Mini Apple Mac Replica: Functional & Pocket-Sized
Dive into the world of retro tech with the Pico-mac-nano,a fully functional,pocket-sized replica of the iconic 1984 Macintosh! Created by Nick Gillard,this miniature marvel packs a 2-inch LCD screen and a USB-C port into a matchbox-sized design,capturing the essence of the original. This open-source project, complete with a recreated ”Picasso” cardboard box, is turning heads among vintage computer enthusiasts. News Directory 3 reports on how Gillard’s passion for early computing birthed this unique project, offering both a DIY project and completed models. Whether you’re a seasoned techie or simply appreciate a blast from the past, the Pico-mac-nano offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Discover what’s next for this captivating creation.
Pico-mac-nano: Miniature Macintosh Replica Captivates Retro Tech Fans
Updated May 28,2025
A new,fully functional miniature Macintosh replica,the Pico-mac-nano,is making waves among retro tech enthusiasts. Created by U.K.-based Nick Gillard, this tiny computer pays homage to Apple’s iconic 1984 machine.
Unlike the original Macintosh,which was bulky by today’s standards,the Pico-mac-nano is about the size of a matchbox. It features a 2-inch LCD screen with 480×640 resolution and a USB-C port for connecting a keyboard and mouse.
Gillard, 59, a former systems manager, now sells refurbished Macs and vintage Mac parts. He said his nostalgia for the early days of computing inspired the project.
The Pico-mac-nano includes a custom-designed printed circuit board housed in a 3D-printed Mac case. Gillard even recreated the original Macintosh’s “picasso” cardboard box, complete with protective inserts and an accessory case.
Gillard drew inspiration from Matt Evans’ Pico-mac, another functional Mac replica. He aimed to create an even smaller version with a high-resolution LCD screen. Evans assisted Gillard in overcoming challenges, such as identifying the right LCD panel and modifying the Pico-mac code.
“The Pico-mac project inspired me,” Gillard said in a description of the Pico-mac-nano. “To me it echoed the early days of computers like the first Macintosh when pioneers achieved remarkable things within the technological limitations of the day.”
Weighing less than an eighth of a pound, the Pico-mac-nano is not intended for serious tasks, Gillard said. He sees it more as a DIY project and a tribute to vintage computers.
For those interested in building their own, Gillard shares the code, 3D-printable case files, and component details on Github. Completed versions are available for purchase for £78 (about $105).
What’s next
Gillard intends to fulfill the high demand for the pico-mac-nano, driven by its feature on Hackaday.io. He emphasizes that the Pico-mac-nano is an open-source project, and buyers are paying for parts, materials, and labor.