Introduction: Modded MacBook
Here's some pictures of the MacBook I own that has been under the knife. This isn't so much a detailed how-to, more of a what's-been-done. I shall try to give as much info as I can about the changes performed here.
Step 1: The Casing
The casing is available from Speck Products and is called the See Thru. It's available in either clear or red, for both MacBook and MacBook Pro. It snaps on over the case and gives full access to all ports whilst protecting the MacBook.
Step 2: The Keyboard
As you can see, this ain't no ordinary MacBook. A broken black MacBook was recently used to give the keyboard a bit of a contrast. The keys pop off like previous Apple laptops, but be careful as they are very easily broken if not done properly.
Simply source an alternative keyboard, and be very patient whilst changing all the keys over.
I've left the alphabetical keys white as it not only looks pretty good, but allows me to easily trigger clips in apps like Ableton Live.
Step 3: The Apple Logo
The Apple logo was changed with help from icolours. They provide a transparency paper template for you to place onto your Apple portable. With the MacBook, getting to the Apple logo is fairly simple, you only need to remove screws from the display housing. However, the Apple logo on the Core Duo MacBooks were painted white on the inside. Luckily, I was able to source an iBook G4 Apple Logo which fits perfectly, but is clear. I simply stuck the transparency paper on the back and voila!
It looks great in the dark...
Step 4: 11n Card
I've fitted the MacBook with an 11n card from a Mac Pro. This, as well as the Apple Rainbow Logo is warranty voiding territory. They are the same interface (PCI-E v2 or something) and can be swapped out, but it means going into the MacBook and exposing the Logic Board. To be honest, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unless they knew exactly what they were doing. Apple portables have a lot of hidden screws and latches that could easily brake if you don't know what you're doing.
26 Comments
6 years ago
What type of case did you have on your macbook?
13 years ago on Introduction
That's nothing, check out my mod
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Hey, are the macbook keyboard buttons the same as the new aluminum keyboard buttons? I'd love to switch my white ones out for blackones (and spray paint the body black).
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Wow.....you're not cocky at all.....
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I love the checkerboard. I wish i could do this but I neither have a Mac nor the money for one... Sad day..
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
wow when i read this instrucatble i visualized what colours i would swap and i thought how awesome it would be, and yours is exactly what thought!!!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
That is sexy! (One question, why did you put the sticker on the laptop?)
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I just thought it would help with the black and white balance, because I didn't swap any of the arrow keys. I had to replace my broken screen, and all they had in stock was white ones, so I went for it. The swapped keys were just an extra touch
12 years ago on Introduction
dude who cares what the hell is this instructing anyway
12 years ago on Introduction
Instead of taking an older logo all you had to do was take 1000 or finer grit sandpaper and sand the back of the logo (where it's painted or whatever white).
13 years ago on Introduction
I might do the 11n card mod.
+1 and added to Apple group.
13 years ago on Introduction
Will this void your warranty?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Dang it... I was hoping to do this to my Macbook I got for Christmas!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
yes
13 years ago
I did not see a single instruction in this instructable.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
HE SAID THAT IS WAS MORE OF A "WHAT-HAS-BEEN-DONE" RATHER THAN AN INSTRUCTABLE ON THE FIRST PAGE! Ahh... See?
13 years ago on Introduction
ok...can you put more detailed instructions on how to put OSX on your macbook? i got a crappy ibook that sux currently and just wont do things like its supposed to its OS9.1 for gods sake!!! help+
13 years ago on Step 3
Wow, looks great in the dark!
13 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for your IP address, now im going to hack.... *hacking IP*
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
you can't hack a shit. you want to hack your rooteur rellied to a pc with a mac, noob. kiddynoob!