Deserving of both classic Lego and classic Mac appeal.
Nearly 50 years ago, in 1979, Lego jazzed up its first spaceships with an iconic sloped computer brick, which back then was just painted plastic. In 2022, we introduced you to the engineer who fit an actual tiny computer inside one.
Now, industrial designer Paul Staal has reversed the concept with a functional desktop PC that pays homage to the classic computer brick, a story that gathered attention on Reddit and Hackster.io.
Ten times larger than the original, the “M2x2” is primarily a 3D-printed case for a Mac Mini, available for free print at home. It’s equipped with a 7-inch IPS touchscreen display, a full array of additional ports, an SD card reader, and an integrated USB-C hub.
Even the large studs on top serve a purpose. The left has a concealed Ikea Symfonisk remote control to manage a Sonos speaker, while the right hosts a hidden wireless charger for AirPods. Both studs have traditional Lego-style tops, allowing connections to classic bricks or a minifigure.
The back of the kit boasts a built-in carry handle and cord hangers for easy transport.
On his interactive website, Staal notes he uses the M2x2 as his primary computer, mainly utilizing its screen for a Home Assistant dashboard. He connects it to an LG DualUp monitor to complete his work.
For those with a Mac Mini, Staal estimates that the rest of the setup should cost under €100 (roughly $116). Detailed assembly instructions are available on his website. Note, Ikea/Sonos Symfonisk products are discontinued, and the specific knob comes from an older Ikea line. Alternatives or secondhand options might be necessary.