Awesome Macintosh

The original Apple Macintosh arrived before web browsers existed. That didn’t stop Hunter Irving from teaching the old Mac some new tricks. After picking up a 1986 Macintosh Plus, he helped create MacProxy Plus, an open-source app that lets vintage Macs browse the modern web. The clean black-and-white UI is a pleasantly minimalist way to surf the web.

It’s easy to find an original Apple Macintosh on eBay, but it’ll look used. Kevin Noki built a new replica of Apple’s 1984 computer from scratch. He started by measuring the case from a Macintosh Plus, modeling its parts, then outputting them on a 3D printer. Inside, it runs a Linux thin client running a modified version of the Mini vMac emulator.

Most USB-C docks are pretty nondescript. But RayCue’s retro docks borrow their looks from the OG Apple Macintosh. The 128K Dock looks like a 1980s Mac, and packs USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and headphone jacks. It’s also a Bluetooth speaker, a memory card reader, and a digital photo frame. The simpler Pocket dock looks like a tiny Mac keyboard.

Apple fans, here’s a fun addition to your desktop. Classicbot’s Trashbot 2.0 Stationery Set includes a Macintosh Finder-inspired metal whiteboard, along with Trashbot and Errorbot figures, as well as folder, floppy disk, and mail icons with magnetic backs. It also includes 100 sticky notes that look like computer windows.

Shargeek’s adorable USB-C charger pays tribute to the classic Apple Macintosh computer. The palm-sized charger looks like a tiny Mac and cranks out up to 35-watts for charging laptops and other gadgets. Its screen displays a Happy Mac icon with color backlighting to indicate charging status.

Graphic designer Ben Vessey created a series of monochrome icons inspired by the original 1984 Macintosh. The full set includes 166 icons for apps and file formats in dark and light themes, five dynamic wallpapers, and quick installation with IconChamp. Upgrade to the Gold option and get five custom icons.

Geeky pillow maker Throwboy teamed up with the Mineola Knitting Company to create a colorful series of throw blankets inspired by classic Apple Macintosh imagery. The 50″ X 60″ throws are woven from recycled cotton and polyester, and feature images of the MacOS startup face, the iMac G3, and the 5th-gen iPod.

If you want a portable Mac, you can pick up a Mac Book. But Scott Yu-Jan wanted something with better reliability. So took his M1 Mac Mini and converted it into a portable by creating a 3D-printed bracket that holds the computer and an iPad Mini for its display. Now, if only the computer ran on batteries…

macOS X and its successors have been around since 2001, but those of us who used Apple’s computers in the 20th century remember even earlier versions of the operating system. Designer Michael Feeney imagines what it might have been like if today’s apps ran on the more primitive user interface of macOS 9.

Artist Susan Kare is known for her design of the system icons used on the original Apple Macintosh. In addition, she created the Cairo “dingbats” typeface, which can now be enjoyed on one of Areaware’s woven 50″ x 70″ blankets, crafted from 100% organic cotton. Available in black/white, green/pink, or grey/yellow.

That iPhone in your pocket is as powerful as many earlier Macintosh computers, but iOS still doesn’t have all of the capabilities of MacOS. Ike T. Sanglay Jr. built this custom Hackintosh portable that’s capable of running MacOS Big Sur. It was built using a Latte Panda Alpha single-board computer, and has 8GB RAM, and a 240GB M.2 SSD.

Artist Ben Vessey created this awesome set of icons that transform iOS devices into a classic Apple Macintosh. The set includes more than 110 monochrome pixel icons in dark and light themes and six wallpapers. While the set covers many popular apps, Ben also offers a premium edition that includes five custom app icons.

Hong Kong startup PlaySomeToys is working on a line of figures inspired by product designs from the ’80s and ’90s. Their first toy is this anthropomorphic computer that looks like the original Apple Macintosh. The 3.9″ tall plastic figure comes with a font suitcase and a mouse.

This clever bedside stand transforms your Apple Watch into a tiny old-school Macintosh computer while you charge it for the night. Made from soft silicone, so you need not worry about scratches. Available in classic beige or Macintosh TV black. (Thanks Johannes!)

Sketchfab contributor d0rkmushr00m used MagicaVoxel to make this awesome 3D voxel model of the original 128k Apple Macintosh. The exploded drawing shows the full innards and outards (is that a word?) of the classic Mac. Read how it was created here. (Thanks Brent!)

David Lindecrantz created this cool retro-style app which takes your iOS device back to the 80s, complete with classic Macintosh and Game Boy B&W dithering algorithms. Sample images here.