A poor man’s iMac

A poor man’s iMac http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html The Mac mini is so small that you can put it in a lot of interesting places, even on the back of a flat panel monitor! You could buy custom-molded mounts online, but they’ll run you about $50 with shipping. Being cheap creative, I made my own for under $10! Here’s what you’ll need: All flat panel monitors have a VESA mounting bracket in back. Usually this is used to mount the monitor to a wall or a stand. In this case, we’ll be mounting a Mac mini to a monitor. In this picture you can see a piece of plastic with 4 screws through it, lined up with the VESA mount beneath. I chose plastic because it’s easy to work with and it won’t interfere with the computer’s WIFI. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#0 2e7b15c5-9773-4bb1-9db4-a78f363d0f9f http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0492/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0492/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0492/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">All flat panel monitors have a VESA mounting bracket in back. Usually this is used to mount the monitor to a wall or a stand. In this case, we’ll be mounting a Mac mini to a monitor. In this picture you can see a piece of plastic with 4 screws through it, lined up with the VESA mount beneath. I chose plastic because it’s easy to work with and it won’t interfere with the computer’s WIFI.</p></div></div> In case you’re like me and you don’t have a spare piece of flat plastic lying around, you’ll need to get creative. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#1 8c25c3e6-283e-4cbb-b7d7-7652d67671c7 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0504/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0504/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0504/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">In case you’re like me and you don’t have a spare piece of flat plastic lying around, you’ll need to get creative.</p></div></div> Here you can see that I’ve cut the bottom out of a disposable plastic paint roller tray. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#2 2f559bd3-54c3-4af3-858a-4b68a704ac4d http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0503/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0503/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0503/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Here you can see that I’ve cut the bottom out of a disposable plastic paint roller tray.</p></div></div> I used a utility knife which did a pretty nice job of cutting through the relatively soft plastic. I did this on a tile floor since I wasn’t too keen on cutting my carpet, linoleum, or tabletop. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#3 d6bb873b-7675-48f9-8c3e-9179b0f55191 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0502/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0502/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0502/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">I used a utility knife which did a pretty nice job of cutting through the relatively soft plastic. I did this on a tile floor since I wasn’t too keen on cutting my carpet, linoleum, or tabletop.</p></div></div> If you go the route of cutting your own piece of plastic, you’re probably going to want to sand down the edges. A simple sanding block and sand paper will do. Here you can see the plastic residue after some sanding. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#4 4c2b1d65-d2db-4f67-a11e-6df730766d99 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0506/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0506/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0506/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">If you go the route of cutting your own piece of plastic, you’re probably going to want to sand down the edges. A simple sanding block and sand paper will do. Here you can see the plastic residue after some sanding.</p></div></div> Our goal is to center the plastic piece on the back of the monitor with the top edge 1/4 inch below where you want the top of the Mac mini to rest. The 4 screws are going to go through the plastic into the VESA mount on the monitor below. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#5 440c4222-ecea-4799-9f6e-812a39a9e461 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0493/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0493/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0493/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Our goal is to center the plastic piece on the back of the monitor with the top edge 1/4 inch below where you want the top of the Mac mini to rest. The 4 screws are going to go through the plastic into the VESA mount on the monitor below.</p></div></div> The holes should be the diameter of your M4 screws (~4 mm). Be careful not to make them too big. The 4 holes will make either a 75 or 100 mm square, depending on your monitor. Stencil the holes before you drill to make sure the top of the plastic piece is perfectly level and 1/4 below where you want the top of your mini to rest. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#6 cdbe8906-6a22-449d-84c6-7bf4f57a75b3 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0513/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0513/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0513/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The holes should be the diameter of your M4 screws (~4 mm). Be careful not to make them too big. The 4 holes will make either a 75 or 100 mm square, depending on your monitor. Stencil the holes before you drill to make sure the top of the plastic piece is perfectly level and 1/4 below where you want the top of your mini to rest.</p></div></div> Now that you’ve drilled your holes, screw the screws in half way and rest the plastic piece on the back of the monitor. Before we fasten this piece to the monitor we need to create the straps that will hold the mini in place. Cut your vinyl tubing into two 11” lengths. We are going to feed the zip ties through the tubing to create Mac mini straps! http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#7 3bfb4a35-dadd-423d-8586-c9b2673e98d5 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0496/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0496/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0496/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Now that you’ve drilled your holes, screw the screws in half way and rest the plastic piece on the back of the monitor. Before we fasten this piece to the monitor we need to create the straps that will hold the mini in place. Cut your vinyl tubing into two 11” lengths. We are going to feed the zip ties through the tubing to create Mac mini straps!</p></div></div> If you bought the same size of tubing and zip ties that I did, you’re going to notice at this point that the fit is very tight. The tie will not fit unless the tubing is flattened, and keeping the entire 11 inches flat at once is pretty much impossible with only 2 hands. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#8 d3643c62-b5fb-4c39-9823-e63f86abe773 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0497/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0497/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0497/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">If you bought the same size of tubing and zip ties that I did, you’re going to notice at this point that the fit is very tight. The tie will not fit unless the tubing is flattened, and keeping the entire 11 inches flat at once is pretty much impossible with only 2 hands.</p></div></div> Since nobody else was around to help me flatten the tubing, I found the next best thing: a clamp. You can use a clamp to keep part of the tubing flat while you work the zip tie through. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#9 fb35e2c6-4d4e-413c-85f6-3be776c56da4 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0514/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0514/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0514/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Since nobody else was around to help me flatten the tubing, I found the next best thing: a clamp. You can use a clamp to keep part of the tubing flat while you work the zip tie through.</p></div></div> Once you get the end of the zip tie almost all the way through, you can pull it out with a pliers. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#10 93334b5a-b6e9-45a1-ba5c-0013ca0a6616 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0511/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0511/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0511/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Once you get the end of the zip tie almost all the way through, you can pull it out with a pliers.</p></div></div> Here you can see one 11 inch tubing section alongside the mini. I’m still working on my second strap (yes, you have to do this twice). http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#11 b3793545-84c5-457d-977c-2802a028bbb3 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0501/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0501/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0501/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Here you can see one 11 inch tubing section alongside the mini. I’m still working on my second strap (yes, you have to do this twice).</p></div></div> The pliers helps get the end out of the tube, but you’re going to have to use your hands after that, pushing and pulling the tube down to the base of the zip tie. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#12 887554c9-9188-4c12-a645-29dda2bb7b5a http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0507/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0507/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0507/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The pliers helps get the end out of the tube, but you’re going to have to use your hands after that, pushing and pulling the tube down to the base of the zip tie.</p></div></div> If your hands get tired take a break and imagine how good your Mac is going to look attached to your LCD. I was actually very happy with how well the straps matched the mini. You can hardly tell what they’re really made of! http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#13 2f11e7fa-2171-4f66-8439-b00ef2f4b0ef http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0500/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0500/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0500/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">If your hands get tired take a break and imagine how good your Mac is going to look attached to your LCD. I was actually very happy with how well the straps matched the mini. You can hardly tell what they’re really made of!</p></div></div> Once the tubing is in place, slide the exposed ends of the ties under the flat plastic piece you made earlier. Make sure the tubed ends point towards the top of the monitor. The base of the tubes should be flush against the top of the plastic piece. The straps should be about 3.5” apart. Once everything is in place, screw the 4 screws into the monitor. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#14 e8c7bde9-d51b-4ad9-86b8-0aec900b0aa5 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0515/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0515/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0515/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Once the tubing is in place, slide the exposed ends of the ties under the flat plastic piece you made earlier. Make sure the tubed ends point towards the top of the monitor. The base of the tubes should be flush against the top of the plastic piece. The straps should be about 3.5” apart. Once everything is in place, screw the 4 screws into the monitor.</p></div></div> The screws fasten the plastic piece to the monitor, which, in turn. holds the straps in place. At this point I decided to put some padding around the screws so my Mac wouldn’t get scratched. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#15 f78cf2bd-ec94-460e-81ea-f1fe102789db http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0519/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0519/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0519/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The screws fasten the plastic piece to the monitor, which, in turn. holds the straps in place. At this point I decided to put some padding around the screws so my Mac wouldn’t get scratched.</p></div></div> Apply as many vinyl bumpers as you like (or, in my case, as many as you have). I found that the bumpers not only prevent scratches, but also create an airflow space so your computer doesn’t overheat. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#16 7b46b6e6-ba5b-4579-9161-b775b1eae244 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0520/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0520/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0520/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Apply as many vinyl bumpers as you like (or, in my case, as many as you have). I found that the bumpers not only prevent scratches, but also create an airflow space so your computer doesn’t overheat.</p></div></div> Prepare the straps for tightening by setting your mini in place and feeding each tie through its fasteners. Don’t tighten the straps completely just yet. Think about which direction you want the mini to face. You’ll probably want to access your DVD drive and USB ports every so often after this is finished. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#17 f92cd00f-34e2-4547-a2c2-ddf3cfa924c3 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0521/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0521/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0521/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Prepare the straps for tightening by setting your mini in place and feeding each tie through its fasteners. Don’t tighten the straps completely just yet. Think about which direction you want the mini to face. You’ll probably want to access your DVD drive and USB ports every so often after this is finished.</p></div></div> This is your last chance to make sure everything is precisely where you want it. Once you tighten, you can’t move the Mac again unless you cut the ties. Yes, that means you’d have to make those freaking straps all over again! http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#18 c6755b9f-9494-4880-b7b5-266b920ab688 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0522/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0522/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0522/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">This is your last chance to make sure everything is precisely where you want it. Once you tighten, you can’t move the Mac again unless you cut the ties. Yes, that means you’d have to make those freaking straps all over again!</p></div></div> Alright, go for it. Tighten the straps as much as you can. It helps to push the tubing flat against the mini while tightening. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#19 bd78e29c-13e8-424d-9347-2adf5f300f95 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0524/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0524/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0524/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Alright, go for it. Tighten the straps as much as you can. It helps to push the tubing flat against the mini while tightening.</p></div></div> Notice how the bumpers hold the mini away from the monitor, giving it some ventilation. That’s key since both your monitor and computer will produce heat. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#20 5f93a85a-0d21-4cb2-b710-2bcf60a8266e http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0523/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0523/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0523/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Notice how the bumpers hold the mini away from the monitor, giving it some ventilation. That’s key since both your monitor and computer will produce heat.</p></div></div> The straps will have just a little wiggle room left. Tweak the spacing so that they frame the Apple logo perfectly :-) http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#21 802ed4f2-94e4-4da5-b81d-8b5fb1a5c628 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0525/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0525/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0525/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The straps will have just a little wiggle room left. Tweak the spacing so that they frame the Apple logo perfectly :-)</p></div></div> Push hard to get that last *click* out of each zip tie. You don’t want to give your Mac any hope of escape. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#22 80b9bdf9-8607-4c11-a27c-98d04a3e3e4e http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0526/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0526/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0526/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Push hard to get that last *click* out of each zip tie. You don’t want to give your Mac any hope of escape.</p></div></div> Wow, that looks good! We’re ready to cut off the excess, now. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#23 9e6e1b7f-4d08-46fd-bd0c-8f4ed77be79a http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0528/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0528/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0528/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Wow, that looks good! We’re ready to cut off the excess, now.</p></div></div> You could use the utility knife again for this step, but I don’t trust myself with a razor blade so close to my mini. Use a wire cutter for a little more control. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#24 7cf9d3c5-cc94-4241-b43a-4dc100d45b0d http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0532/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0532/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0532/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">You could use the utility knife again for this step, but I don’t trust myself with a razor blade so close to my mini. Use a wire cutter for a little more control.</p></div></div> Tada! Beautiful. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#25 0d38d4c6-55d4-4be6-8fbc-c20f73151209 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0536/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0536/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0536/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Tada! Beautiful.</p></div></div> Check the bottom again to be sure you left room for your Mac to breathe. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU OVERHEAT, SET FIRE TO, OR OTHERWISE DESTROY YOUR MAC MINI! http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#26 344ba589-daea-4ab2-81af-7849c49b9079 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0538/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0538/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0538/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Check the bottom again to be sure you left room for your Mac to breathe. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU OVERHEAT, SET FIRE TO, OR OTHERWISE DESTROY YOUR MAC MINI!</p></div></div> Alright, with legal disclaimers out of the way... here’s the top left... http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#27 72d5165d-75b7-447e-b177-b7b460a64d08 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0539/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0539/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0539/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Alright, with legal disclaimers out of the way... here’s the top left...</p></div></div> ... and top right. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#28 eaa6ab6e-93ae-46c4-a1b3-e022fc90edb9 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0540/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0540/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0540/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">... and top right.</p></div></div> Here you can see the fasteners. You might also notice how I cut one length of tubing too short. I made my first tube only 10.5”. Honestly, it’s not worth making a replacement strap since nobody is going to notice the bottom anyway. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#29 635c2ca1-a31c-496b-82c2-90d2772df435 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0541/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0541/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0541/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Here you can see the fasteners. You might also notice how I cut one length of tubing too short. I made my first tube only 10.5”. Honestly, it’s not worth making a replacement strap since nobody is going to notice the bottom anyway.</p></div></div> This is how the bottom of each strap should look if you used 11” tubes: perfect! See how lucky you are, learning from my mistakes? http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#30 188acdc8-ab0d-456f-a007-94869761708e http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0542/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0542/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0542/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">This is how the bottom of each strap should look if you used 11” tubes: perfect! See how lucky you are, learning from my mistakes?</p></div></div> Stand your monitor upright and admire your handiwork! http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#31 ab2e78fb-2897-4400-ad05-d74023f3e578 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0545/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0545/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0545/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Stand your monitor upright and admire your handiwork!</p></div></div> Your setup will look cleaner if you use a DVI cable instead of a DVI-VGA converter like I’m using here. I haven’t found a 12-inch DVI cable online yet, but I’m still looking. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#32 31f3b928-4fd7-4d17-9e0b-5ec2924a7d59 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0546/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0546/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0546/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Your setup will look cleaner if you use a DVI cable instead of a DVI-VGA converter like I’m using here. I haven’t found a 12-inch DVI cable online yet, but I’m still looking.</p></div></div> To reduce clutter even more, get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. I have a USB keyboard and mouse for now, hence the black plug in the bottom USB port. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#33 f7458140-ae3d-482c-b377-d5c02e5057b7 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0554/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0554/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0554/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">To reduce clutter even more, get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. I have a USB keyboard and mouse for now, hence the black plug in the bottom USB port.</p></div></div> Even while mounted, the mini’s ports remain accessible. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#34 24cdcd5e-ef7a-457d-8006-621bd4c5b5df http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0557/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0557/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0557/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Even while mounted, the mini’s ports remain accessible.</p></div></div> The DVD drive is also accessible, and the power light is visible when the computer is running. http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#35 99f07f6f-0a0a-467d-ab0f-90024f083eb6 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0559/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0559/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0559/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The DVD drive is also accessible, and the power light is visible when the computer is running.</p></div></div> The straps practically look like they came with the computer :-) http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#36 0209d19f-a536-4572-a316-f6f1fa202346 http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0558/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0558/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0558/mip.jpg

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_191_30"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The straps practically look like they came with the computer :-)</p></div></div> There you have it: the poor man’s iMac! http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac.html#37 4da25481-1534-42bb-9669-08dc538b64cf http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0556/thumb.jpg http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0556/micro.jpg

http://jondoty.homeip.net/%7Ejdoty/Jons_Site/My_Albums/Pages/A_poor_mans_iMac_files/Media/IMG_0556/mip.jpg