An industrial designer has created a functional, oversized desktop PC case modeled after a classic Lego computer brick. The 3D-printed "M2x2" houses a Mac Mini, features a touchscreen, extra ports, and includes functional studs with hidden features like a speaker remote and a wireless charger.
The creator uses the device as his primary computer, often employing its built-in screen as a dashboard for home automation. The project is open-source, with assembly instructions available, and the additional components are estimated to cost less than €100 for those who already own a Mac Mini.
The main topics covered are a custom Lego-inspired computer case, its technical features and functionalities, and the open-source availability of the design.
In 1979 — nearly 50 years ago — Lego jazzed up its very first spaceships with an iconic sloped computer brick that was just painted plastic. In 2022, we introduced you to the engineer who fit an actual tiny computer inside.
What if your real computer was a super-sized Lego computer brick?
Worthy of both classic Lego and classic Mac.
Worthy of both classic Lego and classic Mac.
Now, industrial designer Paul Staal has flipped the script with a working desktop PC that’s a super-sized homage to the classic computer brick (via Reddit and Hackster.io).
It’s ten times bigger than the original:
The “M2x2” is largely a 3D-printed case for a Mac Mini — one you can freely print at home yourself — but it’s not just a shell. He’s outfitted it with a 7-inch IPS touchscreen display, and a full array of additional ports and SD card reader thanks to an integrated USB-C hub.
The big studs on top are functional, too! The left one contains a hidden Ikea Symfonisk remote control so he can control his Sonos speaker, while the right has a hidden wireless charger for his AirPods. Both have normal Lego-style studs on top, too, so you can connect some classic bricks or a minifig.
Around back, the kit has an integrated carry handle and easy-wrap cord hangers.
At his stunning interactive website, Staal says he’s currently using the M2x2 as his primary computer, though he’s mostly using its screen as a Home Assistant dashboard he can tap to control his home. He has a primary monitor plugged into it, an LG DualUp, to get work done.
If you’ve already got the Mac Mini, he estimates the rest should cost you less than €100 (roughly $116), and he has guided step-by-step assembly instructions at his site with excellent photos. Do note that the Ikea/Sonos Symfonisk products are discontinued, and the knob in particular is from an older generation of Ikea product. I still see some on eBay, but you might want a different knob solution.
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