Build Your Own Supersized Lego Computer Brick
▼ Summary
– Industrial designer Paul Staal has created a functional, supersized desktop PC case called the “M2x2” that is a 10-times-larger homage to a classic 1979 Lego computer brick.
– The 3D-printed case is designed for a Mac Mini and includes a 7-inch IPS touchscreen display, an integrated USB-C hub for extra ports, and functional large studs on top.
– The top studs are functional, with one hiding a remote for Sonos speakers and the other containing a wireless charger for AirPods, while both retain standard Lego stud compatibility.
– Staal uses the M2x2 as his primary computer, often employing its screen as a tap-controlled Home Assistant dashboard for his smart home.
– The project is a DIY kit with online instructions, and Staal estimates the additional parts (excluding the Mac Mini) cost less than €100, though some specific components like the Ikea remote are discontinued.
For those who love blending nostalgia with modern technology, a new project offers a delightful fusion of both. Industrial designer Paul Staal has created a fully functional desktop PC encased in a supersized replica of Lego’s classic computer brick, a charming tribute to the iconic 1979 Lego piece. This isn’t just a static model; it’s a working computer built around an Apple Mac Mini, complete with interactive features that elevate it beyond a simple shell.
The creation, dubbed the “M2x2,” scales the original brick up by a factor of ten. While the case itself is primarily 3D-printed, and the files are available for anyone to download and print, Staal has integrated several clever components. A 7-inch IPS touchscreen display sits on the front, powered by an integrated USB-C hub that also adds extra ports and an SD card reader. This transforms the brick into an interactive dashboard or a secondary display.
Functionality extends to the large studs on top of the brick. The left stud cleverly houses a hidden remote from an IKEA Symfonisk speaker, allowing for control of a Sonos system. The right stud contains a hidden wireless charging coil perfect for AirPods or other Qi-enabled devices. Both studs retain the standard Lego connection points on top, so you can still attach classic bricks or a minifigure, preserving the playful spirit of the build.
Additional thoughtful design elements include an integrated carry handle on the back and built-in cord wraps to manage cables neatly. Staal reports using the M2x2 as his primary computer, often employing the touchscreen as a control panel for his home automation system via Home Assistant, while an external monitor handles his main work.
For hobbyists interested in building their own, Staal provides comprehensive step-by-step assembly instructions with detailed photographs on his website. He estimates that if you already own a Mac Mini, the additional components, including the screen, hub, and various hardware, should cost less than €100. A note for builders: the specific IKEA Symfonisk remote used is from a discontinued product line, though alternatives can be found on resale sites or substituted with different knob solutions. This project stands as a brilliant example of how classic toy aesthetics can be reimagined for practical, adult tech setups.
(Source: The Verge)
