### Pico Mac Nano: A Compact Homage to the Classic Macintosh
For fans of retro technology, the Pico Mac Nano symbolizes a charming fusion of nostalgia and contemporary design. Developed by enthusiast Nick Gillard, this tiny replica of the original Macintosh measures only 62 millimeters in height (2.4 inches) and can operate vintage software like MacPaint and MacWrite.
#### A Small Wonder
The Pico Mac Nano initiative enhances a previous open-source emulator crafted by Matt Evans, who successfully executed System 1 on a Raspberry Pi Pico. Gillard expanded on this idea, encasing it in a carefully designed 3D-printed shell that showcases a miniature rainbow Apple logo and a downsized rendition of the iconic Picasso-style shipping box that contained the initial 128K Macintosh.
Gillard shared his enthusiasm for producing a miniature replica of the original shipping box, remarking, “I simply couldn’t resist making a matching, tiny version of the legendary ‘Picasso’ box that the original 128K Macintosh arrived in.” After partnering with a manufacturer in India, he was delighted with the outcome: a white, full-color printed, corrugated cardboard box.
#### Technical Details
At the core of the Pico Mac Nano is a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, coupled with a 2-inch 480×640 TFT display that has been adjusted to mimic the original Macintosh’s 512×342 resolution. Furthermore, it includes a speaker that generates the traditional Macintosh startup sounds. The complete system runs on custom firmware that emulates a 68000 CPU, which is open-source and accessible on GitHub.
#### DIY and Accessibility
The Pico Mac Nano makes for a fantastic desktop novelty, perfect for gifting or as a weekend DIY activity. Gillard intends to provide a limited quantity of pre-assembled kits for those who favor a ready-to-use solution. For those who enjoy DIY projects, all essential materials—including STL files, firmware, and an extensive parts list—can be found on [1BitRainbow.com](https://blog.1bitrainbow.com/pico-mac-nano/).
In conclusion, the Pico Mac Nano is not merely a tribute to the cherished Macintosh; it is a demonstration of the imagination and resourcefulness of hobbyists who continue to honor and advance the domain of retro computing.
