May 30, 2025 – In a feat of miniature engineering that blends deep nostalgia with cutting-edge micro-computing, Nick Gillard has captured the hearts of retro tech enthusiasts worldwide with his latest creation: the Pico-Mac-Nano. This astonishingly tiny replica of the iconic Apple Macintosh Classic stands a mere 62mm tall – roughly the height of a standard Lego minifigure – yet faithfully recreates the look and feel of the beloved 1990s machine.
Gillard's project isn't just about aesthetics; it's a fully functional computer built around the incredibly compact WaveShare Pico Zero, a board utilizing the powerful Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. This choice of heart allows the Pico-Mac-Nano to run classic Mac OS software via the clever pico-mac emulation software developed by Michael Evans (evansm7), adapted specifically for the RP2040's capabilities.
"The goal was always to push the limits of how small a recognizable, functional classic Mac could be," Gillard shared via email. "Seeing the Macintosh Classic, with its distinctive beige case and compact footprint, shrunk down to this scale, working on a vibrant IPS display... it never gets old. It’s pure retro magic in the palm of your hand."
Engineering the Miniature Marvel:
The challenge of fitting recognizable Macintosh elements into a space barely larger than a matchbox was immense. Gillard meticulously designed a custom 3D-printed case that perfectly captures the Classic's proportions, including the signature recessed front bezel, the distinctive Apple logo, and even the floppy disk slot (now purely decorative). The vibrant 1.54-inch IPS display provides a surprisingly clear window into the emulated Mac OS environment.
Key to the build is the WaveShare Pico Zero board. Its ultra-slim profile and integrated features made it the ideal foundation. The Pico-Mac-Nano is powered via USB-C and features a tactile mechanical keyboard for input, adding to its charm and usability. All the intricate design files and build instructions are generously shared by Gillard on his GitHub repository: github.com/all2coolnick/pico-mac-nano.
Under the (Tiny) Hood:
- Core: WaveShare Pico Zero (Raspberry Pi RP2040 Dual-Core Cortex-M0+ @ 133MHz)
- Display: 1.54-inch IPS LCD (240x240 resolution)
- Emulation: Customized "pico-mac" emulator (github.com/evansm7/pico-mac)
- Input: Mini mechanical keyboard
- Power: USB-C
- Case: Custom-designed, 3D-printed resin
- Height: 62mm
See It in Action & Build Your Own:
Gillard has documented the entire journey, from initial concept to the final, breathtakingly small device, in a detailed blog post. This is the definitive source for understanding the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs behind the Pico-Mac-Nano:
Building the Pico-Mac-Nano: A 62mm Tall Macintosh Classic.
For those inspired to embark on their own miniature Mac adventure, Gillard has also made the necessary parts conveniently available via his 1BitRainbow Parts Store: www.1bitrainbow.com/parts-store.php?sort=2a&filter_id=10&cPath=972_973&anchor=4389. This includes the specific WaveShare Pico Zero board used (also available directly from Waveshare) and other key components. (Note: Keyboard options may vary; check store listings).
Visual Feast:
The sheer adorableness and intricate detail of the Pico-Mac-Nano need to be seen to be fully appreciated. A dedicated gallery showcasing high-quality photos of the build from multiple angles is available here: Pico-Mac-Nano Gallery.
A Testament to Passion and Miniaturization:
The Pico-Mac-Nano stands as a remarkable testament to the passion within the retro computing and maker communities. It demonstrates what's possible when ingenuity meets nostalgia, leveraging accessible modern components like the RP2040. Nick Gillard hasn't just built a tiny computer; he's created a miniature work of art that sparks joy and wonder, proving that the spirit of the classic Macintosh truly lives on, even at a scale Steve Jobs himself might never have imagined.
"It’s about capturing that feeling," Gillard reflects. "The feeling of turning on a Mac Classic and hearing that chime. Making that experience tangible, even on something this impossibly small, is incredibly rewarding."
The Pico-Mac-Nano is sure to inspire a new wave of ultra-compact retro builds. For anyone who ever loved the original, this diminutive powerhouse is a must-see.
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