The reason I commented at all is because I stumbled across this thread a few weeks ago looking for an answer to the same problem. I'm posting now so that other people in OP's and my position can find a way to make their Mini portable. I think it's quite pointless to buy a new computer when your Mini desktop is perfectly functional and only needs to be moved once every few months.
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Mac Mini as a portable laptop replacement
- Thread starter qwerty808
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I travel with my Mac Mini occasionally. It's rather easy.
I have a 16" AOC monitor - 100% USB power that fits in my laptop bag easily, small keyboard and mouse likewise.
The MM fits easily, too.
For AC I picked up a 15' power cord from Amazon easily makes it to an outlet.
I am interested in the Chargeall external power pack - looks like a great idea and would work like a UPS, only portable. Great concept.
I have a 16" AOC monitor - 100% USB power that fits in my laptop bag easily, small keyboard and mouse likewise.
The MM fits easily, too.
For AC I picked up a 15' power cord from Amazon easily makes it to an outlet.
I am interested in the Chargeall external power pack - looks like a great idea and would work like a UPS, only portable. Great concept.
Here's another possible way...
...to use a Mac Mini in a portable fashion. Duet Display is an iPad/iPhone app that allows the use of an iPad (or an iPhone) as a second monitor. Generally, it's being marketed as a two-screen option for the MBA and the 13" MBP. I dug a little deeper into the FAQ section of the site and found that it can be used with a Mac Mini (with some setup beforehand) to make the iPad the single monitor for a portable Mac Mini setup.
I am aware that there are hacks all over the web to accomplish this and there are also USB monitors...but, if--like me--you happen to already have an old iPad (I have an iPad 2) that you can upgrade to at least iOS 7 and a Mac Mini to run it, why not?
...to use a Mac Mini in a portable fashion. Duet Display is an iPad/iPhone app that allows the use of an iPad (or an iPhone) as a second monitor. Generally, it's being marketed as a two-screen option for the MBA and the 13" MBP. I dug a little deeper into the FAQ section of the site and found that it can be used with a Mac Mini (with some setup beforehand) to make the iPad the single monitor for a portable Mac Mini setup.
I am aware that there are hacks all over the web to accomplish this and there are also USB monitors...but, if--like me--you happen to already have an old iPad (I have an iPad 2) that you can upgrade to at least iOS 7 and a Mac Mini to run it, why not?
Exactly my point! Thank you, Mr. graphixgeek, for being open-minded
I did attempt a solution like the one you are describing, except using iDisplay and an iPad mini. Unfortunately, I was unable to boot from this display, so I ended up getting my GeChic display. I may look into Duet though, which would make my portable mini even more portable.