The photo above includes some very unique “Macs” that I’ve picked up recently, alongside a real one that I’ve had for a while. Let’s explore them, from left to right: the pico-mac-nano the Maclock, the Wokyis M5, and a real Mac Plus.

pico-mac-nano

The pico-mac-nano is a functional Macintosh measuring roughly 2 x 2 x 1.5 inches. It embeds a 2” LCD and a tiny microcontroller into a 3D printed case modeled from the original Macintosh down to the screw holes. It’s capable of emulating the original 128k Mac, boots into System 3.2 (circa 1986), and includes software from the era. It’s powered through USB-C and interfaces with a modern wired keyboard and mouse. It’s even packaged in a miniature version of the original Macintosh box, complete with packing materials!

The whole thing is really well done. It’s a novelty, for sure; with a 2” screen you can barely see it (though one of those Gameboy magnifiers might help), but it’s impressive that you can actually type and mouse around. It makes a cool desk ornament. I discovered and ordered it before it hit my podcasts, at which point it became so popular that Apple issued a cease and desist for pre-assembled models. The parts can still be purchased and hand-assembled, but I’m one of the few that were able to get a pre-assembled version with the facsimile box. Below is a quick “unboxing” of the Collector’s Edition.

Wokyis M5

The Wokyis M5 is a dock for the M4 Mac mini that includes a 720p screen and looks like a classic Macintosh. It fits on top of the mini and includes a plethora of ports across the front and back: 4 USB-A, 3 USB-C, HDMI in, SD and Micro SD, and audio out, as well as an M.2 SSD slot. I bought it from a Kickstarter campaign in August for $110 and received it in September. There a more expensive version that includes Thunderbolt, but I didn’t feel the need. I think I got a deal too: it’s currently selling for $170.

While I don’t need a dock for my mini, it’s a fun piece of nostalgia. It’s not an exact replica like the pico-mac-nano, being more wide and squat to fit over the mini and lacking some of the sculpting of the original Mac, but it’s reminiscent enough to be fun and retro. The screen definitely works, but at 5” and 720p it’s about as usable as the screen on the pico-mac-nano. I’d never use it as the primary display but it could display a slide show or desktop widget as secondary display. It’s fun to see on my desk.

And if you aren’t looking for something to use as a display, RayCue makes a cheaper dock that doesn’t fit over the mini. It has a screen, but it acts more like a clock as it does not take input.

Kokogol Maclock

I came across the Kokogol Maclock in November and was immediately drawn to its design. Its case is a near perfect replica of a Mac 128k down to the vents, brightness knob, fake ports, and even the floppy disk you have to insert to turn it on. The clock is displayed in a pixel format and can show the time & temperature, date & temperature, or a smiley face. It includes an alarm as well. It’s powered by USB-C and has an internal battery that lasts a couple days with the backlight turned on.

The original Macintosh is replicated down to the smallest details. The case is exactly the same shape as a real Macintosh, has the same curves and seams, and even includes vents, “ports”, a replica power button, and a “door” for the clock battery. Stickers are included to complete the effect on both the clock and its included floppy disk. The whole thing is high quality too – it’s smooth and sturdy, with no flex and solid construction.

The dedication to detail extends into usage. It turns on by inserting a “floppy disk” into the slot in the front. The backlight is activated by touching the handle at the top and its brightness is adjusted by rolling the knob under the chin. Rounding this out, so to speak, is the LCD, which is housed behind a plastic layer that curves like a CRT. Oh, and that backlight, it’s not white, it’s a shade of blue common to screens of the era.

The whole thing cost $29 and I absolutely love it. It’s right in between the size of the M5 and the pico-mac (about the size of a coffee mug) but with perfect proportions. It’s a very well manufactured case, far better than you can get from a 3D printer. I expect the internet to mod it and shove in a Raspberry Pi with a real screen to run real classic Mac software, kind of like a pico-mac-max if you will.

This is one of those Chinese products that’s sold under a bunch of different brands. I purchased mine from Kokogol for $29 plus $10 shipping, but it’s currently available on Amazon for the same price with free Prime shipping under the GIISSMO brand. I bought a second one to mod in the future. I absolutely love this thing.

That Retro Feeling

I love that all of these products are available. I like little gadgets and desk ornaments and I love that there are some focused on the retro nostalgia of the classic Macintosh. The first image in this article shows the three throwbacks next to my real Macintosh Plus. The Maclock is the best (and cheapest), followed by the pico-mac-nano. The Wokyis does its best too. I’m happy to own them all. Imitation, as they say, is the sincerest form of flattery.