Kitchen iMac project

[Cybix]

This is such a great idea. I am a big mac guy and i also teach culinary arts to high schoolers. i use the term culinary arts very loosely but its a blast. Anyway, considering these two facts...... i Love this idea!

One other thing that is a use is the fact that you, on top of all your other great options, have a digital picture frame to display slide shows, or just a single piece of art that is easily changeable in your kitchen.

This whole thing is such a great idea! what room in a house wouldnt benefit from having a mac in it!?

You teach huh? cool.

Yeah the iMac runs a screen saver with our holiday photo's, so it's pretty neat, It will go for around an hour before sleeping...

On another note, I've done the HOWTO PDF document, and thrown the link back into the first post.. It's fairly basic, but should provide a decent guide on how to do it, step by step.

Hope to have a recipe software review happening sometime soon

 

[Cybix]

I just read the how-to..... it's great. Very clear and concise (and funny). The pics are very helpful too. Once, again great work!

glad you like it. It could have been fancier, oh well. Also would have liked to have some pics of the wallplugs/screws used, and maybe an action shot of me drilling into the wall, but.... bit hard when I was the only one home, and didn't think to take those pics at the time.. next project perhaps!

 

[Cybix]

hehe, nice one. but no. no technology in the bedroom haha

next project will probably replacing my X86 linux server with a Mac Mini (which will also carry out the functions that the linux server provides, like web, dns, ftp, email hosting, etc.

Also considering a Mac Mini in-car project, which will be expensive, so it can wait for now...

I might also be looking at X10 automation and Mac's, for irrigation and lighting control. Will see what happens with the Landscaping we have planned

lots to do!

 

[taytho]

Also considering a Mac Mini in-car project, which will be expensive, so it can wait for now...

what on earth kind of an in car project are we talking about?!

 

[sikkinixx]

Amazing Idea... I wish I had my own kitchen to try this in

 

[Cybix]

what on earth kind of an in car project are we talking about?!

one like this:
http://gthing.net/carputer-5-final/

Although I wouldnt have installed the mini where he did.

for iTunes, music vids, GPS, mobile internet, etc

 

[EngBrian]

Thanks for putting everything together in a PDF file it makes for a smart looking package.

This project would be something down the road but it is always good to see a creative use of a technology. The mac really seems to fit in well just perched on a wall in a kitchen. I can't think of another computer that would fit the bill quite so well.

Good work

 

[p0intblank]

I'm way late to this thread, but I must say that you did an excellent job! The setup is very beautiful and you have a nice kitchen.

 

[macbookprolover]

That's hot.

 

[classof2011]

That's hot.

That sounds like something Paris Hilton would say. Wait...she does



Anyways...I asked my dad and showed him this project and he said it seems like it was installed when your house was built . I think if we *run across* a wall mount we might could try this with a 24" iMac. Where did you get your supplies? If we do happen to *run across* the items, we may have a project started.

In other words, thanks for the inspiration!

 

[Cybix]

That sounds like something Paris Hilton would say. Wait...she does

Anyways...I asked my dad and showed him this project and he said it seems like it was installed when your house was built . I think if we *run across* a wall mount we might could try this with a 24" iMac. Where did you get your supplies? If we do happen to *run across* the items, we may have a project started.

In other words, thanks for the inspiration!

Paris Hilton

So your dad liked it? To say that it looks like it was installed when the house was built is a compliment, at least, thats how I'll take it.

You can definately do the same thing with a 24" iMac, infact, of the intel iMac's, ONLY the 24" is mountable. Check the apple store for a VESA mount kit for your 24".

I hope I don't sound mean, but all information on the install is well covered in this thread, most of it in Post #1. (equipment used)

I've even just recently uploaded a PDF doco (link on post #1) with instructions and equipment used.

Obviously it will be different for everyone, I believe most homes in America are drywall/stud style (not solid brick). But hey, I dont know... In this case, the screws that come with the mount will suit. The wall mount I purchased had instructions included for a drywall/stud installation.

I've drilled a lot of holes in my house and installed a load of stuff, so I guess I'm familiar with what mounting hardware to use.

Last weekend I fitted a 20mtr garden hose reel to the back of the house. It's wild, it auto-retracts, and just looks neat. For the past few months I've been dragging a garden hose in/out of the garage (packing it away) because our puppy will just chew anything in it's path. The new enclosed reel is installed around 6ft off the ground, well out of puppy reach, and the added bonus is the hose is kept away from the elements, so should last a good while.

hang on... why am I talking about garden hoses again?

Wall mounting things sometimes doesn't go as planned. I have some coat/hat rack's in our entrance of the house which are slowly coming away from the wall. Perhaps the wall plugs are substandard, or the wrong size, eitherway, I'll need to look at that again soon. You sure wouldnt want your iMac coming away from the wall now would you? You may get woken up at 2am by the sound of a loud crash. Just the thought makes me cringe!

Always keep an eye on anything that you wall mount! (Especially if it's mounted above a floor thats covered with Italian tiles) hehehe

 

[classof2011]

Paris Hilton

So your dad liked it? To say that it looks like it was installed when the house was built is a compliment, at least, thats how I'll take it.

You can definately do the same thing with a 24" iMac, infact, of the intel iMac's, ONLY the 24" is mountable. Check the apple store for a VESA mount kit for your 24".

I hope I don't sound mean, but all information on the install is well covered in this thread, most of it in Post #1. (equipment used)

I've even just recently uploaded a PDF doco (link on post #1) with instructions and equipment used.

Obviously it will be different for everyone, I believe most homes in America are drywall/stud style (not solid brick). But hey, I dont know... In this case, the screws that come with the mount will suit. The wall mount I purchased had instructions included for a drywall/stud installation.

I've drilled a lot of holes in my house and installed a load of stuff, so I guess I'm familiar with what mounting hardware to use.

Last weekend I fitted a 20mtr garden hose reel to the back of the house. It's wild, it auto-retracts, and just looks neat. For the past few months I've been dragging a garden hose in/out of the garage (packing it away) because our puppy will just chew anything in it's path. The new enclosed reel is installed around 6ft off the ground, well out of puppy reach, and the added bonus is the hose is kept away from the elements, so should last a good while.

hang on... why am I talking about garden hoses again?

Wall mounting things sometimes doesn't go as planned. I have some coat/hat rack's in our entrance of the house which are slowly coming away from the wall. Perhaps the wall plugs are substandard, or the wrong size, eitherway, I'll need to look at that again soon. You sure wouldnt want your iMac coming away from the wall now would you? You may get woken up at 2am by the sound of a loud crash. Just the thought makes me cringe!

Always keep an eye on anything that you wall mount! (Especially if it's mounted above a floor thats covered with Italian tiles) hehehe

He likes the idea alot, but he doesn't realize that iMacs are mountable . He thought you installed it when you built the house, which is a compliment. As a matter of fact, he says it matches your awesome kitchen , which I agree. Our kitchen is a bit different though. It looks about the same size, but there's nowhere the iMac would fit with all the cabinets and shelves and what not... unless we just sit it down on the counter, which would be less trouble but wouldn't look as neat. Although...anywhere an iMac sits, it looks "hot" (macbookprolover).

No, I probably wouldn't like to hear the iMac crashing to the floor. It'd be worse to SEE that happen . But don't the iMacs share the self-parking hard drive feature with the laptops ... or am I dreaming .

My mom thinks we should mount it to an angle, so when she logs into iChat AV from the iMac (if I'm on my Macbook) she can show me what's for dinner. Neat idea...

What we also want to do with the iMac is make it a part of our home security system. We've ordered security cameras with a monitor and software to enable monitoring from the computer. So we think we should set up the cameras around our house...like under the 3rd floor windows, 2nd floor windows, near the garage, just...everywhere by every door as well. Could the iMac serve as a security monitor better if it's mounted? Or can it be viewed easier when it's on a desk or counter?


Anyways, this thread has inspired me and I know a whole bunch of others so I think that my project will be successful. I will DEFINITELY download that PDF and save/print it so we can get started.

 

[Keebler]

i want to file a formal protest against cybix

The format protest would be for planting this idea on my head!

cybix, i'm almost ready to sell my g4 mdd to buy an imac. trouble is, i need the g4 for video work (along with my g5) or i would probably do it. i'm a stay-at-home dad so i would be using the imac ALOT. man, it would be awesome. i almost had buy in from the wife, but she balked. i need to pay off some bills first. i wouldn't need the tv connections, but the rest would be fantastic....address book...ical....and best of all, itunes to stream music! wicked.
the other uses would be great too of course.

i can't stop thinking about doing it. i have the perfect place for it. i'll keep looking for a good deal. maybe it will happen

cheers,
keebler

 

[Cybix]

i can't stop thinking about doing it. i have the perfect place for it. i'll keep looking for a good deal. maybe it will happen

cheers,
keebler

Thanks for the comments... I can understand how sometimes you really need to prioritise when it comes to forking out cash for gadgets. It took a while to find my iMac for the price I paid.. lucky maybe. Those opportunities do come along though, so don't give up, it will happen!

I purchased the wall mount at least a few weeks before I found the iMac! Infact, I was never planning on wall-mounting an iMac, I was going to wall-mount a Samsung 17" tft, and throw a mac mini in the cupboard. When I found the iMac for about the same price as a low-end mini, I went for it. It just made more sense to not have cables hanging down from the display.

Have you shown this thread to your wife? or maybe just d/l the pictures and show her them...

 

[Keebler]

Thanks for the comments... I can understand how sometimes you really need to prioritise when it comes to forking out cash for gadgets. It took a while to find my iMac for the price I paid.. lucky maybe. Those opportunities do come along though, so don't give up, it will happen!

I purchased the wall mount at least a few weeks before I found the iMac! Infact, I was never planning on wall-mounting an iMac, I was going to wall-mount a Samsung 17" tft, and throw a mac mini in the cupboard. When I found the iMac for about the same price as a low-end mini, I went for it. It just made more sense to not have cables hanging down from the display.

Have you shown this thread to your wife? or maybe just d/l the pictures and show her them...

oh i've shown the wife already. she's actually not that against it. just other bills to pay first which i guess i agree with her. (against my will

time will tell. if i find a wicked deal on one, you can bet i'll be all over it and then will pay the consquences with the wife later

time will tell

 

[xfiftyfour]

oh i've shown the wife already. she's actually not that against it. just other bills to pay first which i guess i agree with her. (against my will

time will tell. if i find a wicked deal on one, you can bet i'll be all over it and then will pay the consquences with the wife later

time will tell

haha, sounds like me and my fiance. i'm more money-conscious than he is, but we still often go back and forth with having to keep the other in check ("no, sweetie - you know what our priorities are...").


to cybix: the kitchen (and living room past it - i *love* the color) looks amazing. great job on the cabling, too! I especially like that I can spot Ikea all over your photographs - it's our favorite store, too.

 

[Cybix]

to cybix: the kitchen (and living room past it - i *love* the color) looks amazing. great job on the cabling, too! I especially like that I can spot Ikea all over your photographs - it's our favorite store, too.

SPRUNG!

At first I was thinking "what ikea stuff?", but then when I go back and look at the photo's, hrmmm. ikea stools, ikea office furniture, ikea lighting (x2).. haha, thanks for your input! I might get a couple more shots, maybe one of the living room and a 'further back' shot of the kitchen (from the living room).. we recently used the same green thats on the living room wall for under the kitchen bench (where the stools go), it's neat

 

[holamiamigos]

major props to you... that setup is awesome.... i think you have inspired me for the future

 

[notjustjay]

Thanks to those that keep bumping this thread. I'm inspired to try and do something similar

 

[sam-i-am]

one like this:
http://gthing.net/carputer-5-final/

Although I wouldnt have installed the mini where he did.

for iTunes, music vids, GPS, mobile internet, etc

Glad you liked the project.

To defend my choice in positioning the computer, it was actually one of the few logical places I could have put it. I was working with the following limitations:

-The mini needs to be within about a foot of the power supply due to special cabling.

-The power supply needs to be about a foot from the amp (and they need to be grounded in the same place for sound quality reasons)

With those two facts, I knew I would have to go with the trunk since the amp is really large and wouldn't fit anywhere in the front of the car. I originally wanted the mini to be in the front, down below the screen where I could get at it easily.

I also had to put it somewhere where I could get at it while driving. The pass through is the only spot that is both in the trunk, but when let down is in the back seat of the car. It's not too bad to put a DVD in and I can do it with my eyes on the road (I can't actually WATCH the DVD with my eyes on the road though).

The next logical choice was under the seat, but there's too much possibility for damage from feet and wires down there. Too many horror stories on people putting computers under their car seats.

Also, for insurance reasons, the mini cannot be bolted down. A clean install in the front would have required fixing it somehow to console while I can easily strap it to the pass through. The reasoning behind this is that anything bolted down is considered part of the car, and thus covered under the auto insurance policy. Anything not bolted down is considered personal property, and is covered by my personal property insurance ($12/mo with a computer clause that covers up to $3000k with no deductible. Accidental damage and "viruses" are even covered).

Your comment got me to thinking about this again, and I still wonder if there is not some better solution. I, of course, welcome any ideas!

 

[Cybix]

Glad you liked the project.

To defend my choice in positioning the computer, it was actually one of the few logical places I could have put it. I was working with the following limitations:

-The mini needs to be within about a foot of the power supply due to special cabling.

-The power supply needs to be about a foot from the amp (and they need to be grounded in the same place for sound quality reasons)

With those two facts, I knew I would have to go with the trunk since the amp is really large and wouldn't fit anywhere in the front of the car. I originally wanted the mini to be in the front, down below the screen where I could get at it easily.

I also had to put it somewhere where I could get at it while driving. The pass through is the only spot that is both in the trunk, but when let down is in the back seat of the car. It's not too bad to put a DVD in and I can do it with my eyes on the road (I can't actually WATCH the DVD with my eyes on the road though).

The next logical choice was under the seat, but there's too much possibility for damage from feet and wires down there. Too many horror stories on people putting computers under their car seats.

Also, for insurance reasons, the mini cannot be bolted down. A clean install in the front would have required fixing it somehow to console while I can easily strap it to the pass through. The reasoning behind this is that anything bolted down is considered part of the car, and thus covered under the auto insurance policy. Anything not bolted down is considered personal property, and is covered by my personal property insurance ($12/mo with a computer clause that covers up to $3000k with no deductible. Accidental damage and "viruses" are even covered).

Your comment got me to thinking about this again, and I still wonder if there is not some better solution. I, of course, welcome any ideas!

wow, you posted in my thread! cool

Love the WRX install. I recently bought an 07 WRX, and would love to give it a crack, maybe sometime soon...

I hope you didn't take offence to my comment on where you mounted the machine. Infact, thanks for clearing up your reasons. I think the ability to have it in the trunk AND in the cabin is neat, (esp for changing media if need be).

It's a shame there are limitations with the cabling.. noise? hrmmm. In any case, well done with your install, it's tidy, and useful!

 

[sam-i-am]

Nah I didn't take offense at all, but I thought for a long time about where to put it and thought it was worth explaining...

As for the cabling, the power supply uses a special cable to go to the mini, and it's not particularly long and would be difficult to extend. And I don't know why, but grounding your separate audio devices in different place will introduce noise - like you'll be able to hear your engine revving up through your speakers and stuff.

Congratulations on the new WRX, I'm jealous! (Now if you dropped the money on the car, don't skimp on the car computer!)

 

[Teh Don Ditty]

What's the deal with the Mac mini in your Subaru?

I know you're going to do it, it's too hard to pass up!

 

[Cybix]

What's the deal with the Mac mini in your Subaru?

I know you're going to do it, it's too hard to pass up!

focusing on other things at the moment, mainly looking at the mac mini 'server' thing, to replace my current PC linux server.

I might get to the in-car mini one day though. I'm sposed to be saving for a holiday to the USA heh

 

[Teh Don Ditty]

focusing on other things at the moment, mainly looking at the mac mini 'server' thing, to replace my current PC linux server.

I might get to the in-car mini one day though. I'm sposed to be saving for a holiday to the USA heh

Replacing a server is always important.

Ahh, the good ole USA. Anywhere place in particular you would like to visit?
New York is always a good palce to visit (Not that I'm biased or anything )