave it around and turn it upside down, so he's got that going for him.

Seems like a compelte waste of time. Sure, it's got some geek cred, but it's still stupid.

[hehehhehe @ Apr 15th 2006 2:06PM]

At first I was gonna say geez, just get a cheap ibook but I guess it's not that bad. I don't know how resistant to shocks a Mac Mini would be though, you can tell even he was very careful setting it down. It's probably not something anyone would buy. but he probably did have a lot of fun making it.

[daschupa @ Apr 15th 2006 2:13PM]

Wow, that's pretty cool. It�s still a lot more portable than my first p1 laptop. Nicely done.

Still, I wish you were as inventive as the trolls who made stupid comments then leave their blog, as if anyone wants to hear more of their moronic statements.

[Captain Obvious @ Apr 15th 2006 2:52PM]

This is god damn awesome. Pete, you got some serious laptop spin skillz.

There has to be a market for a 7 inch laptop as an alternative to these insidious 7 inch DVD players. Apple could make this considerably more attractive just by adding a better screen, slide out palm style folding keyboard, and 10 fluid ounces of jobspooge. Make it the only black model and you'd see one babysitting every snot nosed fashion br@ from SanFran to Seattle.

[macsaregreat @ Apr 15th 2006 2:58PM]

Wow, that is absolutely amazing. It would be much better if it was thinner, had an actual usable keyboard and a touch sensitive screen to eliminate the need for the touchpad.... oh wait... why not just buy one of the UMPCs when they are released?

[Richie @ Apr 15th 2006 3:00PM]

What a bunch of egotistical assholes here. I'd like to see some of you guys get off your fat asses and do something in life instead of just complaining on the internet.

[simon @ Apr 15th 2006 3:01PM]

jeez... some people.....[read: flamers]

i think its a neat idea, and he did it well. now im gonna see if i can do it better myself. :D..... maybe i can get it slimmer and get a more standard keyboard in there. of course.... i need the money first! maybe if i make the cdrom external and swap out the hard drive for a toshiba 1.8" mini hard drive (read: ipod hard drive) itll trim it down some. and besides, who cares if it isnt practical, its still fun!

[unclesam @ Apr 15th 2006 3:08PM]

This would be great as part of a car entertainment system. My guess is that it wouldn't be that much more difficult to slap a couple of extra screens for people in the back seat, while the driver could use gps or other software in the front.

I think its great when people take and make unique modifications to their equipment. How many of you have modded anything without following explicit directions?

That's what I thought.

[tiuk @ Apr 15th 2006 3:12PM]

Pretty cool, I can admire the work he put into it. The main thing I would say needs to be rethought is the keyboard, though. I've seen mini keyboards at stores like Best Buy, and I think one of those would be perfect for this. With a more-or-less regular sized keyboard that would actually be a machine I'd consider working on.

[Nate @ Apr 15th 2006 3:26PM]

It's just so dang pretty!

[uclatommy @ Apr 15th 2006 3:28PM]

I've finally done it! I took a large boulder and chipped away at it until it was a solid round disc. Then I put a hole through the center and put a stick through it. Then I mounted a box on top of the axis and I can now roll stuff around! Awesome, I think I'll call it a wheel.

[zorg @ Apr 15th 2006 3:30PM]

Impressive and interesting! I'm sorry that you get no support from the haters/morons who couldn't physically replicate this interesting project if their blobby lives depended on it, but hey! This is the Internet! It's every twerp's God-given right to bitch about the things they can not do and can not understand.

[Jax @ Apr 15th 2006 3:46PM]

Wow i'd so get one of these for general web use. Keep in mind folks that apple creates a ton of stuff like this before we see the pretty one in the market. It's usually a lot worse looking than the brackets on this thing. Keep goin green!

[proee @ Apr 15th 2006 4:07PM]

A fun project? Sure...
But its ugly and useless.
People get excited over the worst ideas. What's so novel or technically challenging about this device?

[Mike @ Apr 15th 2006 4:10PM]

Normally I wouldn't say anything, but after reading this thread of comments and the one from the previous article, I have to say... wtf. Look people, I don't see you doing anything interesting. I don't see you being innovative. I don't see you bringing new and creative ideas to the table. I don't see you using your imagination to create whatever you want to create. This guy created something unique and interesting, and all of you up there that bashed this, I sure as hell wouldn't expect to see anything creative from you. All you can do is sit there and act like an idiot because your so pissed off that you can't create anything and call it your own. The most famus inventors and inventions wouldn't even be here today if everyone acted like you. It's ok to be pathetic if you want to live like that, but don't pollute these comments with your pure crap. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it. If you have ideas to improve his work, post it. Otherwise, shut up and go back into the holes you all came from.

[proee @ Apr 15th 2006 5:09PM]

Mikey,

Can you please tell me why this mess of hardware is considered a new "invention." Too me it's nothing more than a lame looking laptop - a device which has been in existence for the last 20 years? People should feel free to bash an idea all they want, especially when it's get unecessary praise. Yes, it's a fun project, but by no means innovative or cool. A more innovative use of a macmini is to integrate the device into a newly profound conceptual idea - something outside the box...

[Jae Rune @ Apr 15th 2006 5:42PM]

Honestly, I'd love to get a very large HD for the Mini and turn it into a PVR. :)

[macstibs @ Apr 15th 2006 5:59PM]

You don't see me being innovative because I'm not looking for approval on the web. As far as getting off my couch, I happen to like it here... the rare times I get to sit on it.

Why am I a hater?

It has a thumbboard for a keyboard. Normally, to use one, you hold the device in both hands and the keys are under your thumbs. You would need 10" triple-jointed thumbs to use that thing while you held it in your hands. Barring that you'd need to put it down to use it... kinda kills it imho. It's basically enormous and the thumbboard makes ZERO sense from either a form or a function perspective. THAT'S why I am a hater.

Last, I was harshing on the boxen because I think it's weak. There's no need for all of the "supporters" to use ad hominem attacks. That kind of useless tripe is what kills message boards and is the very definition of a "troll" post.

[HappyApple @ Apr 15th 2006 6:06PM]

Hooray! for the people who do things "Just because"

This "all in one mini" is very cool!

and to all the complainers out there......isn't it amazing that all you can contribute to life is your loser attitudes?

Hey Peter, I dig what you do :)

[Daniel Burns @ Apr 15th 2006 7:16PM]

What I find amusing is the second wave of flamers, flaming the first.

Hahahaaa!

As far as this idea... I simply do not see the value. To each their own, I guess.

[JohnnyC @ Apr 15th 2006 8:02PM]

I'd be worried about movement damaging the hard drive, unless the mac mini comes equipped with the same shock resistant drive heads. (I think the powerbook ones park the read/write heads when a certain level of motion is detected, thusly protecting the drive from damage. I could be wrong)

[Mike Reezy @ Apr 15th 2006 8:46PM]

I think its cool idea..

few things to change:

1. Make it a touch screen for obvious reasons
2. Flushly mount a virtual keyboard

[rx @ Apr 15th 2006 9:18PM]

cool

MMP can be putted on car to support my audio system...

Can't wait to try one...

And hopefully MMP's price under $1K

[dudeInAmerica @ Apr 15th 2006 9:34PM]

Cool!




Why?

[Limburger2001 @ Apr 15th 2006 9:53PM]

Pete,
First of all, I think your idea is cool! I think if you sell your add-on as a kit, you'd be raking it in with all the people out there who've already got an imac mini, considering that using your add-on might have some issue with the warrantee. I do agree with some of the doubters that people thinking of getting a laptop would probably go for the ones available in the market (because of said warrantee issues), and I do have concerns about the mini's ability to withstand shocks. But other than that, I'm sold (Its probably the lightest/smallest desktop replacement I've seen!)

As for the keyboard, I think its fine for the times when you just have to add/check some data quickly, but for real text extry I'd probably buy a foldable bluetooth keyboard anyway, and probably even a bluetooth mouse.

All in all, I think its pretty awesome - I'd buy one for geekpoints alone! Can't wait for MkIII

Pat

[polobunny @ Apr 15th 2006 10:14PM]

Get over it haters, you need to start somewhere. Nobody here got the hacker spirit or what? You think Jobs started with the Mac G5? Stick out of this "buy then trash" life. And I thought Hackaday and Engadged readers were the same.

Yes, it's not perfect I think everyone agrees, so what? Nobody is forcing you to buy it anyways. Constructive criticism, that stuff is hype, try it next time.


As I already said, it's quality work. Alot of efforts were put in this project and we can see it.
Points to fix would be;
Keyboard
Mouse
Brackets

Else the thing is perfect. Oh colors, but that's no biggie.


P.S. Also does anyone ever took a Mac Mini in his hands? Unless you got preteen hands, the thing is rather small. Not really hard to type on the thumboard IMO. Nobody would give a job to some slackers either...

[dixon @ Apr 15th 2006 11:02PM]

[dixon @ Apr 15th 2006 11:04PM]

Pete: In addition to the two button mouse suggestion, can you put a "Ctrl-Alt-Delete" one button function just so BootCamp users don't have to figure out what to do? Apple sure ain't going to do anything this cool.Pete: In addition to the two button mouse suggestion, can you put a "Ctrl-Alt-Delete" one button function just so BootCamp users don't have to figure out what to do? Apple sure ain't going to do anything this cool.

[snowpuff @ Apr 15th 2006 11:41PM]

Check it out. I just turned my Powerbook into a desktop computer. I removed the LCD and welded a 30" LCD onto that puppy. Then I removed the laptop keyboard and replaced it with a full sized one.

I call it "The Powerbook Desktop."

http://idisk.mac.com/joegarreli/Public/pbd_mk1/MMP_Mk1.mp4

[*** NO LONGER WITH APPLE ***** @ Apr 16th 2006 3:43AM]

MICROSFT VS APPLE (the other evil)
------------------------------
My faith in apple has disappeared!!
FORGET APPLE AND GET A PC WITH WINDOWS, JUST BUY MORE MEMORY AND MAKE SURE U HAVE A DECENT GRAPHICS CARD, (will still cost less than a mac!!and for the same price as a mac will run better, even for graphics and videos.)

all we pay for is the design!!!

apple have a history of cover up problems with their machines, just look at all the people with problems with the powerbook, macbooks, and ibooks!!!

** GOOGLE Search "logic board" with "G3", "G4" and see all these people with mac problems.**

If this was a car, u would get a letter in the post calling a recall, if it was windows they fix it with an update...apple, well leave it to us to figure it out and if u get the problem sooner than any 3yr extension replacement program, then great, but any time after that....GOOD LUCK

[The Designer @ Apr 16th 2006 6:03AM]

Glad to see you all still love [and loath!] my latest MMP.
I need to put a few of you all into context [ again ]...

1) I'm not flushed with cash - if any of you would kindly donate a MacIntel and an extra �200 I could build significant advances of weight, usability, a super robust flash-ram drive system, a touch screen and what you've all been asking for - a larger keyboard!

2) if you'd read my previous article about the first MMP, you might have noticed that the whole point was to design a laptop portable device significantly cheaper than simply buying a mac laptop - otherwise I'd have just bought one [obviously].

3) Apple don't make an OSX portable machine that is hand held and subnotebook sized.

4) My MMP MkII works as you'd expect of a laptop - field tests used have been to put it to sleep, chuck in the panier of my bike and ride 11 miles over some very bumpy terain and potholed dirt track. Over 2 hours later I took it out of sleep and just carried on working.

5) I don't work for an industrial design company - so don't have the facilities or the cash to prototype - did you know the case was formed from split panels of supermarket shelving that I held a gas cooker lighter underneath to heat and bend them??

6) Stop whining and make your own if you think you can do it better! :-P

Full website for my MMP MkII here; http://homepage.mac.com/peter_green/MMP_MkII/index.html

[Forrest @ Apr 16th 2006 6:55AM]

The new version looks great. I think it would make an excellent car computer. My only suggestion for improvement - make the monitor case and computer case the same color. Keep up the great work and let us know when you start selling them.

[Eric @ Apr 16th 2006 8:21AM]

Music was very FF styled, that sucked.

[Big Al @ Apr 16th 2006 3:11PM]

Now that's what I call a laptop.

Dell could certainly use this guy to fix up their Inspiron line of crap.

[Gaurav Khanna @ Apr 16th 2006 10:14PM]

HEY HES A MODDER GO **** YOUR SELF IF YOUR A HATER

[Ben @ Apr 17th 2006 9:23AM]

Dude, I love you. The only thing that bothers me is the keyboard.

You need to set up a paypal donation address.