Tinkering: Mac mini M4 becomes portable – and power supply via USB-C
Two hobbyists have made Apple's smallest desktop Mac (more) portable. But how practical is it in everyday life?
Portable Mac mini M4 with monitor even has a touchscreen.
(Image: Scott Yu-Jan / Screenshot YouTube)
Apple's Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro fascinate many users – The compact Mac takes up even less space than its predecessor and is still mighty fast. Two hobbyists have now gone one better and shown how Apple's smallest desktop computer can also be used on the move. However, the ideas are not entirely suitable for everyday use.
Mac mini M4 with power via USB-C power delivery
Hardware hobbyist Saad Ouache from Morocco was probably the first hardware hacker to manage to supply the Mac mini M4 with power via USB-C. However, this requires some internal modifications. One of the USB-C ports becomes a power delivery port, which Ouache claims can then be supplied with power from a 12-volt power bank. The power supply unit can still be used, and the hobbyist shows in a video how it can be connected "on the fly". However, he does not provide any information on how long the power supply from the power bank will last – and what happens when the Mac mini M4 is fully loaded.
According to Apple, the M4 version draws a maximum of 65 watts, the M4 Pro model even up to 140 watts (in each case without external devices, which also require power). It is also necessary to use a suitable USB-C cable, which is rated for 240 watts at best. Alternatively, – without any tinkering – there is also the option of using a power bank that supplies 110 volts to the normal power connection, but these are significantly heavier and bulkier.
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Taking the Mac mini M4 to the café
Another DIY project for the Mac mini M4 makes a little more sense. Scott Yu-Jan, known for his 3D printer projects, has created a housing complete with keyboard and screen for Apple's compact Mac. The screen is even touch-enabled and can be folded up. There is a separate slot for the Mac mini M4, complete with mounting strap. Yu-Jan has also considered implementing a separate power supply using a battery, but has not yet implemented this.
The idea behind the project – which also serves to promote a BambuLab printer – is to take the Mac mini M4 to work or to a café, for example. The setup does not include a trackpad, so a mouse must be brought along.
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