Introduction: IPad Mini Inside of a Macintosh SE Retro Old Classic

About: My name is Travis and I like to build cool stuff!

I mounted an iPad mini inside of an old retro Macintosh SE. I also included a small pair of computer speakers. I had seen other projects similar to this but they all used a regular iPad which I think is too big because the edges are cut off, and they were also docks for the iPad. There was a big slot cut on the side which I found very unappealing. So mine is more of a permanent solution but you can remove the iPad mini in under 5 minutes.

I now have the plastic cutout for the iPad macintosh. Please let me know if you'd like to order one or have any questions by emailing me at ligerdude@pacbell.net

If you're interested in purchasing one of these from me, check out my etsy listing here.

Also, if you're looking to build one of these and want the frame to mount the iPad mini, check out the etsy listing for that here.

Check out the video to see it in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3eefEiRN9c

If you like this and want to learn more or see what other things I'm up to check out my website at travderose.com

Step 1: Take Apart the Macintosh

This is fairly simple, just gut the whole thing. You may want to look up how to do that because it can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing but I'm not going to go into detail on that.

I also washed the case of my Macintosh in a simple green solution. That got all the dirt off of it nicely.

Step 2: Adding Speakers (optional)

I added some small 1" computer speakers to my macintosh.

To do speakers like mine...
1) I used an epilog laser to cut out a plastic bracket to hold the speakers and mount in the macintosh using existing mounting points. If you are interested, I may be able to provide yo with this bracket...email me at ligerdude@pacbell.net. If you don't have a bracket like mine I'm sure you can get creative and find some way to attach the speakers.
2) I used the floppy disk drives as the hole for the speakers to exit their sound from. I hot glued some speaker mesh over on the inside for a nice look and mounted my speakers directly behind the floppy disk slots. This provides clear sound that is not restricted and doesn't sound muffled.
3) I wired the speakers to an auxiliary plug so they plug directly into the iPad mini and are powered from the iPad. I did that because I wanted this to be a portable device that i didn't have to plug in. This obviously doesn't create the best sound but it gets the job done and I am happy with it. You could add some bigger speakers maybe with a small sub that would sound great but you would also need to power these with a wall plug or a separate battery and I didn't want to get into all of that. Mine works great for me!
4) When wiring to an auxiliary cord, i would recommend one that is L-shaped because it is a little tight in the case when both the power and the auxiliary are plugged into the iPad mini.

If you like this and want to learn more or see what other things I'm up to check out my website at travderose.com

Step 3: Mounting the IPad Mini

Since the iPad mini is smaller than the original macintosh screen you will need to make a border. I cut mine using 1/8" black plastic on an epilog laser. I also cut holes in so it mounts to the original screen mounting locations. I did however have to shave off the top of the original mounting locations so the black border sat flush against the macintosh.

I then secured the iPad mini using 2 strips of plastic and bolting them to the black frame. I glued felt onto the placates pieces to protect the iPad. And painted the screw heads with black nail polish because they are slightly visible when you look down into the case.

Again, I have the black border and mounting pieces available if you would like to order them from me. If you are interested, email me at ligerdude@pacbell.net.

If you like this and want to learn more or see what other things I'm up to check out my website at travderose.com

Step 4: Pressing the Lock Button

Since there is no way to press any of the physical button when the iPad is in the macintosh case, you will have to have a way to press the lock button. I did this using a 20" shutter release cable for a camera. I glued it to the back using a washer i painted black and glued it to the inside of the case. I then mounted a rubber bouncing ball to the end and it works great! It will take you a while to place the ball on the shutter release cable so it hits the lock button perfectly but with a little patience you can do it.

Step 5: Put It All Together!

Plug in the speakers. Plug in the power cord and run it through the back. Screw it together and you now have a touchscreen macintosh SE!

If you're interested in purchasing one of these from me, check out my etsy listing here.

Also, if you're looking to build one of these and want the frame to mount the iPad mini, check out the etsy listing for that here.


If you like this and want to learn more or see what other things I'm up to check out my website at travderose.com

Epilog Challenge V

Participated in the
Epilog Challenge V