Handicrafts: Mac Mini M4 becomes portable-and has a power supply via USB-C

Apple’s Mac Mini M4 and M4 Pro fascinates many users-the compact Mac needs even less space than its predecessor and is still powerful. Two hobbyists have now put on a shovel and show how to use Apple’s smallest desktop calculator on the go. However, the ideas are not completely suitable for everyday use.

Mac Mini M4 with electricity via USB-C-power delivery

The hardware hobbyist Saad Ouache from Morocco did it as the first hardware hacker, the Mac Mini M4 Using USB-C with electricity to supply. However, this requires some internal modifications. One of the USB-C connections becomes a Power Delivery connection, which Ouache can then supply electricity with a 12-volt power bank. The power supply remains usable, the hobbyist shows in a video how “on the fly” can be switched. However, he does not provide any information on how long the power supply can hold through the power bank – and what happens when the Mac Mini M4 is fully loaded.

According to Apple, the M4 variant draws a maximum of 65 watts, the M4-Pro model even up to 140 watts (each without external devices that also need electricity). It is also necessary to use a suitable USB-C cable that is at best rolled for 240 watts. Alternatively, there is – without handicrafts – the possibility to use a power bank that delivers 110 volts to the normal power connection, but they are significantly heavier and more voluminous.

With the Mac Mini M4 into the cafe

Another handicraft project for the Mac Mini M4 is a bit more sensible. Scott Yu-Jan, known for his 3D printer projects, has a Housing including the keyboard and screen for Apple’s compact-Mac created. The screen is even touch-capable and can be folded together. For the Mac Mini M4 there is a separate insert including the fastening tape. Yu-Jan also considered implementing its own power supply using a battery, but is not yet implemented.

Idea in the project-which also serves to advertise a Bambulab printer-is to take the Mac Mini M4 to work or in a cafe, for example. A trackpad is missing from the setup, a mouse has to be brought.