The Apple Mac mini helped make mini PCs trendy, but like any mini PC, it is also hampered by limitations of its design. Make no mistake, it’s a powerful computer for its size, but its elegant minimalist design has inspired not a few docks and accessories to compensate for its perceived flaws in equally stylish ways. Some docks, for example, mirror the design language of the Mac mini to masquerade as a natural extension of the small box.
One design quirk that the new M4-powered Mac mini has, however, is the position of the power button at the bottom, forcing owners to tilt the box up just to power it on after shutting it down. While there are many ways to get around this odd design, one solution tries to change the identity of the Mac mini at the same time by making it look like a true miniature version of the current-gen Mac Pro desktop.
Designer: ZEERA
Truth be told, the Mac Pro design is a bit divisive even among Apple fans. After the notorious “trash can” 2013 Mac Pro, the current design has been derisively nicknamed “cheese grater” because of its aluminum body paired with perforated front and back sides. In contrast, the Mac mini has retained its rather simple box appearance while sticking to the minimalist design language that Apple has been famous for.
The ZEERA MacForge case for the Mac mini M4 completely flips that identity while also flipping the Mac mini to stand on its side. Technically, the enclosure is labeled as a cooling case exactly because of that orientation. With the cooling fan facing sideways, there is better airflow compared to when it is blocked by a table. The aluminum material of the case also helps draw heat away from the Mac mini, creating a passive cooling solution as well.
That vertical orientation also solves the aforementioned design oddity of the M4 Mac mini. The power button is now more accessible and exposed via a protruding metal button at the side. It might be a small thing for Mac mini users who put their computers to sleep rather than shutting them down, but more energy-conscious owners will appreciate that small quality of life improvement.
The ZEERA MacForge tries to emulate the design of the Mac Pro in more ways than the towering position. It has handles at the top that make it easier to carry the Mac mini around with just a single finger. It also has elongated holes in the front more for embellishment than thermal management. The $160 price tag (currently $130 during the pre-order period) might seem excessive, but the CNC aluminum construction promises durability and elegance that 3D printed enclosures can hardly match.
