Turning a desktop into a “portable” device may seem odd, but that’s exactly what YouTuber Scott Yu-Jan set out to do with Apple’s Mac mini. His latest project involves transforming the compact computer into a semi-portable setup by combining a Magic Keyboard, a touchscreen, and a custom 3D-printed case.
This isn’t Yu-Jan’s first experiment. In 2022, he merged a Mac mini with an iPad but found the external keyboard a hassle. Now, with the smaller M4 Mac mini on the market, he has refined his design. His newest model integrates a second-hand Apple Magic Keyboard and a $100 touchscreen into a custom-printed housing. All of this rests beside the Mac mini in a sleek, functional build.
Creative, but Far from Practical
The design cleverly avoids blocking the fan, exhaust, or ports. He even added a dedicated power button and routed the display cable through the keyboard base. However, the setup lacks a built-in trackpad and still requires a power outlet. As Yu-Jan admits, “This isn’t technically fully portable.”
There’s also the matter of cost. The project totals around $3,158—roughly three times the price of the $999 M4 MacBook Air. That estimate includes the $2,399 BambuLab 2HD 3D printer, keyboard, and screen, though not smaller costs like cables or materials.
Innovation Over Convenience
While the final product isn’t elegant or wireless, it showcases what’s possible with ingenuity and 3D printing. It might not replace a true laptop, but it offers a fresh look at how desktop components can be reimagined for mobility.
Still, for most users seeking portability, the MacBook Air remains a simpler, cheaper, and more practical solution. Yu-Jan hints at a future version with a built-in battery, but until then, his creation stands as a fun yet niche DIY experiment.
