Case turns Mac mini M4 into a small Mac Pro
Several suppliers have taken up an idea from the maker scene and created a fun case for Apple's small, fast Mac.
Case for Mac mini M4 in Mac Pro look: The idea actually came from a maker.
(Image: Ulanzi)
Last year, Apple presented the mini M4, probably the most exciting desktop Mac for several years: A very compact housing meets an astonishing amount of power that can even serve as an AI cluster. If you want to perfect the look of the compact computer even further, you can now help yourself to the maker scene. The 3D printing enthusiast Jerrod Hofferth has published a template that allows you to pack the Mac mini into a case reminiscent of the Mac Pro M2 Ultra – even including wheels. If you don't fancy all that tinkering, you can now help yourself from the ready-made shelf. At least two companies based in China have taken up the idea and are preparing ready-made aluminum cases.
Under 50 euros plus shipping
The prices vary considerably. The "QT01 Mac Mini Aluminum Alloy Case X088", which is listed in the German-language store of the Hong Kong supplier Ulanzi, previously known primarily for its camera accessories, is said to cost 54.99 euros – plus shipping and (presumably) import sales tax. "Modeled after the iconic Mac Pro, this case gives your Mac Mini a sleek, professional look and a modular design that works for any workspace," the company writes.
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The published images are close to what Apple does with the Mac Pro – including two polished aluminum carrying handles and the familiar 3D cheese grater design. The case stands on four feet, so it comes without wheels. It should also be possible to operate the Mac mini upright or flat in the case. It remains to be seen how much of the good looks on the web can be found in the end product. There are no reviews on the website yet. It weighs 457 grams and is installed using screws and a key. There is also a protruding power button. Ulanzi is currently offering "Early Bird Pricing" with a discount of 15 percent (then 46.75 euros plus shipping).
Competition almost three times as expensive
With the "MacForge Gen 2", the competition from Zeera is somewhat less oriented towards the Apple original. However, you also have to dig deeper into your pockets for the more independent design. Available in silver or black, the price is 139.99 US dollars (plus shipping and import VAT). Here too, the design is "inspired by the Apple Mac Pro".
However, the housing is more angular and has grooves instead of the 3D cheese grater. The look is marketed as a "unibody design" and the power button is also protruding ("extended power button for effortless control"). Useful: In addition to the Mac mini, there is also space for an M-2 SSD, which is connected via an external cable.
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