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That 5" x 5" dimension of the new Mac Mini looks particularly interesting. Why? Back in 2020 I found myself with a spare Cube G4 case and reasoned it could be interesting to pop a G4 Intel Mini inside to enhance the overall look and improve performance. Link HERE.
Now, if ever an M4 Mini comes my way, it could be interesting to do something similar to provide it with the classic, much-loved Cube look, because lets face it, Apple could and should have been far more daring and creative with the now quite boring, silver Mac Mini shape.
 
That 5" x 5" dimension of the new Mac Mini looks particularly interesting. Why? Back in 2020 I found myself with a spare Cube G4 case and reasoned it could be interesting to pop a G4 Intel Mini inside to enhance the overall look and improve performance. Link HERE.
Now, if ever an M4 Mini comes my way, it could be interesting to do something similar to provide it with the classic, much-loved Cube look, because lets face it, Apple could and should have been far more daring and creative with the now quite boring, silver Mac Mini shape.

I did the same with my dead Cube, although I used a G4 Mac Mini, and also included an external drive enclosure with more ports, without utilizing the chassis itself (velcroed both to the insides of the case). I'm now exploring utilizing a 2017 Macbook board and dongle, inspired by a video where a guy took one and put it in a glass jar a la The Terminator 2. This time, I'll utilize the chassis, but without modifying the structure.
 
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I'm now exploring utilizing a 2017 Macbook board and dongle, inspired by a video where a guy took one and put it in a glass jar a la The Terminator 2.

Like this?

jfyOOb2.png
 
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So, according to the Tech Specs page of the new Mac mini M4, the dimensions are:



It's interesting to see a return to the height we got away from for the last 14 years! This height does include the foot stand, so they should sit alongside each other, but the foot will make the M4 appear "thinner" probably. I hope someone who buys the new one can share some photos of how they look alongside the G4 or early Intel Mac mini if they have one too. :)

mac-mini-apple-gadgets-500.jpg
ports_front_mx__f1flwkuhwdm6_large.jpg
A Mac Mini has a CD player in it?
 
Here it is - sans an optical drive. :(



Just checked and yep - Apple phased out internal optical drives after the 2010 model.
Interestingly though, the 2009 and 2010 Server models of Mac Mini had no optical drive either! The 2010 normal model was the last with an optical drive, yep!
apple-mac-mini-server.jpg
apple-mac-mini-server-2010.jpg

I think the 2009 model looks especially cute with how chunky it appears.
 
Interestingly though, the 2009 and 2010 Server models of Mac Mini had no optical drive either!
And interestingly the 2009 Server OS was delivered on DVD. So, you had to have an optical drive or get creative. ;)

A pic of a 2007 Mac Mini with the optical drive and a 2009 Server without one.

Mac Mini 2007 and Mini Server 2009.jpg
 
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